THE LILIPUTIANS.

Thames Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 8081, 28 June 1895, Page 2

THE LILIPUTIANS.

"THE GONDOLIERS."

Pollard's L;liputians gave another most successful performance at the Academy last right, the juveniles excelling, if possible, their efforts of the opening night. Every part of the house was crowded to its utmost extent, the psllery and pit being ao densely packed that many had to content themselves with standing room. The opera produced last evening was Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece, " The Gondoliers," which has had so great a run of popularity everywhere, and we have no hesitation in saying that v The Gondoliers" was never entrusted fo better hands. The bright and attrractive music of the opera was rendered to perfection, and the excellent manner in which the leading characters were acted stamps the juveniles as fully equal to aey aiult company in the colonies As Casilda, daughter of the Duke of Plaza Toro, Miss Cissy Sandford scored another great success, her acting and singing leaving' nothing to be desired The gem of the evening was certainly tho song by Marcq, "Take a pair of sparkling eyas," which was delightfully rendered byMissMarion Mitchell. Thischarming little performer, although given a part which hardly allowed sufficient scepe for her talent, was perfect as Marco, and when she had ft'lished the song in question, which amply shows off the compass and quality of her wonderful voice, the audience- enthusiastically demanded a double encore. Miss Emily Metcalfe, aa the Duchess of Plaza Toro, and Miss Maud Beatty, as Guiseppe, acquitted themselves most creditably, the clatter's robust voice taking the lower notes excellently. Misses Lily Stephens and May Beatiy appeared to great advantage in the parts of Tessa and Gianetta, the outraged wives. Their singing and acting wore charmingly fresh and exact in every detail. Masters Alf Stephens and Harry Quealy gave every satisfaction in the roles of the Duke and the Grand Inquisitor. The former made the utmost use of the epigram and comicalities which abound throughout the piece, and never failed to draw the audience. Master Quealy cleverly performed the part of the Grand Inquisitor, and we doubt whether anyone could have filled the role to better advantage, Miss ■ Neliie Wilson's rendition of Luiz was also much

appreciated, and the rest of the company one and all acquitted themselves well, A special word of

praise is due to the juveniles for the

excellent manner in which they danced the cachuea and minuet, their execution of these dances, although hampered by the smallness of the stage, being all that could be desired. Every credit is due to the otchestra, who satisfactorily fulfilled their part of the programme, and to the management fo- the way in which the opera was dres ,ed and staged.

To-night the company will produce Audran's well .jnown opera "Olivette," in which the juveniles appear at their best, and we have no doubt that their efforts will be rewarded with another crowded house. A special feature of

the performance of "Uncle Tom" tomorrow night will be the "living bridge" in the scene between the Quaker and Tom Loker, for which Messrs Connor Bros., acrobat?, have been engaged. To-morrow afternoon

the old but ever popular " H.M.S. Pinafore" will be staged. The excellence of the programme which the juveniles have still before them is an unfailing guarantee that the interest will be fully guetained, and altogether

the neadon bide well to be aa uaqaall' £l 3d success