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'On the evening of Wednesday last [7 February 1877] the popular and accomplished Mrs Bancroft appeared in a new character, contributing to the programme organised for presentation at the Victoria Hall, Archer-street, Bayswater, in aid of the organ fund in connection with the Church of St. Michael and All Saints. The bill contained many items; songs by Mr C.E.C. Leverett; and dramatic selections and imitations by the versatile Dillon Croker; but there is little doubt that the most powerful attraction toward the assembling of a brilliant and enthusiastic audience was the presence in the programme of the name of the lady who is, without dispute, one of the brightest ornaments of the modern stage. This was Mrs Bancroft's first attempt as a reader, but her success was unequivocal. Naturally enough, she started somewhat nervously, but presently in her own arranged sketch of the life of Poor Jo from Dicken's Bleak House, had her audience completely under her control, touched all hearts, and caused tears to flow copiously from all eyes. The pathos was exquisite, and the simple, beautiful lines of the Lord's Prayer introduced have seldom, if ever, been delivered with such wonderful feeling and expression. Later in the evening Mrs Bancroft opened a brighter page, and proved that laughter as well as tears are at her command, the audience fairly screaming with hilarity as she depicted the peculiarities of Major Namby. Mrs Bancroft is accustomed to applause, but she has seldom, if ever, been the object of any more genuine and hearty than that which attended her efforts on this occasion.'
(The Era, London, Sunday, 11 February 1877, p.12a)
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The Star music hall, Bermondsey, London, week beginning 6 April 1885
'Mr. John Hart, by his enterprising catering, should convince the dwellers in Bermondsey that he provides for their use and behoof the best things in the music-hall market. The features which are in demand in more fashionable districts are regarded by Mr. Hart as none too good for his supporters for whom they are retained. The programme which is being followed at the Star this week abounds in appetising features. Following a prelude by the band, Mr. Rodney Polglaze, the chairman, announces Mr. Sam Jones, who figures as a dealer in Irish character. Then comes Miss Lily Laurel who sings a "Masher" song, and tenders a skipping-rope dance with a fairly good result. Messrs. Dermott and Doyle are comedians of a pronounced Hibernian type. They use arguments of a most practical nature, and seem to possess nearly inexhaustible capability for lively debate. These gentlemen are excellent acrobats; and the amusing horse-play in which they indulge serves to keep the audience thoroughly engrossed. Miss Ada Lundberg is a lady who delineates character very faithfully. It is quite true that she selects humble models, but she realises with much fidelity. Mr. Edward Mosedale will not be offended if we call him one of the old school. He is, however, possessed of a wondrous vitality, and sings and dances quite as well as ever he did. In impersonations of characters in low life he is especially happy. Mr. Walter Munroe is an excellent comedian, and is possessed of a good and useful voice. He sings Irish songs genially and well, and the political article is very well treated when he attempts to deal with it. Then, in addition, he is an accomplished dancer, so that he may be regarded as a good all-round performer. The Belmonts are fair representatives of the song-and-dance division, and their performances are very well appreciated, as are the comic songs of Mr. Gus Gauntlett, who, in addition to his exploits as a vocalist, figures as a dancer on skates. A very clever monkey is that belonging to an individual calling himself Little Joe. The pupil is named Ally Slinker, and he is one of the best performing moneys now before the public. Little Joe, however, does not confine his attentions to moneys; he trains dogs, and proves himself in this field an able mentor. The last feature of the programme is supplied by Mr. J.H. Haslam, a gentleman who sings very well, and who dances in most marvellous fashion. This performer, we believe, has won prizes in every competition in which he has figures, and it is said that Lancashire cannot supply a man who can lower his colours. Whether this is an accurate statement, we do not pretend to know; suffice it that he is a most accomplished dancer of his class [i.e clog dancer]. Messrs. Rezene and Robini are fulfilling an engagement at the Star, and their excellent clowning and athleticism are paraded with the best results. These gentlemen do not adopt half-measures; they go the "entire animal," and their tactics are thoroughly successful. We have referred to the principal features of the programme, which is as interests as any to be enjoyed at the West End.'
(The Entr'acte, London, Saturday, 18 April 1885, p.11b)
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