THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2271, 13 July 1881, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

"THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE." Gilbert and Sullivan's musical satire of the "Pirates of Penzance" was produced last night for the first time in Ohristchurch by Mr Cary's company. In some respects resembling that clever creation of the same. authors, "H.M.S. Pinafore," it yet falls for beneath it in construction, quality of music, or likelihood of popularity, and the first feeling on hearing the "Pirates of Penzance" is that of disappointment, though doubtless this will wear off after seeing it a time or two. There are but few airs in it which are likely to be popular, except the waltz song in the first act, and the chorus of policemen " Tarantara," and it depends rather upon the mise en scene and business than its intrinsic merits as a musical oompozition. The piece was exoellently put upon the stage, the dresses and scenery alike being good, the latter especially, a set of the ruined abbey by moonlight being very effective. Mdlle. Murielle, who has improved since her last appearance here, played Mabel Stanley very well indeed. Her voice, though not powerful, is sweet, and it was heard to much advantage in the waltz song in the first act, "Poor Wandering One," whioh was encored. This and a ballad in the second act, written in Sullivan's best style of ballad musio, '• Oh leave me not to pine," were the best efforts of this lady. Madame Oarmini Morley was altogether overweighted with the part of Kuth, which requires a far stronger voice to do justice to it than she possesses. The ladies of the chorus sing well together, evincing careful drilling and training. They were especially good in the opening chorus, "Climbing over rocky mountains," and the " Chattering chorus " in the first act. Another very excellent piece of ringing was the unaccompanied prayer music at the close of the first act. Mr Oary made an excellent Piratn King, both singing and acting with muoh dash and spirit, though evidently suf fering from cold. His song, "Oh better far to live and die," was given with just the requisite amount of verve, and was very well sang. Mr Cary also deserves credit for the way in which he sang throughout the opera. J Signer Morloy was not in voice, but rendered the musio of his part in a very artistic manner. His best effort was in the duet with Mabel in the second act. Mr Wentworth made up well as the Major-General, and sang his music with care and precision. He wis very good in the song "I am the very model," and a charming little ballad in the last act, " Sighing softly to the river." The latter was sung with taste and expression. The fun of the pieoo was in the hands of Mr J. P. Hydes, who, as the Sergeant of Police, was extremely amusing. He both sang acd acted with considerable force and humour, and in the now celebrated " Policema-Ve Song " in troduced a number of local verses, which were loudly applauded. Mr Benham also cVerves a word of praise for his able seconding of Mr Hydes in the scenes in which the policemen took an active part. The remainder oE the oharacters were well filled. The choruses were decidedly the.most successful portions of the opera. The orchestra, under the baton of Mr Wolfe, worked well. The opera will be repeated this evening.