"Ethiopian Queer-Fish Minstrels" (1867)

Post date: Mar 28, 2012 2:23:47 PM

Extract from the Kentish Chronicle 23rd March 1867:

WATERINGBURY. Tuesday evening last, a number of Wateringbury gentlemen amateurs designating themselves "The Ethiopian Queer-Fish Minstrels," gave the second of a series of entertainments at the National School-rooms, to a very full and select audience. As the tickets had been rapidly disposed of some days previously great disappointment was felt by those who had not secured them in time, nearly one hundred not having been able to obtain admittance.

Among the company were the vicar, the Rev. H. Stevens, and lady, Dr and Mrs. Norton, G. Watson, Esq., Captain and Mrs. Fisher Evans and party, E. J. Goodwin, F. Leney, J. B. Jude, and H. White, Esqrs., W. Holding. Esq., and party, with other influential inhabitants in the neighbourhood.

The Performance passed off admirably, repeated bursts of applause being elicited by the excellent manner in which the music, both serious and burlesque was rendered. The amusement was well sustained to the last, and the ably sustained parts of bones and tambourine (by Messrs. Perry-Winkle and Dab) created much laughter, as also those of the other gentlemen, who gained hearty encores.

As it is understood that the proceeds of these entertainments are to be given in aid of our excellent institutions the Kent County Ophthalmic and West Kent General Hospitals, there is little doubt but that the " Ethiopian Queer-Fish Minstrels" will meet with the success they so well merit.

"Nigger minstrels" had become a popular entertainment in Music Halls (often with luxurious fittings and with a chairman directing proceedings) from their inception in the 1850s. Ethiopia was in the news at this time (1867) as its Emperor, Emperor Tewodros was holding a number of British citizens hostage and 5 months after the concert the despatch of an expeditionary force to Ethiopia was announced and the following year an army (including 44 elephants and which built its own railway line) sent from Bombay under Sir Robert Napier defeated the Ethiopeans and the hostages were released. The Ethiopian Queer Fish went on to play in neighbouring villages. the following extract is from the Maidstone Telegraph of 6th April 1867 reporting their appearance in Hadlow.

HADLOW- —On Tuesday evening last, "The Ethiopian Queer Fish Minstrels" gave their promised performance at the National school-room here. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather, many were prevented availing themselves of enjoying a thoroughly delightful and amusing entertainment. The Rev. J. J. Moneypenny and party, Dr Hooker, and several of the most influential residents were present, and the repeated plaudits and encores evinced that the audience fully appreciated the various abilities of the Wateringbury gentlemen. At the close of the performance, Capt. Moneypenny with his usual good taste, proposed a vote of thanks to the Queer Fish Minstrels, which was heartily responded to. We understand their next and fifth appearance will be at Tonbridge, the 2nd week in April.