AMUSEMENTS.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 182, 9 May 1872, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

TII EATEE ROYAL. The entertainment at this place of amusement last night was ceitainly one of tho best that we have had on the Thames for a long time. The performance opened with the comedy of “The Valet de Sham,” which was nicely put on the stage, Mr Walter HiU playing the part of Wigler to peifection. Mrs Waller Hill, as Miss Maichmont, was, as usual, very natural and entertaining. Sirs Jones and Messrs Joyce and Keogh sustained the other parts veiy .veil indeed. The musical part of the entertainment was, of: course, the principal attraction, and was indeed a treat. Madame Fanny Simonson sang, “Who’s at my window?” very nicely; but “ Corns back to Erin” was rendered so beautifully as to demand an encore , which she responded to with “Is it anybody’s business,” a pretty little comic ditty, which was very much admired. The violin of Mr Simonsen was handled in his wonderful style, he fiist giving a fantasia on English and Irish airs, and, as an encore. “ We won’t go home till morning,” which the violin certainly performed in the most beautifully drunken style, the harmonious discords being most life-like. “ Remembrances of Germany,” a most perfect musical germ, was splendidly performed, and the bagpipes as an encore would have done the heart of a Scotchman good. The gem of the evening was, however, the garden or jewel scene from “ Faust,” Madame Simonsen as “Marguerite,” completely putting her former pe formances in the shade. Not only was the singing perfect, but she pioved herself a most thorough actress as well; and we may safely say that it is the best Marguerite we have seen for many years—far surpassing Signora Tainbourini Coy, of the CagliPompei Troupe, or any other we have seen in the colony. Her magnificent voice had full scope for the display of its power and sweetness, and when she finished there was perfect silence for several seconds, only to he succeeded by a bmst of rapturous applause, Madame having to come forward and acknowledge the compliment. The “ Tailor of Tam wouh ” was the farce, and was enjoyed by those w'ho remained to see it. An entire change of programme is announced for to-night. Mr Jones had to come forward during the concert and request the dis-cont-'nuance of smoking, as ho said it was perfectly mpossib'e for the performers to sing at all. We quite agree with Mr Jones that this habit ought to be dispensed with, at least until after the singing is done, and we trust that he will not have to repeat his request to-night.