THEATRE ROYAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13666, 7 August 1908, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

CHARLES SAUNDERS. The Saunders party at Invercargill have repeated the success achieved at- Christ-, church, and the southern audiences have been delighted with the visitors. The Invercargill papers publish long and eulogistic notices, and as the musical taste of one New Zealand town fairly reflects the general opinion, the following will be read with interest-: "Mr Saunders's voice is not a robust tenor in the ordinary sense, but it has power beyond common. The clarity and grip of Uie telling notes in 'Sound an Alarm,' as sung at the Municipal Theatre last night, were convincing and full of appeal. The effect on his audience was remarkable. Invercargill audiences are not much given to joyous demonstration, but when it is said that the people in the theatre cheered, not but in nne buret of appreciation, as the last notes of (his Handeiian air ceased, readers may judge that they were touched more than ordinary. There is nothing brazen abi.ut Mr Saunders's voice; there: are no surprises, no patches of quality to be displayed when circumstances Rui"-. The vo'ce is evenly pure and true and flexible, and in produced without any of that effort which sometimes makes a tenor's audience feel 'uncomfortable. Clara Robson (Mrs Saunders) is possessed of 'two very charming gifts—a clear, pleasant voice and a simple, unaffected stage presence. -Also, she has a fine understanding of her work, nnd she .singe very prettily. Her 'Caller Iterrin'' was interpreted sympathetically and there was a strange appeal in (lie refrain." Seats may be reserved at the Dresden. The complete programme ispublished in another column. Music lovers should certainly remember Monday the 10th August, and make an effort to be present at this unique recital.