1874 Entertainments
8th JANUARY 1874
BIRRELL’S DIORAMA OF SCOTLAND – This diorama will open at the Victoria Rooms on Monday evening. We notice the London press have passed high eulogisms upon it. At Dover it had a long and most successful run, and the Dover Standard describes it as a magnificent pictorial exhibition, faithfully representing the enchanting scenery. There is a clear lucid lecture and a Scottish concert that is in itself a rare treat. Anything more positive as to the professional ability and reputation of these minstrels could not, we should think, be given than in the fact that Miss Griselda WESS and Mr Thomas BIRRELL (the enterprising proprietor) were especially engaged to sing at M RIVIERE’S promenade concert at Covent Garden on Saturday evening last, when, we observe, they took a leading part in the performance, their names standing side by side with those of Mddle Carlotta PATTI, Mddle Victoria BUNSEN, and Miss Constance LESEBY. Miss WESS has been termed “the Scottish Nightingale”, Mr J CRAWFORD’S humour is the driest of the dry, and anything but the heartiest of encores for him is out of the question. The other artistes are scarcely inferior.
22nd JANUARY 1874
BOROUGH POLICE TUESDAY
…..One of the men in the employ of Mr BIRRELL proprietor of the Diorama on view at the Victoria Rooms, applied to the court asking whether if a summons were taken out or warrant issued on a boy named WHITTINGSTALL, the case could be heard of at once and disposed of. – It appeared that the young urchin had been employed to clean the Victoria Rooms, and that he had managed to extract a number of tickets from a box there: these he sold for 2d and 3d to different persons. Such a number attended with the tickets that suspicions were aroused, and a number of tickets were found on the boy. – Mr FARDELL said it was a case which could not be disposed of summarily but must go for trial if the charge were preferred. Probably the boy will escape punishment, as Mr BIRRELL might be far away during the sessions.
ISLE OF WIGHT OBSERVER 25 JULY 1874
MR AND MRS GERMAN REED – It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that Mr Augustus Aylward has made arrangements with Mr and Mrs German Reed to give their well-known entertainment at the New Town-hall on Monday evening next. The pieces announced to be performed are Mildred’s well – a Romance of the Middle Ages (XIX) century, a new musical sketch called the School Feast, and a musical proverb, Charity begins at Home. The names of the artistes announced to appear are a sufficient guarantee for the excellence of the performance. They include Miss Fanny Holland, Mr W A Law, Mr Alfred Reed, and Mr Corney Grain. The Isle of Wight Railway Company will run a special train on the occasion, leaving Ryde, (St John’s) station for the different towns on the line at 10.30 pm.
HARP RECITALS – We again remind our readers that Mr Aptommas, the celebrated harpist, will appear at the Town-hall on Tuesday evening next. Mr Aptommas is well known for his masterly performances on the harp; and has performed before Royalty on several occasions. This opportunity should not be missed by those desirous of hearing a real musical treat.
THE BLONDINETTE MELODISTS – This celebrated company of “young ladies with golden locks” (11 in number) are advertised to appear in their vocal and instrumental entertainment at the Town-hall on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next, July 30th and 31st, and August 1st. This attractive troupe have visited Ryde before; and we have no doubt that they will attract large audiences during their present visit by their refined and pleasing entertainment. The press are unanimous in its approval of their performances.
The Right Hon Sir William and Lady Hutt gave a garden party in the beautiful grounds of Appley Towers on Thursday, when a large and fashionable gathering took place.
The Mayor of Ryde and Mrs Leach gave a garden party on Wednesday, when a large number of the elite of the town and neighbourhood were present. The fine band of the Royal Marine Artillery were on the grounds and performed a choice selection of music.
1 AUGUST 1874
THE BLONDINETTE MELODISTS – This company of young ladies attracted a large audience at the Town-hall on Thursday evening. They appear this (Friday) evening, and tomorrow (Saturday). Those who have not yet seen this talented troupe should not miss this opportunity.
ISLE OF WIGHT TIMES 24th AUGUST 1874
MISS NANNIE PRAEGER – was announced to give a grand pianoforte recital in the Town Hall, on Friday afternoon, but as there was no audience – she did not do so.
8 August 1874
MRS SCOTT-SIDDONS – As will be seen by reference to advertisement, this talented lady will give one of her histrionic readings in the new Town-hall this (Saturday) afternoon, at 3 o’clock. She will be accompanied by the youthful prodigy, “Seraphael,” the celebrated boy pianist who has won bronze and silver medals at the Royal Academy of Music.
