H.M.S. PINAFORE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), 21 May 1881, Page 3

H.M.S. PINAFORE.

The Lillipntian Pinafore Company made their first appearance before a Napier audience last evening at the Theatre Royal. They were welcomed by a crowded house, and from beginning to end the performance appeared to give the greatest delight and satisfaction. The universal praise which has been bestowed upon these juvenile players is fully warranted by the thoroughly enjoyable nature of their performance. We were fully prepared to see some hearty fun, and to see the youngsters enter into the thing con amore, but we were not prepared for the very careful rendering to which we listened. The whole of the crew, from the midshipmite and his chariming little partner to the gallant captain, who had been mixed tap in early childhood's days, were all admirably dressed, and, what is more, knew their parts and went through them with scarcely a mistake. If there was a pause at any time we believe it arose from an inclination on the part of some of the crew to be audience as well, and join in the laughter provoked. To begin with that distinguished naval luminary the First Lord, Miss Maud Pollard made up as a exquisite of the first water, and talked with a pomposity worthy of an older head. There was all the official fussiness which must have marked the " ruler of the Queen's navee" of a former day. The " official utterances'' were given with all the dignity necessary, and the song " Ruler of the Queen's Navee" was admirably done. Miss May Pollard as Josephine was charmingly dressed, and sang and acted with piquancy and grace. The same may be said of Miss Olive Pollard and Miss Salinger who took Little Buttercup and Hebe. CapCorcoran has evidently got up his part with care, and acted with a finish that could not have been expected from one so young. Ralph Rackstraw is a difficult part, and contains speeches which would puzzle many a practised hand, but Master Ormond went through it capitally, and sang with a sweetness and correctness which shows great aptitude and careful training. The Dick Deadeye of Master Osmond was perhaps the most wonderful performance for so youthful an aspirant. The untiring energy which is displayed, and the un failing absurdity of the positions assumed, are the source of endless amusement, and give promise of future excellence. The Black Cook muet not be omitted; his get up and his daocing were excellent. Even the little midshipmite bears a burden in the shape of a cocked hat, which must press heavily upon such young shoulders. The orchestra was really excellent, and rendered the music in a way superior to anything we have previously had in Napier. The office of leader is no sinecure, and the efficient way in which Mr Pollard keeps his band together, and, at the same time, keeps an eye to the diminutive crew before him, deserves the highest praise. The house that assembled last night was one of the largest there baa been in the Theatre Royal, and everything points to a very successful season for H.M.S. Pinafore, manned by this admirably trained little crew.