LES CLOCHES DE CORNEVILLE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3179, 6 September 1881, Page 3

LES CLOCHES DE CORNEVILLE.

Mr Pollard's juvenile troupe played to a crowded ard sympathetic house last night. If anything were wanting to show that really good entertainments will always meet with liberal patronage in Napier the reception accorded to these children would do it. On their first appearance here there was such an evidence of thorough training, and such a hearty interest displayed by the children themselves in the work tbey had in band, that the sympathies of Napier playgoers were at once enlisted. Although " H.M.S. Pinafore is better adapted, both in situations and in music, to tbe capabilities of young folks than " Les Cloches de Corneville," the opera was performed last night with a precision and vigor which were admirable. The scenes on tbe way to the fair, and at the fair, are full of interest and variety. Miss May Pollard, as the pert and wayward Serpolette, acts with wonderful spirit, and keeps the stage alive with her vivacious antics. As the charming little neice of the proscribed nobleman the acting and singing of Miss Julia Simmons is perhaps the most attractive part of the performance ; there is a quiet demure charm about her performance which exhibits not only careful training but an intuitive appreciation of the requirements of the character. In the bell legend she sang admirably, and was thoroughly well supported by the chorus. Miss Maud Pollard as the Marquis acted with care. The Gaspard of Master H. Salinger is an astonishing performance for one so young; there was a force about his efforts to express tbe greed of the miser, in the scene at the old chateau, that was thoroughly successful, and throughout he maintained a difficult character with effect. Master E. Osmond as the pompous bailie was irresistable; with perhaps more to do than any other character in the piece he sustained the trying character with vigor and success. In some of the scenes he was irresietably funny, and diffused a genial element throughout the whole play. Master C. Osmond as Grenicheux sang with bis usual care and success, and received loud applause for his rendering of " On billow rocking," and several other pieces falling to his, share. The Gobo of Master J. Sheehan was well done, both in make-up and in acting. All the other characters were thoroughly well taken, and the whole performance was one of the most enjoyable of its kind. The scenery and the entire manner in which the piece is mounted does great credit to all concerned. The orchestral part of the opera was admirable, and tended not a little to the enjoyment of the opera. The same opera will be repeated to-night and tomorrow night, and give place to " Pinafore " on Thursday.