http://footlightnotes.tripod.com
e-mail John Culme here
FOOTLIGHT NOTES
no. 354
updated
Saturday, 26 June 2004
Cupid,
a Grand Allegorical Ballet Divertissement,
Alhambra Theatre of Varieties, Leicester Square, London, 24 May 1886
programme cover for Cupid, a Grand Allegorical Ballet Divertissement,
Alhambra Theatre of Varieties, Leicester Square, London, 24 May 1886
(printed by Clement-Smith & Co, 317 Strand, London, WC, 1886)
|
'ALHAMBRA. - The new ballet of Cupid, which enriched the entertainment at this house on Monday night last [24 May 1886] for the first time, is a worthy successor of all that has gone before at an establishment which for years has taken and maintained its ground as the foremost English producer of this staple. For the last twenty years, through good and evil report, the Alhambra has wisely adhered to its ballet policy; and to-day, under more auspicious circumstances then it has perhaps for many years enjoyed, it perseveres in its historic formula, and publishes to the world not only that ballet remains the speciality here, but that it is produced even better than ever. A wondrous theme is ballet, and manifold are the variations that may be played thereon. A brilliant expert in this regard is M. [Joseph] Hansen, who conceives, arranges, and see that they are happily and rapidly realised all those appetising ingredients that serve to make so enjoyable an ensemble as Cupid, his latest achievement. Into the argument of this terpsichorean and spectacular production it is not necessary to enter; suffice it that it serves to display the grand resources of this establishment, and that from beginning to end it is constantly supplying those details which prove of high interest. One feature of Cupid must not be overlooked, viz., the strength of its conclusion, which may be said to consist of one of the grandest pageants that the English stage has ever supplied. At this juncture, representatives of a long list of nationalities take part in a procession, and dance and posture in characteristic fashion and in most picturesque costumes. A splendid ensemble is this, in which harmony of motion, harmony of tone, and harmony of colour all enter into general rivalry, and help to bring about a grand result. The principal dancer here is Signorina [Emma] Bessone , who plays the part of Cupid. This lady, if we mistake not, has before figured as the primière [sic] danseuse at this house. Signorina Bessone is a very good dancer, but is not a revelation. She has a genial method, and her pantomime is superior to that of most performers of her standing. Her figure is not exactly that of the traditional Cupid, and we cannot but think she could have been made to look more like that young gentleman who does such mischief with his bow and arrow if she had been costumed differently, and had worn a light wig. The second dancer is Miss Lillie Lee, a young lady whose capabilities we have more than once recognised. Miss Lee is a danseuse of much ability, and whatever she does she seems to accomplish with ease. It is quite possible that if this young lady rejoiced in a high-sounding patronymic, she would take even higher rank than she now enjoys. We must not forget to mention the able assistance rendered to the performance by Mdlle. Marie; the capital scenery of Mr. [T.E.] Ryan, the beautiful dresses supplied by Mons. [Charles] and Madame [Sarah] Alias, and the vigilant stage-management of Mr. Vernon Dowsett; while special recognition of the admirable music wedded in the work is due to Mr. [Georges] Jacobi, whose score furnishes another proof of this musician's thorough capableness. The military ballet, Le Bivouac [first produced at the Alhambra, 21 December 1885], remains in the bill, and comes later in the evening; while "variety" features are supplied by the Two Macks, the Brothers James, Mr. Wingfield, Miss Jenny Hill, Miss Lottie Collins, Mr. J.W. Rowley, and others. Miss Nellie L'Estrange was, through indisposition, unable to sing on Monday. She was replaced by Mr. Arthur Corney.'
|
'… representatives of a long list of nationalities take part in a procession, and dance and posture in characteristic fashion and in most picturesque costumes.'
illustrations from the programme of the corps de ballet in Cupid,
Alhambra Theatre of Varieties, Leicester Square, London, 24 May 1886
(printed by Clement-Smith & Co, 317 Strand, London, WC, 1886)
* * * * * * * *
Gladys Cooper as she appeared in Havana,
Gaiety Theatre, London, 1908
(photo: Bassano, London, 1908)
A sample of John Culme's hand made greetings cards,
currently available at the National Portrait Gallery, London.
The above greetings card and others like it have been made to celebrate Terence Pepper's current exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London, devoted to Bassano's early 20th Century photographs of theatrical celebrities. Images of Gabrielle Ray and Gladys Cooper are featured in the exhibition as are some of their contemporaries on the London stage, including Gertie Millar, Moya Mannering, Gaby Deslys, Olive May and Gina Palerme. The exhibition runs until 31 August.
