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'Elspa and Sillo, the wonderful juvenile gymnasts, who recently returned to this Hall, are proving very attractive. Their great popularity is not surprising, for, though they are but infants, they display the daring and skill of full-grown men. The little fellow who is caught by his companion, after he has let go the trapeze by means of which he flies with bird-like ease and swiftness from one end of the Hall to the other, seems to revel in his work, and drops into the net, gets on to his feet, and rushes back again to his perch, to be ready for another swing with remarkable quickness, and with a show of sprit and cheerfulness which excites the mirth of the beholders as much as his courage and talent do their astonishment and admiration. The coolness and carefulness of the other boy, who hangs head downwards and catches his tiny mate, are not less conspicuous and commendable. It need hardly be said that the spectators express their appreciation of the doings of these marvellous children in the most fervent manner possible. Visitors to this Hall had last week the gratification of seeing the Brothers Raynor, "the original Shadows," who have just returned from America. The taller of the two, who still takes pains to draw attention to the exception length and slenderness of his legs, was on his first entry elegantly dressed as regards the upper portion of his person. He sang with marked distinctness of a charmer whom he calls his "Sugar-plum." The other brother was richly arrayed to represent the damsel referred to, and sang a strain corresponding to that of his colleague, and the pair danced together with striking lightness and neatness. One of them afterwards played with superior skill on a violin, and the other cleverly performed with a concertina. They also introduced some pleasing bell-ringing and further executed capital duets with a concertina and a banjo. They concluded by enacting their old burlesque sketch of Il Trovatore, and as usual preceded their excellent singing and acting by showing how actresses dress and prepare their complexions and features. The Anvil Duet went exceedingly well, and elicited especially warm applause. The reception which was accorded to these uncommonly versatile and highly diverting artistes was most cordial and encouraging. Miss Ada Clarisse opens the proceedings on the stage here each evening with vocalisation of an acceptable kind. A song in praise of a handsome fellow, who she declares dotes on her, was her first ditty when we attended. After that she gave a good rendering of "The Ship on Fire," and finally she appeared prettily attired as an extravaganza Prince, sang a melange of sprightly airs with talent and spirit, and deported herself modestly and gracefully. Mr Pat Corri, the Chairman, treated the audience to Philip Knight's pretty composition entitled "There was a time," and the more familiar song of "The Wolf" [by William Shield]. He gave every note of both with clearness and firmness, and in very way acquitted himself like an artistic vocalist of the good old school. He was followed by Miss Minnie Gough, who quickly and boldly made herself known as "Dashing young Kitty," whose head is full of thoughts of courting. She mimicked an aged wooer, and described in another effusion the sort of lover she preferred. Archly and smartly she sang the ditty with the refrain "Make him pop the question." Anon she was "a barmaid," who glibly runs over the names of the drinks that she serves, and refers with delight to the attentions which she receives from customers of the male sex; and lastly she was transformed into a gay and splendid Page, and discoursed a medley of many songs, among which was that of "The Lover and the Bird," which she sang excellently. This lady's vivacity and humour, together with her excellent singing, combine to make her a great favourite with the admirers of serio-comic songs. Mr. Lorenzo, who was announced as an American comedian, and may be further fitly called a black grotesque, sang, talked, and acted in a way which caused much amusement. The laughter which his droll oration excited was very hearty, nor were the audience less pleased with his burlesque athletic performance and the dance with which he finished. Mr Henri Clark, who continues to belong to the staff here, gave a seasonable and diverting personation of a bathing machine woman, who sings of being "The Mermaid of Margate," after which he appeared as "Nobby Bob, the Barman." His make-up, manner, and words were, as is ever notably the case with him, in striking accord with the character assumed. The same remark applies with even yet greater force to his personations of "Ephraim Fox" and "The Frenchman of Leicester-square," which he likewise gave on this occasion, to the evident satisfaction of the audience. The entertainment terminated with a bustling comic ballet called Puss, Puss, supported by Miss F. Lauri, and Messrs Hicks, Parrot, Power, and T. Lauri. There was a good scene representing the roofs of houses, where some of the most wild and mirth-provoking action of the piece took place. Mr S. Adams discharged the duties of Manager with his characteristic assiduity and urbanity. Mr P.W. Halton ably led the band, the performances of which were brilliant and delightful. The Hall was well filled, and everybody seemed to be much pleased with the entertainment.'
(The Era, London, Sunday, 12 July 1874, p.7c/d)
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Action against Amy Sheridan
Second Court of Exchequer, London, 25 January 1875
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