THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5715, 20 June 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

Despite the very inclement weather last night, the Theatre Royal ; was . fairly attended. The programme consisted of the 'whole of “ H.M?S. Pinafore,” and the first and fourth acts of “ Emani.” The first went admirably, the choruses especially being better heard than in the former representation. Mrs Talbot was suffering from considerable hoarseness in her lower notes, but, notwithstanding, gave the higher passages of her part with much effect. Signora Yenosta was in grand voice, greatly contributing to the success of the performance. The whole piece was given : with great life, spirit, and precision, and the superior style to which the chorus has attained—quite up to the standard established by the “ Martha” performances—enables the voices to hold their own with the powerful orchestra, which on the first representation was out of proportion through no fault of the instrumentalists. “ H.M.B. Pinafore,” as performed by Mr Towle’s class, is decidedly worth seeing, so much so that when the finale introducing the Characteristic airs of the principal performers arrives, one regrets that the performance has been so short. The .rest of the programme consisted of two acts from “ Ernam ” —the first and the fourth. They were preceded by the same arranged overture as last night, in which the instrumentation of the excellent; orchestra was again specially noticeable. One of the features of this item was the fine clarionet solo of Mr Mohr, and another woe the cornet folo of Mr Coombs, both players showing good style and remarkable: purity of tone. This overture alone should be sufficient to draw an audience. The first fait of “ Ernam ” which followed, was a vast improvement on the previous night’s performance. It was not only that, the King’s part was given generally in better tune, but there was a marked increase of efficiency in all the parts, producing smoothness, crispness, and good balance of voices and instruments. The general rendering was intelligent and praiseworthy, and was heartily applauded. advantage—in the concerted music more especially. Jhi her rendering of the air “ Ernani, Love, Ely with Mo,” which was in very good style she was interrupted by frequent plaudits, and the whole of -her music was received with most flattering demonstrations. Mr Towle was in very fine voice, and had less to do to keep the other performers together; the consequence was a successfully artistic impersonation of the title role. His opening solo, “As When the Morning Dews Refresh,” was one of the gems of tho opera, and the "same may be said of the air “ O Thou, My life’s Soul Treasure,” which ho sang with great power and energy. The opening chorus of bandits was given with specially fine effect, the orchestral accompaniments and excellent conducting being here specially remarkable and enjoyable. The opening air of Don Silva was also finely given. This r6le likewise showed a marked improvement, the acting being for more careful and suitable. The various pieces of concerted music by which the first act is enriched were given generally with capital effect. Chief among them for precision and dramatic force may be mentioned the unaccompanied quintette and chorus* which! follow the discovery of the Sling in the castle of Don Silva. The performance of the last act was quite up to the standard of the first. The orchestration was throughout brilliant, and the conducting steady and reliable. The performance as a whole was highly creditable to amateurs. We are happy to see the same bill announced for to-night.