A special CD entitled Gaiety Girls has been produced to coincide with the exhibition, available at the National Portrait Gallery bookshop and also direct from Tony Barker. With masterly transfers by Dominic Combe from rare original recordings, and twelve pages of sleeve notes by Patrick O'Connor, the CD comprises the following tracks:
Alice Delysia - I Know What I Want (1933)
Jessie Matthews and Sonnie Hale - Hold My Hand (1932)
Cicely Courtneidge and Harold French - A tiny flat in Soho Square (1927)
Dorothy Brown and Roy Royston - When I Waltz With You (1926)
José Collins and Kingsley Lark - The Last Waltz (1922)
Mamie Watson and Roy Royston - Japanese Duet (1920)
Marjorie Gordon - Tickle Toe (1918)
Ada Reeve - Is It Nothing To You? (1915)
Moya Mannering and Leslie Henson - Meet Me Around The Corner (1915)
Haidee de Rance and George Grossmith Jnr - They Didn't Believe Me (1915)
Connie Ediss - I Like To Have A Little Bit On (1911)
Olive May - The Lass With A Lasso (1911)
Gaby Deslys - Tout En Rose (1910)
Denise Orme and Arthur Grover - Swing Song (1906)
Delia Mason and Maurice Farkoa - My Portuguese Princess (1905)
Evie Greene - Try Again, Johnny (1902)
Ellaline Terriss - Gaiety Medley (1903).
The disc also includes the following unique recordings of broadcasts from the 1930s: Gertie Millar - Keep Off The Grass; Phyllis Dare and W. H. Berry - Let Me Introduce You To My Father; Ethel Levey - Ragtime Medley; and Evelyn Laye - The Call Of Life.
* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * *
© John Culme, 2004
|
* * * * * * * * |
Gladys Cooper as she appeared in Havana,
Gaiety Theatre, London, 1908
(photo: Bassano, London, 1908)
A sample of John Culme's hand made greetings cards,
currently available at the National Portrait Gallery, London.
The above greetings card and others like it have been made to celebrate Terence Pepper's current exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London, devoted to Bassano's early 20th Century photographs of theatrical celebrities. Images of Gabrielle Ray and Gladys Cooper are featured in the exhibition as are some of their contemporaries on the London stage, including Gertie Millar, Moya Mannering, Gaby Deslys, Olive May and Gina Palerme. The exhibition runs until 31 August.
A special CD entitled Gaiety Girls has been produced to coincide with the exhibition, available at the National Portrait Gallery bookshop and also direct from Tony Barker. With masterly transfers by Dominic Combe from rare original recordings, and twelve pages of sleeve notes by Patrick O'Connor, the CD comprises the following tracks:
Alice Delysia - I Know What I Want (1933)
Jessie Matthews and Sonnie Hale - Hold My Hand (1932)
Cicely Courtneidge and Harold French - A tiny flat in Soho Square (1927)
Dorothy Brown and Roy Royston - When I Waltz With You (1926)
José Collins and Kingsley Lark - The Last Waltz (1922)
Mamie Watson and Roy Royston - Japanese Duet (1920)
Marjorie Gordon - Tickle Toe (1918)
Ada Reeve - Is It Nothing To You? (1915)
Moya Mannering and Leslie Henson - Meet Me Around The Corner (1915)
Haidee de Rance and George Grossmith Jnr - They Didn't Believe Me (1915)
Connie Ediss - I Like To Have A Little Bit On (1911)
Olive May - The Lass With A Lasso (1911)
Gaby Deslys - Tout En Rose (1910)
Denise Orme and Arthur Grover - Swing Song (1906)
Delia Mason and Maurice Farkoa - My Portuguese Princess (1905)
Evie Greene - Try Again, Johnny (1902)
Ellaline Terriss - Gaiety Medley (1903).
The disc also includes the following unique recordings of broadcasts from the 1930s: Gertie Millar - Keep Off The Grass; Phyllis Dare and W. H. Berry - Let Me Introduce You To My Father; Ethel Levey - Ragtime Medley; and Evelyn Laye - The Call Of Life.
* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * *
© John Culme, 2004
|
The above greetings card and others like it have been made to celebrate Terence Pepper's current exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London, devoted to Bassano's early 20th Century photographs of theatrical celebrities. Images of Gabrielle Ray and Gladys Cooper are featured in the exhibition as are some of their contemporaries on the London stage, including Gertie Millar, Moya Mannering, Gaby Deslys, Olive May and Gina Palerme. The exhibition runs until 31 August.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
|
© John Culme, 2004
|