THE RICKARDS SEASON.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8419, 19 January 1899, Page 3

THE RICKARDS SEASON.

"A gexoixe artistic success was the general opinion expressed by all who had the privilege cf witnessing the entertainment given by Mr Harry Rickards and his company of Tivoli " stars " at the Theatre Royal last evening, the programme being of its kind certainly one of tho heat 'that local theatre-goes have been favored with for some considerable time. It is no exaggeration to say that the company is one of tho most talented variety combinations that we have seen in Gisborne, the programme submitted last evening being throughout of a refined, interesting, enjoyable, and artistic character. The attraction of so crowded an audience as filled the theatre was in a measure clue to the fact that the fame of the company had preceded them from Australia and the South, and pleasurable recollections were held by many of Mr Rickards's last visit some twelve years ago. The programme was a remarkably bright and attractive one, and every item was encored. One pleasing feature of the show was the absence of anything which might in any way be connsidered vulgar, or to which exception could be taken. The efforts of the artists wei c one and all well worthy of the applause they received, and Mr Rickards is to be congratulated upon the successful manner in which he gauged the taste of his patrons. He, himself, is quite inimitable in his parts, and his performance fairly brimmed over with fun and good humor. "Harry" has lost none of the vigor and freshness that characterised his performances twelve years ago, and it seemed but yesterday that we heard him singing "0 'Arrv" and pourtraying the coster swell of New Cut with no more sprightliness and gaiety than he did last night, He was eminently successful in his new vocal sketches, which fairly took the audience by slorm, the applause that followed each number being almost deafening. His song "That's a Woman's Way " was a cleverly written little piece, and was capitally rendered, as was also "By The Sad Sea Waves." It was, however, in the coster song "Knock 'Mm iti the Old Kent Road" that Mr Rickards was in his most congenial element, his rendering of it being true to life. In Mrs Albert Bellman and Miss Lottie Moore, Mr Rickards has two variety entertainers who have achieved a wide reputation in Australia and America. Their sketch depicting the misadventures of a young couple who attended a ball at a lunatic asylum proved full of fun, and gave scope to much musical comedy. Each imagined the other to be mad, and the by-play resulting from the mistake kept tho house in a continual simmcrof merriment and excitement. Miss Moore is a winsome little artist of many gifts, and as might have been expected met with a great reception. Her coon song and ballads were greaily appreciated, and her skill as a danseuse met with general admiration. Mr Bellman sang some fine songs, and proved himself an excellent raconteur. One of the best " turns " in the whole entertainment was that given by Mr J. W. Winton, who is undoubtedly the cleverest ventriloquist that has visited New Zealand. With the aid of several lay figures, including an I irrepressible Irishman, MeGinty, he gave a. most successful performance, for which lie was applauded to the echo. The appearance of Signor Ugo Biondi was looked forward to with pleasnrab'e anticipation, and lie ivas received with hearty demonstrations of applause. He introduced two sketches, the first being entitled, "The Music Lesson," whilst the second was a dramatic comedy in one act, entitled " Piscovered," in which he himself filled the whole bill. His changes were made with a rapidity that was most bew ilderinj;, and he would no sooner disappear through one door than he would re-enter at another in an entirely different make-up. Mr Hamilton Hill, the favorite Australian baritone, was heaid to distinct advantage in his several songs. He possesses a strong voice of gocd quality over which lie has full control. He gave a delightful rendering of the favorite s-ong "The Holy City," and in response to an enthusiastic encore contributed "Bid me to Love," which was exceptionally well treated. He also appeared in the second part of the programme with equal success, his singing being much appreciated. M'ss Clara Llewellyn contributed three ballads during the evening in which she was, well received anil doservedlv encored. Messrs Foreman and F.uinan appeared in company and sang a very amusing and clever patter song, which took famously with the audience who insisted on mi encore. An amusing dialogue between the same artists sent the audience into fits of laughter innl proved a capital finale to an excellent evening's entertainment. Mr D.iviil Cope pirsided at the pi.mo during the evening and also contributed two pianoforte selections with much success. Viewed as a whoh: the performance was distinctly meritorious and should certainly warrant ' crowded houses for the company for the , leni.iimng two nights of the season. This evening a. complete change of programme is announced.

"So the war i.s really over?" "Yesour landlady has taken down ' Remember tin! Maine '"and put up our favorite old motto, 'Pay as you go.' " The Post says that when clearing up the debris of the Royal Oak fire among the articles found were Mr S. Ciliucr's gold watch, albert, and sovereign case, and a pair of pinco-ne7, and delicate chain, which were all en the lloor of the bedroom. The gold is not injured, only tarnished, and the glass of the watch and the pebbles in the pince-nez are all intact. A groat treat is in store for music lovers at Palnicrstou North next month. The North Island Brass Band Association's annual contest, which is to bo held there, promises to be the largest all'air ever bold in the colony, of that, description, and, with some of our leading bands taking part, a great success is sure to be the result. The dates fixed are the 21st, 22nd, 2.3rd, and 24th of February, and the Government are running trains at holiday excursion rates to enable all the enjoy the i,i'eat provided.