THEATRE ROYAL

Press, Volume XLII, Issue 6248, 28 September 1885, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL

"THE SOBCEBER." The production, on Saturday evening, by amateurs, of Gilbert and Sullivan's pretty little opera of "The Sorcerer," adds yet another to the list of successes scored by Christchurch amateurs. As will be recollected, " Lea Cloches de Corneville " waß given some time ago in a manner which was by no means eclipsed by tbe professional companies who produced it a'terwards. The opera selected for production on Saturday evening is by no means an easy one for amateurs, and therefore the genuine success achieved throughout by those engaged in it ia the more to be commended. From first to last it went with surprising accuracy and comI pletenesß, considering that considerable ! allowances always have to be made for fir_t productions. But in tho case of Saturday evening's performance none of tbia indulgence was needed. Every character was well filled, the dialogue was spoken without the aid of the prompter, and eaoh and all filled the parts allotted to them as easily and gracefully as if it were the tenth representation instead of the first. For this result the ladies and gentlemen filling the parts are no doubt indebted, in a great degreee, to the exertions of Mr Arthur Towsey, who has spared neither time nor trouble to put the opera en the stage in as Complete a form as possible. That this has been achieved, and that the performers, one and all, are entitled to a high meed of praise, we feel sure all who were present at the very enjoyable performance on Satnrday evening will most heartily agree. Before speaking of the way in which the various parte were rendered, a word of praise is due for the admirable manner in which the opera was dressed and staged, every detail being attended to, and though the stage manager's name does not appear in print, that official deserves commendation. The lady who impersonated Aline both .sang and acted admirably, entering most fully into the humour and spirit of the opera, particularly in the scenes with Alexis after the marriage. Her first aria, «. Ob, happy young heart," was very nicely sang, and evoked an enthusiastic encore and a shower of bouquets* Jn the concerted music which closes tiie first a.t, too, her voice was heard to advantage. In the second act there is not much solo music for the part of .Aline, but the concerted .pieces, especially' in the quintette. Were well rendered. As a whole, the part was capitally sustained throughout. Lady Sangazure was in the handa of a lady who, alike in singing and acting made it one of the successes of the evening. She was particularly good in the duet, in the first act, " Welcome Joy," and the minuet was given with due grace and stote__ne_s, and. in the duet with tbe Sorcerer in. tiie second. Mra Partiett found a very able representative, and the music of tbe jpart was very well given throughout, especially in the quintette; and Constance also was very good, though there is not a great deal for her in the opera to do. As a whole, the ladies filling the principal parts are to be congratulated upon the success they undoubtedly achieved. Of the gentlemen, firat in order of merit comes the representative of John Wellington Wells. This gentleman played the part with an aplomb and stage knowledge quite equal to. any professional impersonation of it that we have had here. The patter song, was admirably rendered, and in the incantation: scene he waa -imply***;, immense. Alike in singing and acting the part was most admirably played throughout. Alexis was in. the hands of one of our beat amateur tenor singeri, and he rendered the music throughout admirably. Where all was bo good it is hard to select anything .or speoial commendation, but perhaps the pretty ballad, "Thou hast the power," in 1 the second act, was the moat successful. The one in the first act, -Love feeds," was very well sung. The gentleman to whom the part of Dr. Daly had been entrusted made quite a success, both in singing and acting, though he was scarcely made up old enough for the part. His rendering of the ballad " Time was," and the song iv the stc.nd act "Oh, my voice is sad, deserved very great praise, as,.indeed, does his impersonation of the character throughout. The part of Sir Maxmaduke was admirably sustained, and the gentleman filling it was especially good in the duet with Lady Sangazure, *• Welcome Joy." Mcster C. Towsey made a charming little page. The choruses were good, being well in tune and having plenty of volume. This was-especially noticeable in the one " Now to the banquet we prees " and the concluding one " Oh, marvellous illusion." The country dance was given with much spirit and grace, and had to be repeated. There was a very large audience, and both encores and bouquets were numerous. As haa been said, the result was a success, aud it is to be hoped it will be an incentive to those taking part in the opera to give us some others in due course. "The Sorcerer" will be repeated to-night, and as will be seen by advertisement, the prices for the stalls and pit have been reduced.