THEATRE ROYAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3556, 31 December 1881, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY. " Martha " was tbe opera produced last night, and it attracted a large audience. Miss Montague took the leading pait, being supported by Miss Godfrey as Nancy, Mr Turner as Lionel, and Mr Farley aa Plunket. With such a strong cast, the opera went well, and the quartettes and other concerted music with which it abounds were magnificently rendered. In the first act the quartette, "See, sec, note his looks aamiring," and the spinningwheel scene, in the second act, exhibited a freshness and vigour that left nothing to be deßircd. Miss Montague won the hearts ot the audience by her charming singing of "The Last Rose of aummer." It was not only a perfect specimen of vocalization, but replete wiih the moat delicate taste and expression. An encore was, of course, insisted upon. Mr Farley was applauded for his spirited singing of tho air, "Know ye, dear friendp," and received a well-mcri cd encore in the air, " Who can love's trouble impart?' Miss Godfrey's rich voice told well in all the music allotted to her; and Mr Turner pleased us more and more as tbe opera proceeded. His delivery ol thewcll-known air, " Oh, how fair," was impassioned beyond measure, and bis clear high notes rang out with tremendous power. Tho quintette at the end of tho third act was superbly sung. Mr Benhnm made a capital Sir Tristram, full of drollery; and the "get up " of Mr Gordon as the Sheriff was excellent. The opera was well placed upon the stage, the scenery and dresses being admirable. A new comic opera, " The lioyal Middy," by Genee, is to be produced tonight Active preparations havo been made for its fitting production, and it is said to possess merit enough to "draw" lor an cd tire week. There will doubtless be a bumper house to-night.