THE GAY HUSSAR.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 120, 19 May 1909, Page 5

THE GAY HUSSAR.

There was another large audience to greet the Pollard Opera^ combination in their second number, "The Gay Hussar," which was staged for the first time hi Blenheim last niglrj;. There is little or no plot in "The Gay Hussar," but in that respect the piece is not ab variance with musical comedies of 'the present day. It is 'decidedly humorous, the principal comedy part beiiig those of the Hon. Rev. Algy and Bobs, but their chances of themselves to the utmost were indeed very few. Mr Charles Albert's interpretation of the role of the Hon. AJgy was not by any means a correct one., but it probably,was based upon a hypothesis that the part is a low comedy one, though such a supposition isf, fictitious. A successful interpretation of the part demands an extremely subtle humour, and 'in that Mr Albert ap>pdared to be deficient. .Mr Albert makes the error< of. basing his performances on burlesque instead- of naturalness. The Hon. Rev. Algy is the son* of/Lord Cuilfail, and no matter how. Mnane he may; be, in character, it may be assumed- that he is an\ educated gentleman,: and one accustomed ±o' moving in society. Yet Mr Albert ma:kes Algy, at afternoon tea, take sugar from (thevlbasin with his Jingers and eat it, and also drink milk from the jug, riand-otherwise conduct 'himself as a dlown. "His act is low comedy, and no] doubt humor"ous, but it is unquestionably not art. Throughout his part Mr Albertmakes the same error, and there is an absence of the piety, that is lookod for :in the role of a clergyman. Masr ter Bert Nicholson ; was splendid as Bobs, and he kept o^6 audience in roars o.f laugliter wi£h Ms numerous comicalities..' Mr '. Bert Williamson did some excellent work -as Lieut.Colonel Hope, and Ms acting was a feature of the performance.' •" Mr Ernest Schatz as Lord Cuilfail bad | not a great deal to do, but Ms part was cleverly acted, a feature of which was his assumption of irascibility in the concluding scene, and*Mr G. Edwards filled, the role of'CJol.' MuAlister to •perfection. The lady members of | the company achieved very little'dis- [ tinction, and there was-'little- scope for them to do so. Miss Minnie Tonping, as Enid Marmoht,. acted wefr, but rather mechanically'; 'her singing was pleasing,-and her dancing good. JVCiss May Topping as-0 JNTumi Numi. San •out-distanced any of the ladies performing. Her part suited her admiraHy,! and it was.'fully sustained,. Miss Cissie O'Keefe wasjiardly suited for the part of Captain Clyde Burke, as It is essentially .a male one. Her siniging was, howe-verr, very enjoyable. The mimor characters were well represented, and the exoellent staging, which always characterises any entertaiaaments given by,the Pollard combination, went to. make up a most enjoyable piece. The orchestra, under the control of Mr A. Brahms^ rendered sweet music without which +he piece would- have heen very bare indeed.