Amateur Opera Company.

Hastings Standard, Issue 135, 1 October 1896, Page 2

Amateur Opera Company.

" lOLANTHE."

The Princess Theatre was well patronised last evening, when " lolanthe " was staged for the second time. The audience was appreciative and enthusiastic, and all the best numbers were encored. The play ran throughout with a swing that was to be commended. The orchestra had been strengthened by Mr House (trombone) and Mr Sheath (double bass), and their work was much steadier and more effective than on the opening night. The waltz played during the interval was a finished performance. A marked improvement was noticeable in many of the vocal items, and more " go " was infused into the concerted music. The fairies and their leaders, Misses Wrigley, Caulton, and Langley, were decidediy good ; but the Peers were still intent on running away from the music. There seemed to be an anxiety to make the very most of what Sir Arthur Sullivan had asked them to do, and they are capable of doing better work than they have put in so far. Mesdames Johnson and Wrigley were again successful in obtaining appreciation from the audience, and Mrs Price was in splendid voice, an encore being demanded for an excellent rendition of " O Foolish Fay." Messrs Davidson, Evan, Holt, and Ridgway were all good, Mr Holt receiving a double

encore for " When Britons really ruled the Wave," which was backed up by the best chorus in the opera. The make-tip of the various performers was pleasing, and showed what a real" artiste Mr A. Hyde is. There is generally a tendency to overdo this part of a show. The limelight was again effectively manipulated by Messrs Tyerman and Cox. On the whole the performance was an improvement on the initial effort of the company, and to-night the members should be quite at home in their several parts. Those who have seen the opera will be there again, and those who have not yet witnessed it should not miss the opportunity of seeing a first-class performance.