THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3362, 17 January 1879, Page 4

THEATRE ROYAL.

The amateurs of Mr. Towlo und Signora "Venosta were considerably reinforced in their repetition of " Martha " last, night by Miss Amy Sherwin, who appeared in the title r&le. She qualifications of this ar/is/ciov the part arc so well known, that it will excite no surprise to learn that Martha wa3 very well performed. Mis 3 Sherwin's conception of the purt was intelligent and agreeable, and her yoice in tho first four acts absolutely revelled in the music, maintaining its clearness, sympathetic character, an^l easy power throughout the extremely liigh range required. In the light sparkling passages with which this opera abounds, her voieo and graceful style were specially tit home, tho particular instances deserving mention being the duet with tho contralto in tho first act, nnd the " Spinning Wheel " quartette in the ociond. In recitative she is admirable, clear in intonation, witb justness and force of emphasis. That blio can sing a ballad Christchurch audiences already knew, for which l'eiuon her delicately tasteful singing of " The litut Rose of Summer" surprised no one. What perhaps was a surprise to somo was tho |M>wer with which her voico dominatod principals, chorus, nnd orchestra. Till one heai'3 Miss Sherwin in operu, one docs not realise her full vocal capacity. There was yet one item of surprise, and that was a slight indication of fatigue in the last act, which detracted somewhat from the completeness of tho performance. Throughout tho evening Miss Sherwin was received with very flattering evidences of approval. The rest of the cast stud the orchestra wore the same as on previous occasions. Thore was by no means the same " go" in the chorus as on the first night, nor did they sing nearly so well as on that occaaion. In other respects the performance was quite successful. A variation was introduced in the "Fair" scene in the shape of the naval ballet, in which Signor Borzoni's boys ugain amused tho audience. The number of evolutions was so great, and their character apparently bo complicated that the training these boys went through must have been patient and careful. In fact, it seems to us that the annn who could train this ballet to their last night's form can do anything. Bignor Borzoni's aptitutlo as a ballet-master is evidently verr considerable.

Ifor to-night tho Hospital concert is announced. Miss Amy Sherwin and Signora Vonosta, Miss Taylor, and Mr Towle are among tho performers, and a very attractive programme his been a long time advertised.