THEATRE ROYAL.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 1907, 12 February 1875, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

The wonderful Girards appeared again last night to a crowded house. New features of astounding activity develope themselves as the performances of these agile contortionists are witnessed a second time. The effect upon the spectator is simply that of undemonstrative bewilderment and admiration. Applause is seldom heard, for the very excellent reason that the spectators have no time to think of approbation, their attention being absorbed in the impish and what would seem superhuman antics before them. No one could imagine the' marvellous capabilities which these Girards possess ot making their whole bodies subservient to their wills, however eccentric, and their performances require to be viewed before any idea can be obtained of what they are like; the. spectator then departs 1 full-well convinced no doubt. that his eyesight has not deceived him, but yet as totally unable .to comprehend how such wonders could have been accomplished as ever. One of the most remarkable feats is the walking over a long table about six feet in length; The performer puts one leg up in the air, and then, to use a common expression, before the words " Jack Robimon " could be said with moderate haste, that leg alights on the ground at the other side, sliding along the'surface like a snake with a humpty back. We have already stated in a former -notice that powers of description would fail to convey an adequate idea of what the Girards are like. It therefore remains for .those who do not wish to be behind the age to visit the theatre and see for.themselves this last greatest of wonders of the modern stage. The entertainment of the evening commenced with a farce,, and concluded -with the capital burlesque, "Black Eyed Susan," in which Miss Stephenson took the part of William, and Miss Patty Holt that of Susan, both ladies sustaining these characters in a manner which won. for them loud applause. Mr Sant. Poole, however, as Dame Hatley, was the treat of . the -evening. His make-up was excessively funny,' and his humorous acting kept the audience pealing with laughter throughout. In pourtraying the terrors of sea sickness he was exceedingly successful; so much so indeed that"one could almost hare succombed to an attack of the same through very sympathy. The other characters were well supported, and the burlesqueMnay be pronounced a complete success, no one, it may be ventured, having gone from the theatre unsatisfied with his moneys worth. " .'i