THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1750, 29 September 1879, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE LINGAEDS. The Lingard Comedy Opera Company made their fust appearance at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening. The popularity of the “stars,” after whom the company is named, was sufficient to command a good house, and after the wretched deserted appearance it has presented during the past few weeks, it was a gratifying sight to see the dress circle, stalls, and pit so well attended. The opening piece was an English version of the popular opera “Le Petit Due,” by Lecocq, the composer of “La Fille de Madame"Angot,” “JGirofleGirofla,” &0., arranged expressly for the Lingards. Although the work of a French author, the plot of “ Le Petit Duo ” bears a suspicious resemblance in its general features to a popular burlotta “ The Pet of the Petticoats,” in which the late celebrated actress, Mrs Pitzwilliam, used to " star,” but as that piece was originally cribbed from the French, the whirlagig of time has in this instance brought about its own revenge. Although soarcelyilikelylto become as popular as either of those’operas, “ The Little Duke ” is a bright, sparkling composition, full of pretty melodies, the music generally being of a more classic character than the run of opera bouffe. The story is slight, easily understood by the audience, and by the diversity of the characters introduced affords scops for some good acting. It is needless to say that the principals did fuL justice to the opera in this respect, though something superior in the way of vocalisation, is required to do anything like justice to the tuneful numbers of the composer. Fortunately, the histrionic ability of Miss Alice Lingard and her coadjutors is so groat that other drawbacks may bo viewed with leniency. The plot runs as follows: —The Little Duke (Miss Alice D. Lingard) and the Duohesso de Parthenay i(Miss Alice Wooldridge) have just entered the matrimonial estate, both being under age, when the piece opens. The marriage has been brought about as a means of preserving certain estates, which is accomplished by the union of the young’couple. By an order from the King, they are, however, to be immediately separated for a period of two years, the interval being passed by the youthful duchess in the completion of her education in tho convent school of Luneville, while the Little Duke is consoled by the gift of a colonelcy and the promise of uncontrolled freedom of action. |Hitherto ho has been funder the tutelage of Frimousse, a pedantic old Professor of Greek and Latin (Mr W. Horace Lingard), but his military education is now entrusted to Montlaudry, an old officer (Mr O. W. Warner). The first act ends with tho separation of the young couple. The action of the second takes place in the convent school of Luneville, of which the Ohanoinesse de Lausao (Mr George Leopold) is the principal. The newly-made bridegroom, indignant at his separation from the duchess, obtains admittance into the school in the disguise of a peasant girl, contrives a surreptitious interview with his wife, and aided by his comrades succeeds in carrying her off in triumph from the guardianship of the Ohanoinesse. The mock declaration of war which he makes is, however, converted into reality by the production of a dispatch ordering his regiment to the front to take part in the hostilities which have commenced, and the Little Duke is reunited to his bride only to be immediately separated again to take charge of his regiment. In the third act the Little Duke performs piodigies of valor, but the Duchess pining for her lord contrives to escape, and rejoins him on the tented field. A battle is fought, and, 1 as a reward for the gallantry of tho Little Duke, tho royal consent is given to the permanent re-union of the young couple, and the piece ends with appropriate rejoicings. With regard to the acting, nothing could be more captivating and piquante than Miss Alice Lingard as the Little Duke. Full of fun and archness, her example was contagious, and every scene she was engaged in was provocative of mirth and enjoyment. As a vocalist Miss Lingard has a powerful voice md considerable compass, and she rendered several of the songs in an effective manner, indeed, the musical responsibilities of the opera devolved mainly upon her, and she acquitted herself fairly, any shortcomings being amply atoned for by her vivacious and sprightly acting. Her best efforts were the “ Wedding Bing ” song, and “ Love Lost and Found,” in the first act. The “ Song of tho |Peasant,” in the second, and the “Song of the Sword” in the third act. Miss Alice Wooldridge made a delightfullycaptivating duchess. She has a musical voice, capable of much expression, and sings with correctness, taste, aud feeling. Her voice was heard to great advantage in the duets with the Duke, the prettiest being “True Love” and the “Song of the Adieu.” The “ Compact ” song and chorus in tho second act was also very nicely sang byJMiss Wooldridge, who is likely to become a favorite, not only _ for her singing, but for her graceful, winningimanner. Mr Horace Lingard madeup splendidly for the old Professor Frimousse, and his acting was full of dry, quaint fun, which was highly relished by the audience. His lecture in the schoolroom on languages was one of the best things in the opera, and made the audience roar with laughter, and his acting was equally good when ho is made, against his will, commander of the garrison to repel the attack of the Little Duke to recover his wife. He sang tho song of the “ Little Hunchback ” with great comic effect, and took part in a duet with Montlaudry (Mr Warner), which was done justice to by both. Mr George Leopold showed how muoh can be done in a legitimate way to make “ opera bouffe ” acting thoroughly enjoyable. His make-up and bearing as the schoolmistress were inimitable, without a tinge of vulgarity or overacting to mar a performance brimful of genuine humour and irresistibly diverting. The pages and pupils were sustained by a bevy of young ladies not more distinguished for their good looks than for their vivacity, prominent amongst them being Miss Blanche Leopold and Miss Marian Melrose. Hie choruses, with some ezeep-

tions, were fairly given, but more rehearsals will be necessary before they can be rendered in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. The band, small, but good, was conducted by Mr Van Ghele, and was thoroughly excellent. The opera was well put on the stage, and the costumes were sumptuous and appropriate. It will be repeated this evening.