THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19157, 14 November 1927, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

"THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE."

The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company brought a successful season to a close on Saturday night, when they played "The Pirates of Penzance." or "The Slave of Duty," before an audience which filled the Theatre Royal in all parts, and which was most appreciative. Miss Strella Wilson, as General. Stanley's daughter Mabel, was happily cast, and her singing was spleridid,'her clear soprano notes being brought but to particular advantage in "Poor .Wandering One." Mr Charles R. Walenn made a great success of the part of Major-General Stanley, and Mr James Hay was quite at home as Frederic. Mr John Ralston raised roars of laughter by his comedy work as the Sergeant of Police, Mr Bernard Manning looked well as the Pirate King, and Mr Lance Fairfax was equally good as his Lieutenant. Miss Winifred Williamson did all that was asked of her as Ruth, a pirate maid-of-all-work, other feminineroles being taken by Misses Mabel Gibson, Lilian Crisp, and Effie Armstrong.

At the close of the performance Miss Strella Wilson and Messrs Walenn and Hay made brief speeches, in which they referred to the success of the season, and stated that a return visit would be paid to Christchurch at an early date, on which occasion some new pieces would be played.