Theatre Royal.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6384, 27 November 1890, Page 2

Theatre Royal.

HARVEY BEOS.’ COMPANY. We bad an impression that Titnaru people would bo too much engrossed with other matters —say (he tail of the strike and the other end of the general election—to pay attention to a Minstrel and Variety Company, Last night’s experience of the Harvey Bros. Company plainly proved this impression unfounded. There was a good •' down stairs ” house; the dress circle looked bad from the stage with the great majority of its seats turned up, but a social matter was cited in explanation of this. As to the " attention " of those present, we never witnessed better, applause, laughter, and encores ruled throughout,—and no wonder. The company is not a numerous one, but it is strong in “ variety,” every item was given as if with a determination to “ fetch " the audience, and with a knowledge, born of experience, of how-to do-itj and "Lively now!” was tbe order of the evening. The laughter elicited was hearty, the fun was neat and clever, now and then a trifle Boisterous, but never tainted with coarseness. In (his respect the company sets an example which others would do well to follow. Tbe first part consisted of the well-known burnt-cork minstrel business, in which was heard some smart dialogue, good jokes, new and old, and good singing. Among tbe vocalists, Mrs Cunard has a highly cultivated voice, and sings operatic selections as befits her title of “Australian prima donna ” won in Lister’s Opera Company. Miss Brandon lacks the training, but her voice has a thrilling purity, Miss Siegfried’s broken-finglish songs, take well, while Mr 0. Harvey’s “ jbdelling ” is not to be passed over. The opening of the second part served to show the masterly execution of Mr Carl Beidle as a pianist. His playing is a treat to listen to, even to watch, and appreciated as it deserved to be, was warmly encored. Notable items were the musical and acrobatic absurdities of the brothers Harvey, who for many years were musical clowns at Drury Lane. These eccentricities must be seen, they cannot be described. One of them plays a one stringed Chinese fiddle in a really surprising way. We need not particularise further, but may say that, having seen them, we are no longerl surprised at the success of the company down I south, recorded by local papers, or at their 1 most successful tour through Tndia, spoken of by themselves. Those who like this sort of entertainment at all, must be pleased with this company. A change of programme is announced for this evening.