THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3360, 15 January 1879, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

The re-appearance of Miss Amy Sherwin last night was fche signal for a large house, which assembled in spite of the very inclement character of the night. The selection of the programme was an element in the attraction, for the music enabled Miss Sherwin to show her talents and fine voice to far greater advantage than in a ballad concert. The last acfc of '* Maritana," the sestette from " Lucia," and the fourth act of " 11 Trovatore," afford, it is needless to say, grand opportunities for display. The. impression

formed of Miss Sherwin on ha lasfc visit; here, was more than sustained by her performance lasfc nighfc. She evidently felt the benefit of fche greater freedom which belongs to operatic music, of the large audience, superior to anything she saw on her previous visifc, and of the superior acoustic properties of the building, whieli gave scope to her fresh, pure voice. The selection fyom "Maritana," which was not performed in character, introduced Misa Sherwin in Avbat must be one of her best parts. It would hi hard to mention anything finer as having; been heard in the Theatre Boyal than the duet " Sainted Mother," given,, as ifc was, by two such fine voices as those of Miss Sherwin aud Signora Venosta, and with so' much taste and style. The singing of the prima donna was through the rest of the piece marked by facility and elegance, and she was well supported by Mr Towle acd his amateurs. The applause was very frequent and prolonged. The sestette from I " Lucia," thafc followed, might have- been better sung as a whole, but it was worth hoaring. The great feature of the evening, however, was the fourth act of " Trovatore," in which Signora Venosta unmistakably carried oft first honours by her fine acting as Azucena, and her not less fine singing. Miss Sherwin's Leonora showed what a very promising young artiste she is, and she not only gofc through fche difficult and trying music wifch undiminished vigour and power, but showed dramatic talent which fs original and intelligent. Mr Towle was effective in Manrico, which is the heaviest part in the matter of dramatic singing he has yet attempted in opera. The music in the Miserere scone and the scene in the prison was given very artistically by the three last named singers. A little orchestra of five instruments, under the leadership of Mr Biinz, Mr Searell conducting, accompanied very pleasantly throughout; the evening. The entertainment, as a whole, was one of the most successful we have seen here for a long time. A pleasing item, we must not forget to. say, was a ballet, described in the bills as a naval ballet, got up under the auspices of Signor Borzoni. It was danced by a little crowd of boys in white sailor costumes, whose numerous and varied evolutions made a pretty sight, and were alike creditable to themselves and their trainer.

On Thursday evening Mr Towle and his amateurs will produce " Martha " once again, with Miss Amy Sherwin in the title role. As this will be an opportunity of seeing this promising artiste with' all her energies concentrated on a single part, we expect a good attendance.