THE LILIPUTIAN " PINAFORE " COMPANY.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 107, 9 May 1881, Page 2

THE LILIPUTIAN " PINAFORE " COMPANY.

Pollard's Liliputian " Pinafore " Company made their first appearance at tho Theatre Royal on Saturday night, and Were greeted with a capital house. Altogether, the company number between 70 and 80 performers. The ago 3of many of these have not reached double figures. Of the remainder, some must be getting well up in their teens, and are remarkably fine children for their age. five of tho leading characters are sustained by members of the Pollard family, and, on the whole, were well represented, especially in view of the tender years of the perforators. Indeed, tho whole of tho porformerß acquitted themselves creditably, exhibiting an amazing acquaintance with tho music, dialogue, and stage business. To Krnest Osmond, however, must be awarded thelargestmeasure of praise. He undertook the part of- Diok Deadeye, in which he succeeded in repeatedly throwing the audience into fifc3 of uncontrollable laughter. He is certainly a funny little rascal. Next in order of merit ranks Miss May Pollard's Josephine, wlvch was very fairly represented. As Captiin Corcoran, Herbert Salinger also acquitted himself well, but his omission of one of tho gems of the opera — " Fair Moon to Thee " — was a notable error on his part Miss Olive Pollard was hardly successful as Little Buttercup. Her voice was strained and unnatural, and her articulation indistinct, while her "get np " was that of a ohild instead of a bumboafc- woman. .• The role of Sir Joseph Porter found an exponent in Miss Maude Pollard (said to be 14 years of age). It would be unfair to expect of so young a lady anything approaching perfection in this character ; therefore, we dismiss her with the remark that she did her best, for which she is entitled to commendation. One or two novelties were impoi ted into the performance that were scarcely contemplated by tho authors of the opera. For instance, in the first act a black cook— a sort of Billy Wilson in miniature — appears and essays B.'tong and breakdown in true negro style. Willie Pollard took this part and his efforts wore rewarded with an encore. The "Gallant Captain" duet and the "bell trio" met with a similar compliment. Nono of the remaining characters call for special notice. Under Mr. J. J. Pollard, jun v the orchestra, comprising about a dozen instrumentalists, rendered good service ; and the scenery, by Mr. J. S. Willis, the well-known artist, proirokod universal admiration, the picture of the deck of the " Pinafore" and her sutroundinga being really splendidly executed. The performance this evening will be nnder the patronage of Commodore Wilson and tho officers of H.M.S.'Wolverene.