Theatre Royal.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5258, 14 May 1895, Page 2

Theatre Royal.

TAMBOVB MAJOR,

Never bos Offenbach a bright and spark* ling opera La Fille dv Tambour Major been represented on the Cbristohurch stage in more lively and effective style than it was la6t night by Pollard's Juveniles at the Theatre Koyal. The ycuug people entered into the spirit of the work with tho utmost heartine 3, and acted, aaDg and danced with a vivaciy and abandon which made tho performance go briskly add brightly from the openirg sceap in the convent garden at Biella to the entry ot tbe French troops in Milan at the close. Much of tbe .success of tbep?rformance waa due to tho vivacious acting and flinging of Miaa Marion Mitchell a3 Stella. She gained encores for her songs, "Forbidden Fruit" and "I'm a Litte Jdhu." Miss Sissy Sand ford was a fascinating Griolet, and used her sweat and ! flexible voice so artistic illy and effectively | in the songs "Cold as the Snow" and "A Jewelled Throno " that the audience very properly eucored them. Mibs Maud Beatty'a really capital acting was the chief feature of her impersonation of the dashing Capitaine Robert, bub she nlao sang spiritedly and well. Mies Emily Metcalfe gave a capable interpretation of tho difficult part of the Duoheaa Delia Volta ; hor dramatis and tasteful sinking of " Oh, What a Strange Peeling," gained a well-deserved encore; and her singing and acting in the scene with Monthabor in the third act were decidedly good. Miss Neliie Wilson, who received the compliment of a bouquet, was an appropriately vivacious and pert vivandiere, and sang her song " One, two," with much epint. The Monthabor of Master Pisrcy was a really powerful performance, marked by both tragio and comic force. He was especially good in the duet with the Duchets in the last aofc. Master Alf Stephens was very atnusiug as tne senile Duke Delia Volta; and Master Harry Quealy, though lie somewhat overdid tbe part, entered thoroughly into the tun of the character of the coxcomb Marquis Bambini. The minor roles wero capably sustained. Great credit is due to tho chorus and orchestra, who, under Mr Harris m's careful direction, acquitted themselves capitally. Mr Vennerinark's Bcenery was exceedingly pretty, and the dresses woro brilliant ; hence the spectacular effects, particularly the final entry of the troops with band and banner, were highly effective. It is almost needlesi to cay that the results of Mr Tom Pollard's able Btage management were very appazent throughout the performance. To-night Lea Cloches de Corneville will be produced.