HUDSON'S SURPRISE PARTY.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VIII, Issue 469, 19 February 1898, Page 3

HUDSON'S SURPRISE PARTY.

■ The drawing power of a really firstclass variety company, a company able to place before its patrons a programme of vocal and instrumental selections of a high order, together with plenty of fun and humour, and seria-eoniic pleasantries free from vulgarity and coarseness, was shown nightly by Mr Hudson and his Surprise Party to the crowded houses he drew in Auckland at the Opera House. The theatre was filled in every part, and an enthusiastic audience listened with pleasure to the new programme, in which were some real gems. Eacores were demanded for practically every number. Miss Lilian Stanbridge's sweet and cultured "soprano was heard at its best in the pretty song "Look Back." Miss Violet Elliott sang "The Bells of _ St. Mary's," in which the quartette did a remarkably good.piece of work, admirably arranged by their instructress, Miss May Habgood. Miss Elliott also received an ovation in the second part fqr^' Out on the Eocks," to which she responded with Chaminafle's "A Silver Eing," sung very sympathetically. Miss May Habgood's solo on Irish airs was enthusiastically applauded. The strongest part of the performance undoubtedly was the musical portion, and it would be hard to find, better part-singing and instrumental work in any entertainment of the lighter kind in Australasia.

The company appear at the Criterion Theatre for two nights only, Friday and Saturday, 25th and 26tli inst. The Box Plan is open at Mr J. Nathan's book warehouse, and those desirous of obtaining seats should do so«at once to avoid disappointment.