THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5584, 17 January 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

The amateurs of Mr Towle and Signora »enoata were considerably reinforced in their of “ Martha ’ last night by Miss Amy Sherwin, who appeared in the title role, -ine qualifications of this artiste for the part we so well known, that it will excite no surprise o earn that Martha was very well perSherwin’s conception of the ‘ w as intelligent and agreeable, and her in* C *i iri absolutely revelled maintaining its clearness, jmpathetio character, and easy power

throughout Ac extremely high range required In the light sparkling passages with winch this opera abounds, her voice and graceful style were specially at home, the particular instances deserving mention being the duet with the contralto in the Orst act and the “ Spinning Wheel" quartette in the second. In recitative she is admirable, clear m intonation, with justness and force of emphasis. That she can sing a ballad Christchurch audiences already knew, for which reason her delicately tasteful singing of “The List Rose of Summer” surprised no one What perhaps was a surprise to some was t ho power with which her voice dominated principals, chorus, and orchestra. Till one hears Miss Shcrwin in opera, one does not realise her full vocal capacity. There was yet one item of surprise, and that, was a slight indication of fatigue in the last act, which detracted somewhat from the completeness of the performance. Throughout the evening Miss Shcrwin was received with very flattering evidences of approval. The rest of the cast and the orchestra were the same as on previous occasions. There was by no means the same “ go’ in the chorus as on the first night, nor did they sing nearly so well as on that occasion. In other respects tho performance was quite successful. A variation was introduced in the “ Fair” scene in the shape of tho naval ballet! in which Signor Somoni's boys again amused the audience. The number of evolutions was so great, and their character apparently so complicated that the training these boys went through must have been patient and careful. In fact, it seems to us that the man who could train this ballet to their last night's form can do anything. Signor Borzoni's aptitude as a ballet-master is evidently very considerable. lor to-night tho Hospital concert is announced. Miss Amy Sherwin and Signora Teuosta, Miss Taylor, and Mr Towle are among the performers, and a very attractive programme has been a long time advertised.