MR. J. P. HYDES AND HIS COMPANY LAST NIGHT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 643, 6 March 1879, Page 2

MR. J. P. HYDES AND HIS COMPANY LAST NIGHT.

Those of our Gisborne readers who have witnessed the sparkling and graceful performances m song and ballet of the Zavistowski — mother and two daughters — will see something even much better m three leading artistes who are comprised m the present company. Those who, ten years ago, witnessed Mr. J. P. Hydes m burlesque and extravagant comedy parts, and saw him again last night, will confess that their laughter was as hearty, and the actor as good as ever. The laughter perhaps heartier, and the actor, if possible, more clever and more versatile. But Mr. Hydes has a strong company m all respects. The performances last night were exceedingly brilliant, full of verve, dash, and sparkle, and far surpassing anything of the kind heretofore introduced on the small boards of our Masonic Hall. The charming impertinencies, the saucy songs, free from all offence, the brisk, well-sustained, dialogues, written by the best burlesques writers of the day, are all provocative of laughter. The applause last night was as general and as honest, as we have ever witnessed, and it was well deserved. The sisters Alice and Amy Johns are wonderfully clever. It would be impossible to imagine that their dancing and singing could be excelled. Their dress and charming make-up added not a little Jto their general attractiveness. There is not too

much millinery, but there is quite enough to satisfy the most fastidious, and throughout the whole of the entertainment there is not the slightest trace of vulgarity. Mr. Hydes has been fortunate m securing such a talented company. Miss Jenny Nye has now become an accomplished burlesque actress. Mr. R. Love is a vocalist of no common order of merit. He is very far above the run of what is known as Music Hall la da da singers. Mr Mack Alexander has a fine natural voice, and well under control. Mr. Walter G. Hydes, the accomplished son of Mr. J P. Hydes, is a splendid instrumentalist on that most difficult of all instruments, the pianoforte. Mr J. Wilkinson as "Bottles," m the comedy of " Checkmate," and "The Kinchin," m the burlesque, played very cleverly. He possesses that gift so essential to an actor m low comedy parts — great facial expression, which is the power of saying by a look what words cannot express. Miss Lizzie Morgan, by repute, is spoken of as a very talented vocalist and actres, but sudden indisposition prevented her appearance laat night. This evening the programme will consist of the musical burletta, " The Loan of a Lover," to be followed by a ballad from Miss Morgan, a motto song by Mr. Lowe, concluding with the burlesque of " La Sonnambula," m which the whole members of the burlesque company are cast for parts.