SKATING IN MID-SUMMER – At the best of times it is not long that the privilege of skating is afforded to the inhabitants of this south-coast district during the short and generally mild winters which are vouchsafed to us; but – astonishing as it might seem – the luxury of skating exercise may be (and is) enjoyed in the midst of the summer, and with this advantage – that there is no fear of being submerged beneath the treacherous ice. The roller skating which is now being practised in the Victoria-rooms (on the American principle) is exceedingly good physical exercise, and the elegant and graceful manner in which the ladies and gentlemen flit about the room has a most pleasing effect, not only to those engaged but also to the on-looker. To those who are fond of skating we recommend the “rink” at the Victoria-rooms.
15 AUGUST 1874
SKATING RINK AT THE VICTORIA ROOMS – The rink is assuredly a novelty that will wear. It combines the pleasures of the ballroom with the advantages of the gymnasium, and is a delight at once both to young and old people. It is one of the few contrivances which the genius of amusement has supplied to youth to which the doctors do not take exception. Last week there was the most fashionable attendance; the skating of many of the ladies was excellent; the merriment was profuse, and all were alike enchanted. Certainly the rink is an invention – assuredly it is a success. Long may it wave!
24 OCTOBER 1874
SKATING RINK VICTORIA ASSEMBLY ROOMS LIND STREET, RYDE.
These Rooms are OPEN until further notice
FOR ROLLER SKATING
On the American Principle.
In the Morning, for Ladies and Gentlemen, from 11 to 1; Afternoon Assemblies for Ladies, Gentlemen and Children, from 3 to 5.30.
Admission, One Shilling. Hire of Skates, Sixpence.
26 DECEMBER 1874
THE SKATING RINK – This novelty still continues to attract large numbers to the Victoria-rooms. An additional attraction will be provided tomorrow (Saturday), the splendid band of the Royal Marines being engaged to play upon the occasion.
THE THEATRE – It is with great pleasure we announce that our fine theatre, which has so long been deserted, has been purchased by a number of local gentlemen, who, it is stated, have secured it upon very reasonable terms. No time will be lost in opening the building, and we trust that in the hands of those who have a better opportunity of understanding local requirements than strangers, the theatre will be a greater success than it was.
THE VIENNESE LADIES’ ORCHESTRA – The novelty of a performance by such a large number of ladies as compose this orchestra, attracted a numerous and fashionable audience to the Town-hall on Thursday afternoon. It is impossible to speak too highly of their performance, and so enthusiastic were the audience, that it has been determined to give morning and evening concerts on Saturday, which will no doubt be well attended.
CONCERT – On Tuesday evening the Ryde contingent of the Crystal Palace choir gave a concert in the Town-hall, consisting of pieces which had already been sung at the Crystal Palace, interspersed with songs, &c. The soloists were Miss DENHAM, and Mr BULLEY. Mrs MOODY acted as accompanist. There were about 500 persons present.
ISLE OF WIGHT TIMES 6 AUGUST 1874
NEW TOWN HALL, RYDE
MRS SCOTT SIDDONS
In Her Histrionic Readings
AND
‘SERAPHAEL,’ THE CELEBRATED BOY PIANIST, AGED 12 YEARS,
(Bronze and Silver Medalist, Royal Academy of Music, London.)
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 8.
Doors Open at 2.30. Commence at 3 o’clock.
Centre Stalls, 4s; Family Tickets of four, 14s;
Second Seats, 2s 6d; Admission 1s.
Plan and Tickets at AYLWARD’S, Union-street.
13 AUGUST 1874
MRS SCOTT-SIDDONS – Mrs Scott-Siddons was advertised to appear, together with the wonderful boy pianist “Seraphael”, at the Town Hall, on Saturday afternoon; but shortly before the time for commencing, notices postponing the entertainment were circulated broadcast. Our readers will regret to hear that Mrs Siddons a short time since was thrown from her horse and had her spine injured, and that a few days ago, for a throat complaint, a quantity of caustic was administered in mistake for brandy and caustic: her servant removing the glass containing the brandy on clearing the dinner table. Mrs Siddons persisted up to Saturday morning that she would appear as announced, but the state of her health put a veto on it. Purchasers of tickets can have their money refunded on returning the tickets to Mr Aylward.
