Pollard's Opera Company.

Hastings Standard, Issue 55, 30 June 1896, Page 2

Pollard's Opera Company.

OLIVETTE. Wlien Mr Tom Pollard broke a record in Saturday's house it was thought impossible to better it, but the crowd at the Princess Theatre last evening numbered at least one hundred more, and if the audience was not comfortable it was enthusiastic. It was the farewell performance, and the popular company received a good sendoff. In Audran's opera of Olivette the members were quite at home, and the fun of the piece was enjoyed by all. There were numbers of floral tributes thrown to the principals, who were all worthy of such recognition. Mr Pollard has now a company that would do itself credit anywhere, and he may reckon New Zealand as his home so long as he keeps the members up to the unusually high pedestal on which they stand. It is a company with few inconsistencies, and every piece is played on its merits. There is no in-and-out " running," and every opera produced has many points to recommend it. The season in Hastings has proved that the company is worthy of support, for each night since the break in the weather on Wednesday has seen a bigger house than the last. Last night Miss Marion Mitchell, Miss Maud Beatty, and Miss Emily Metcalfe divided honors with W. Percy, Alf Stevens, and H. Quealy. To-night the company opens in Napier in " Paul Jones," which cannot fail to draw a bumper house.