THEATRE ROYAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3560, 6 December 1882, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

The Opera.

Gilbert and Sullivan's aesthetic opera " Patience " was reproduced with great success at the Theatre Royal last evening by tbe Tambour-Major Opera Company. " Patience" is one of those rare operatic works that steadily improves on acquaintance, and that presents new features of interest with each successive representation ; the music aiso seems to become more and more beautiful as one gets accustomed. to it. The piece itself ia

admirably adapted to the resources of Mr Macallum's company, for better representations of the characters of Bunthorne, Patience, and Grosvenor it would be extremely difficult to find than are given by Mr Vernon, Miss Elsa May, and Mr Drayton respectively. All three of the artistes inst named, as also Miss Navarro, were accorded the most hearty recognition for their clever acting and singing last night, each receiving frequent recalls. At the finish of that beautiful air, "Love is a plaintive song," Miss May retired amidst a shower of handsome bouquets, the storm of applause being vigorously kept up until she re-appeared and repeated the last verse. Miss Navarro and Miss Blanche Lewis were also the recipients of floral tributes. Mr Vernon was recalled araidßt deafening applause for his rendering of the recitative and song in the first act, and a similar compliment was extended to the same gentleman and Miss Navarro at the conclusion of the duet "So go to him and say to him." The duet, "He was a little boy," by Miss May and Miss F. Liddiard, was capitally given, time and tune being carefully observed throughout. The ladies Angela, Saphia, and Ella found capable exponents J in Misses F. Liddiard, Blanche and F. Lewis, both with respect to the fiiologue as well as the music set for them. Miss Navarro as Lady Jane was as successful as ever, which is saying a great deal. Mr Drayton received the usual encore for his solo, " The Silver Churn," a song that suits his voice admirably. A repeat was also demanded in the duet with Bunthorne, " When I go out of doors." Messrs Dark, Lindsay and Sullivan were each successful in the parts allotted to them. The choruses generally were steady, while the overtures and accompaniments by Signor Tramaglia's orchestra left nothing to be desired. To-night "Billee Taylor" will be produced for the last time in Napier, and tomorrow evening "La Fille dv Madam ADgot" is promised.