THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5601, 6 February 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

The announcement of Mademoiselle Charbonnet’* benefit drew a good homo last night at the Theatre. Mademoiselle Oharbonnet was very well supported, an excellent entertainment haring been arranged, which passed off capitally. The programme was in three dirisioni, the first and second, which wore musical, being divide 1 by an amusing well written comedietta. The musical portion was provided by MdlleCbarbonnct, Signor Yenoste, Mr Marshall, Signor I/uiffitti* the band of too Theatre Eoyol, and Mr Milburn, who accompanied. The dramatic entertainment was contributed by Mr and Mrs Hill, the Misses May, and Mr'Stark. Mademoiselle Oharbonnet, who was very well received, displayed her musical talent to very great advantage. Her greatest effort was with the fine “Scherzo ’ of Chopin’s, which Madame Tascs “Reduced B ? favourably to the notice of Christchurch audiences. Brilliancy, » grand style, thoroughly musical expression, complet mastery of the changing phases of position made her rendering l<oud applause and a re-call, produced audience a galop of Mademoiselle . J net’s own composition, graceful and in character. Another of |* er . ■ were BohulofTs fancifully b^i^^a^g 6 ' mentof the "Carnival do Venice, with firmness, facility, and smoothnee. and followed by a delicate musical tnflefroma ballet by Delibes, entitled with the rapidity, lightness, of a musical box, wxth charmmg W s.

Rose of Summer ,** for one hand, and Giorza’s fine fantasia on aim from the - “ Grand Duchess," to sir of which music Mdlle. Oharbonnet gave the same justice as on previous occasions* The increased attendance and constant applause show that the talent of this young ftr/ix/a ia being athvst appreciated. The comedietta was remarkable for the very flattering reception accorded to Mrs Walter Hill, after her long absence from the Christchurch stage. She and Mr Hill acted their parts with the cose and completeness which might have been expected of them. The Misses May wore lively and painstaking as usual, and Mr Stark acted like tap meritorious actor. The piece, which is not long, kept the audience well amused throughput. Signora Vonosta sang an air, “Oarrissima," new to Christchurch with much taste and display of voice, “Alas Those Chimes** from “Montana,” and the JSrinditi from, "Luorezia." The items were much applauded, acid the last was partially repeated., Mr Manhall was spirited with “Will o' the Wisp," which ho followed, in obedience to a recall, with a couple ,of verses of “ Nancy Lee," giving them with much vigour and power. Bus other contribution, “Wrecked and Saved," gave him a fine opportunity tor displaying hu voice. Signor Luisetti contributed an air from Elixir d'Amore ” and “Povera Maria,** by Tosti, a very taking composition. Mr Milburn accompanied the singers very successfully. Two overtures by the smoU qrehettra, under the leadership of Mr Buns, were well played, the; second (the overture to the Barber of Seville): being remarkable for the excellent cornet playing of Mr Tankard.

On Friday night, when there will be a change of programme, Mr Biinz takesa benefit.