"H.M.S. PINAFORE."

Kumara Times, Issue 1014, 31 December 1879, Page 2

"H.M.S. PINAFORE."

Notwithstanding the inclement weather last evening, there was a fair attendance at the Adelphi Theatre to witness the first performance in Kumara of the sparkling operetta "H.M.S. Pinafore." This clever skit, for so it may be called, on official incapacity in the Admiralty department, abounds with a quiet sarcasm interspersed with a quaint vein of humour throughout that cannot fail to elicit the genuine approval with which it has been re. ceived wherever presented. The character of the First Lord of the Admiralty as given by Mr Eva (amateur) was a splendid representation, the official points being given with telling effect, the accompanying solos incidental to the character being rendered by him in a manner that justly entitled him to the marked approbation he received. The prima donna of the company, Miss Leaf, who appeared as the Captain's daughter, possesses a rare pure voice, of extreme range of power, and her acting throughout was of that refined though life-like character that at once stamped her as an accomplished vocalist and a clever artiste. Little Buttercup, personated by Miss Hunter, could not fail to please any audience, as this lady has the rare gift of introducing into her impersonation an arch manner which, although in no way identical to the character, greatly augments the humour of the piece. The characters of Captain Corcoran and Ralph Rackstraw, played respectively by Messrs Harding and Crain, were both capitally rendered, the singing of the latse.sgentleman especially meeting siastic applause. The parts of Dick Deadeye and Billy Bobstay, although not affording large scope for the actors' abilities, were most humorously rendered by Messrs Briggs and Weightman. The pleasing opera of tb.e " Rose

of Auvergoe," which terminated th<v eutertainment, again gave Miss -Leaf an. opportunity of displaying her Yv,cal powers, which she did to perfecdm, fairly bringing down the house by her pathetic and true rendering of " Give me a penuy, sir," although we believe this song may be fairly said to have been introduced by express wish on this occasion into the opera in question. The company left by tram at noon today, for Gieymouth, and we only regret that the public of this district had not another opportunity of showing that they thoroughly appreciated thwa* merits of these talented artists.