OPERA SEASON CLOSES AT THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18009, 20 November 1926, Page 6

OPERA SEASON CLOSES AT THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

LARGE CROWDS SEE AND ENJOY “ THE MIKADO.” Forty years ago “The Mikado” was first produced at the Savoy Theatre, London, and ever since then it has been a great favourite with British audiences, and so long as the work of Gilbert and Sullivan means anything to English people its popularity will not wane. It is full of beautiful satire and nimble humour, which is as fresh now as the day it wm written. Sullivan's music in this opera, too. is gay and beautiful. Nowhere in theatrical history has there been a more perfect example of collaboration in the fullest sense than in “The Mikado.” The story is sprightly and full of brilliantly ridiculous situations. In the opera are to be found some of the most popular Savoy songs—one need only call to mind “A Wandering Minstrel I,” I “Tit Willow,” “I’ve Got Him on My List,” and “The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring.” The large audience which attended the .Williamson revival of the opera last night saw a brilliant company produce the opera in a way which may not readily be forgotten. There were no weaknesses of any kind in the presentation. The leads tv ere perfectly played, the choruses were robust and satisfying, the dressing and general mounting had an Oriental splendour which created the proper atmosphere: all the situations were exploited to the utmost. The opera, in short, was produced with rare perfection. Mr Charles Walenn, as Ko-ko, was brilliant. His comedy was exquisite and spontaneous. He never strives for effect, and yet never fails to get it. Ilis best songs were: “I’ve Got Him on the List” and “Tit Willow.” Mr John Ralston was perfect ii„ * is portrayal of the heavily unctuous part of Pooh-Bah. Mr Leo Darnton, as the bright, romantic Nanki Poo, gave an engaging interpretation of the part. His voice has a sweet quality which makes a deep and instantaneous appeal. “A Wandering Minstrel I” was his most popular number. Mr Bernard Manning made a wonderful Mikado. It was a splendid piece of character work. His singing was superb, especially in the number “A Most Humane Mikado.” Miss Patti Russell was a fascinating Yum Yum, her work being characterised by a captivating sweetness. Her voice, rich and true, was heard at its best in “The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze.” Miss Winifred Williamson was as sinister and disagreeable as Katisha should be, and Misses Mabel Gibson, Effie Armstrong and Mr Lance Fairfax played their parts well. The part singing was excellent, the numbers finding most favour being “The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring” and “Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day.” “lolanthe” will be presented this afternoon and the season will close with “The Pirates of Penzance” tonight.