1875 Entertainments
1 JULY 1875
MATINEE DANSANTE DE MADAME DE HAYES GEORGE – Hearing so much of Madame George, and her Academie, we availed ourselves of an opportunity on Friday of witnessing a Matinee Dansante in the New Town Hall, in which, during several of the past winter seasons, Madame George has held her Academie. Not only were we not disappointed in our anticipations, but intensely gratified. A large number of the elite of the town and neighbourhood assembled to witness the progress their little sons and daughters (there was a preponderance of daughters) had made, and gratified to the fullest extent all must have been at the result, whilst the dansante in itself was a capital entertainment. The area of that large room is not more than is required for her large class. The programme was as follows:
Part 1
- March The Men of Harlech
- Quadrille Palermo
- Polka Mazurka Marie
- Exercises La Lyre d’Apollon
- Dancers La Fille de Mdme Angot
- Mazurka Quadrille Julien
- Galop a trios temps Chimes
Part 2
- Imperial Quadrille Louis d’Egville
- Valse a trios temps Doctrinen
- Parisian Quadrille Gorilla
- 11.Galop Saucy Kate
- Polonaise The Gipsy
The march, the young ladies advancing in three rows from the back to the front of the room, and then receding, was very pretty, and with the series of exercises (No 4), form a most important feature in the class. The exercises eclipse the march in attractiveness, but the objects effected in both cases are a true lady-like deportment, and muscular development – and Madame George has, evidently, the power of imparting to others such a grace as she herself possesses in a marked degree. The dancing – dancing to the perfection to which the pupils are taught in this case – is an accomplishment almost a necessity for them) which they will value more when a few years have added to their youth and beauty – but the calisthenic exercises promote grace of movement and strength of body. Madame George has strong recommendation from the medical profession as to the beneficial effects on the health of children (by expanding the chest, exercising every joint, &c.), and the deportment, from the exercises through which she puts her pupils; and we can say that such exercises must be most valuable, and that not only on Friday was there grace in every step, but in their every movement. In the mainly ornamental part of the programme, the mazurka quadrille was the thing of the afternoon, and the company could not refrain from a loud burst of applause, which both children and mistress fully deserved. The eight who danced this were in white dresses with blue sashes (from shoulder to waist) and head ribbons, and the top “gentleman” specially distinguished “her”-self, though all acquitted themselves in first-class style, with an effect that was wonderfully pretty and interesting. Many a ballet on the stage is not nearly so attractive. In other portions of the programme every pupil present joined, creating a strikingly pretty spectacle – with the sun shining through the sky-lights on the fairy-like forms, in tastily-made white dresses, tripping over the floor. It was most amusing too to watch the zest and emulation with which some, mere babes, with their radiant faces, and sparkling eyes, entered upon their duties. The pupils were evidently in different stages, but each was perfected so far as she had gone, in spite of the largeness of the class – none had been neglected. The way in which the Imperial Quadrille, Lancers, &c., was gone through deserves especial mention – en passant we think that if ladies and gentlemen who dance 16-Lancers were to take a few lessons before they next do so they might hope to attain to the perfection they desire, and equal these juveniles – which is rarely the case – but in all cases here, it was noticeable that the dancing was not simply to a set form of steps, &c.,into which they had been drilled, but to music. We consider the pupils fortunate in being able to receive Madame George’s tuition – they could hardly be better taught, that is evident from the perfection they have attained, and her modus operandi – the pupils certainly do her credit. Madame George, who is a daughter of Monsieur de Hayes, of the Academie Royale, Paris, and pupil of Madame Louise Michau, of London; and who has taught in London and abroad, is evidently an artiste and not an ordinary teacher – Miss Kirkman, (niece of Mrs Anderson, pianist to the Queen) presided at the pianoforte. – Between the first and second parts, refreshments were provided for the pupils, this being the first meeting of the season.
ISLE OF WIGHT TIMES 2 SEPTEMBER 1875
A SKATING RINK IN RYDE – We are pleased to find that an open air skating rink, which must prove a source of interest and attraction to residents and visitors, has been opened in Ryde. It is a private speculation, the proprietors being Col. Hall and Mr West; we hope they will be amply repayed, for additional attractions are wanted in Ryde to counteract the drawbacks. The rink is a very large one, and of best Portland cement, and all the latest improvements are introduced. In the centre the space is to be utilized for a band stand and garden, and when completed, the rink, (which is situated on the marshes, near the Gas Works, and accessible via Monkton Street or St John’s Park) will be a superior one in every respect. Wednesday last was the opening day, and the proprietors must have been gratified to see about 500 ladies and gentlemen attending, the bulk of them enjoying themselves at the exciting and health giving exercise. The annual subscription is very low, and therefore we expect soon to see a long list. Even spectators may spend an hour or two most enjoyably at the rink, especially on the days when a military band is in attendance – Wednesdays and Saturdays. The “Plimpton” skate is used. Further particulars are afforded elsewhere.
ISLE OF WIGHT TIMES 2nd SEPTEMBER 1875
A GRAND OPERATIC CONCERT – was given in the Town Hall on Thursday evening – one of the best it has been our good fortune to hear – but as usual when there are first-class entertainments, the attendance was miserably small, especially in the front benches, where one would have expected to find most. We are not so much concerned at Mr Aylward’s continued losses as at the fact that the first-class entertainments must cease in Ryde, and those who could and would enjoy them miss real musical treats. – The artistes were Mddle Jose Sherrington, Miss Helen d’Alton, Signor M Rocca, Signor Bianchi, and Signor Brignoll (of Her Majesty’s Opera), with Cavaliere Campana as conductor. If people do not care to attend, we presume they would not read a critique, so we save ourselves unnecessary trouble.
