WILLIAM HEUGHAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20484, 11 August 1928, Page 17

WILLIAM HEUGHAN.

Mr William Heughan, who lias been entitled, not with the least exaggeration. “ Scotland's incomparable actor-singer," gave another most enjoyable recital at His Majesty’s Theatre last night. Mr Hcaughau is wonderfully gifted. Apart from his splendid vocal attributes, he has that artistic sense which enables him to paint a picture in song, and the dozens of songs, moreover, from which he can draw are most striking in their variety and range of music. Endowed with a magnificent bass voice, he is temperamental to his finger tips, and in everything lie presents lie carries his audience with him to a most satisfying climax. In operatic work, the old-time ballads, in declamatuig and romantic numbers, be brings to bear an artistry and an intunacy that make bis singing a delight. Last night Mr Heughan sang “ Snore che riposate ” (“Roberto il Diavoio ”} with line dramatic effort, and he rose to oven greater heights of virile vocal ability in “ Young Lochinvar ” (arranged by Joseph Honton). the story of tlio Scottish romantic hero being snug with splendid finish. “She Alone Cliarmeth My Sadness” (Gounod) was also sung in excellent style, and on the lighter side of the programme submitted by Mr Heughan were two outstanding successes—“ Because 1 Were Shy ” and “ Jenny Hanged tlio Weaver.” Mr Heughan was most generous in responding to encores, and the audience were so delighted with his singing that they did not fail tr draw' very extensively on that generosity. Miss Maud Bell, the 'cellist of the company, was heard to advantage, and she, too, was honoured by several recalls. One of the most enjoyable of her contributions was “Elegie” (Faurc”), and her playing of “Mary of Argylo” met the popular taste, being loudly apnlauded. Tlio accompaniments were artistically played by Miss Gladys Sayor. who also presented sonic solo numbers in finished style.