THE GOURLAY-STOKES COMPANY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2545, 25 June 1895, Page 2

THE GOURLAY-STOKES COMPANY.

" Bevels ” is an appropriate name for the mixture of broad farce, burlesque and ovon pantomime presented by the U outlay and Stokes Company at tho Opera House last night. Tho performers rovullcd in it, and so did tho audience, which was a good one, and included Uis Excellency tho Governor, Lady Glasgow and a party from Government House, Colonel Fox, Captain Johnson (H.M.S. Ringarooma), Commander Adams (H.M.S. I’yladcs) and several officers from tha warships. . Tho plot of “ Revels, bko other pieces of its Class, is a string of improbabilities. Its main object is to arauso, and last night it eomplotely fulfilled its mission if the Continual roars of laughter from the audicnco is to be accepted as evidence. It is brimful of “ variety ” business, and gives tho talented Gourlays full scope for tho display of their ability. The success of the performance almost entirely depends upon their efforts, and never for a moment do they lot tho fun cease, especially so in tiio first act. Tho second act is just a trifle too long, and might ho curtailed a little with advantage. Miss Amy Qourlay aa Kitty Kinley was graceful and vivacious, and sang and danced excellently. Her appearance in tho first act should effectually silence tho detractors of the reform dross. In almost every instance her songs were c n she was particularly successful in “ What do I Caro” and "Don’t (You Boliovo it.” Miss Qourlay is a very graceful dancer, and her exhibitions of tho “ poetry of motion wero warmly applauded. Mr William Qourlay is an excellent comedian, and ho could not fail to amuse his audience a» Tommy Shakespeare. Some of his “ business " was immense. One of tho hits of tlie evening wris His e'etetor song “ ’E dmmo whoro ’0 are;” which was cleverly sung; and tho same may bo said of his singing of “ Amateur Theatricals.” In tho spider dance, and other dances, Mr Qourlay displayed his groat agility. With iris sister, Mr Gonrlay also gave a clover and amusing sketch of two music hall artists; while the burlesque of tho duel scene from tho “Corsican Brothers,” in which ho was assisted by Mr Leonard Preston, simply convulsed tho audience. Mr Preston, as an almost impossible dude, only to be found on tho stage, was amusing, and Mr W. Bayiy was exceedingly boisterous as Major Hardacro. Thu latter, although suffering from huskiness, earned an enthusiastic round of applause for Iris spirited recital of “Kissing Cup’s Race.” Littlo Bella Nixon earned an onooro for hor singing of " Daddy Wouldn’t buy mo a Sweetheart," Miss Violet Neilsou, as tho Major’s daughter, looked well, and in the variety scene supplied a sailor’s hornpipe. Mr Dodd also sang “ Nancy Leo ” in tho second act. Tho Gourlays provide an exceedingly amusing entertainment, and those who enjoy a hearty laugh should see it. It ■will be repeated at tho Opera House this evening.