Pollard’s Opera Company.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7267, 21 July 1893, Page 2

Pollard’s Opera Company.

"THE GONDOLIERS.” There was another full house last night to see the repetition of “The Gondoliers,” as portrayed by Pollard’s Liliputian Opera Company at the Theatre Boyal. The perform ance was equally as good as on Wednesday erecing, and the audience enjoyed the opera greatly. All the loading items were encored, even a double encore hardly sati-fied the delighted listeners; and the solos by Misses Marion Mitchell, Maud Beatty, May Beatty, Nelly Wilson; Lily Everett, and Lily Stephens, were enthusiastically re-demanded The duets between the first four young ladies were similarly honoured ; and the concerted singing was quite a treat. All the dances were also rodemandod, so that altogether the young people bad a long evening of it The scenery as in the ease of ail the company’s operas was of a special and appropriate kind, and the

natural way the gondola was moved on tba stage was thoroughly appreciated. The costumes were very picturesque, the grouping most effective, and the various scenes were splendidly set. All were agreed that “ The Gondoliers ” wes quite what is modestly claimed for it—“ Gilbert and Sullivan's most tuneful work.” " THE LITTLS DUKE ” TO-NIGHT. To-night the company are to be seen in ■* The Little Duke,” a bright military opera by Lecocq. This opera is especially characteristic for tuneful melodies and attractive choruses. The original juveniles were a great success in it, the military element proving the strong attraction, and the great success of the tour of the company in India was said to be solely owing to this. The plot is slender, »nd briefly put is as follows; —The Little Duke is wed for state reasons to Blanche de Oaoabray • boy and girl are greatly devoted to each other, but it is decided that though their marriage was a political necessity, they are too young to live together and the bride is sent back to school. The Little Duke shortly afterwards acquits himself with great gallantry in the field, and as a reward the couple are united. The chief character, that of the Duke, is to be entrusted to Miss Marion Mitchell, whoso superior singing has charmed everyone daring the season in limaru. The major portion of the comedy of the Opera is to be found in the second act, and the school children and a special body of rustics armed in an impromptu manner to defend the school, are responsible for a good deal of merriment. The rustic army especially are ridiculously funny. It will thus be seen that the perform ance this evening should be very good.

“THE GONDOLIERS” TO-MOBHOW AFTERNOON,

To-morrow afternoon in place of “Pina* fore,” it has been decided, at the request of many well wishers, to repeat “ The Gondoliers/' bo that all young folk and others who cannot go at night, may have an opportunity of seeing this charming opera. The staging will be complete in every way, and at “ matinee prices,” the theatre should be crowded.