Pollard's Opera Company.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7269, 24 July 1893, Page 2

Pollard's Opera Company.

“THE GONDOLIERS." There was an excellent attendance at the Theatre Boyal on Saturday to witneas tbe matinee performance by the Liliputian Opera Company. The theatre was specially darkened for tbe occasion, and tbe performance was greatly enjoyed. The bill was a repetition (by request) of “The Gondoliers," and though time did not allow of encores, tbe audience showed by their prolonged and cordial applause, that they were greatly enjoying themselves. Master Stephens, who is suffering from a very severe cold, was unable to appear, but Master Pearoy who took bis place played well, the more so as he had only an hour or two to study tbe part. The Misses Mitchell, Stephens, Everett, Beatty, Ford, and others, who had leading parts, did exceedingly well, and the opera went with quite as much verve as at the evening productions. « THE PIRATES." Another good house greeted the company on Saturday night, when the season was brought to a close. Mies Mitcbel was tbe especial favourite, and was honoured with a dual encore for her delightful rendering of “ Poor Wandering One." Miss Metcalfe did ample justice to the part of “ Frederick," Miss M. Beatty that of “Pirate Sing,” Miss N. Wilson of “ Buth," Master Percy of '* MajorGeneral,” Master Quealy of “ Sergeant,” and the other leaders also ably assisted them. The policemen were great fun, a local hit in this part, fairly carrying tbe listeners away ; and the solo singing of the tiniest lady in the company created a storm of applause. Added to tbe sterling performance, was first class scenery, and the delightful playing of an orchestra which has added greatly to the; enjoyment of the operas presented here. The piccolo solo by one of the latter between tbe acts was certainly the finest ever heard in Timaru. Tbe opera concluded with tbe song of “Tbe Old Flag,” well sung by Master Percy, and a beautiful scene of “ Brittania ” rising from the waters. Tbe company go from here to Dunedin, opening on Wednesday evening, and play a three weeks' season. It is likely thit the company will return to Timaru to play at the Theatre Boyal on race nights. |