J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17469, 1 June 1922, Page 11

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

"MERRIE ENGLAND." The second performance of "Merrio Eajp land" by tho J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company waa given in the presence of another large audience in the Theatre RoyaS last night, and went with a swing that xmwt have delighted all who were present. "Morris England" was written some twenty year" ago by Bssil Hood, and it is able to standi th» test of time priclpally owiagv but by no sntans wholly, to th* high quality of the musio •written by the clover English composer, Ed-, ward German. It would be a mistake t» call tho production by any other nimo than oomio opera, and it is of tho claw that ia quite appropriately played by a company thai) includes in its present repertoire three operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. Tho effect of the music is heightened by the typical English scenery, and tho dresses of the period. Tho librettist has not hositated to make use of tho jealousy 1 felt by Queen Elizabeth wild regard to tho attentions of Sir Walter Raleigh, and also introduced into the plot> aro such well-known historical characters os tho Earl of Essex, Robin Hood, and others. High praise must be accorded the work of the principals, which was never mediocro, but on the contrary, won the audience by sheer merit. Mr Charles H. Workman wu.i splendid as tho Shakespearean actor, whose every appearance on the scene was tho signal for laughter. His work was marked with restraint, but he novor failed to make tho most of every littlo point. His song with chorus, "King Neptune sat on his Lonely Throne," is undoubtedly one of tho successes of the opera. As the Earl of Essex Mr A. Howett-Worster, an English artist, with a> most pleasing baritone voice, was admirably cast. Ho made a great success of tho eonr. •The Yeoman of England," and tho auGtenco showed their marked approval of hi» splendid effort bv a most insistent encore. Miss Patti Russell had no difficulty in interpreting the part of Bessie Thockmorton, » maid of honour. She was also loudlv applauded for her vocal effort. Mias 'Molly Tyrcll was a dignified Queen, and made th» most of tho p.art and her song, "0 Peaceful England." The part of Sir Walter Raloigh was played by Mr Charles Mettani, whose tenor voice ia always pleasing to hear. Tho other principals adequately carried their respective parts. Tho opera is rich in quartets aand quintets, the best of which are "Love is Meant to Make Ue Glad," "Wheu Cupid First this Old World Trod," and "In England, Merry England." The ohorus, which was Tound last year with tho Gilbert and Sullivan Co.j is of a very high order indeed, and plays an important part in the success of the production, while no fault can be found with the playing of the orchestra under Mr Guatave Slapoffaki. "Memo England" will be repeated to-night and to-morrow evening. On Saturday afternoon and evening there will be ft welcome revival of "The Yeomen of the Guard."