Pollard's Opera Company.

Hastings Standard, Issue 53, 27 June 1896, Page 2

Pollard's Opera Company.

PAUL JONES. The announcement of Planquette's masterpiece again filled the Princess Theatre last evening. The audience was as enthusiastic as it was numerous. The members of the company all seemed to he in rare form, and the opera went with a swinging precision that was greatly appreciated. As on the previous occasion, " The Insect" and the other Mariner came in more often than ever for applause; in fact the audience didn't want them to retire at all, and apparently many of them would have been satisfied had all the others been "despatched" in the first act, leaving Alf Stevens and Master Albert to run the rest of' the performance themselves. There can be no two opinions about 4he lastnamed as a comedian. He is irresistibly funny, and if his head doesn't swell with conscious pride in sympathy with his success he has a brilliant future before him. Miss Emily Metcalfe was again in evidence as Rufeno de Martinez, but we missed her beautiful solo " 0 Fair One." Miss Maud Beatty and Miss Marion Mitchell were accorded lots of recognition for both vocal and other efforts, and into other characters surrounding Paul Jones was thrown much vim. The limelight man again played a prominent part, and although he was not on view himself his work was appreciated all the same. The scenery was also effective, and was from tfee brush of W. Percy, the

last victim to borough bye-laws. If he wasn't born to be a success on a bicycle he will probably make his mark as a scenic artist. The choruses last night were all remarkably well sung, and the music from the orchestra was perfect. As there are a number of strangers in town and a great many more who are not strangers, all who worship a genuine article cannot do better than patronise Mr Tom Pollard's combination to-night, when Girofle-Girofla will be staged. This is an opera almost as funny and just as popular as Paul -Jones. Arrangements have been made for the company holding the boards until Monday night, when Olivette will be produced.