THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2611, 3 August 1881, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

Probably the largest audience over known in Tiraaru assembled at the Theatre Royal last evening, to witness the first performance of “The Pirates of Penzance.” Veiy shortly after seven o’clock, the people began to gather about the doors, and when they were thrown open at half past seven the rush that ensued, reminded one of a London Theatre on Boxing night. Within a few minutes of the opening of the doors the lower parts of the house was well filled, and before the performance commenced every available corner both upstairs and down was occupied. The overture was listened to with a good deal more interest than usual, the music of the opera being entirely new to the great majority, at anyrate, of those present, the curtain rose on the Pirates’ Lair, -and discovered a band of those hardened men picturesquely attired, and enjoying a little relaxation after their daring professional avocations off the Cornish coast. To describe the plot of the piece would bo unnecessary, for of plot indeed' it pos sesses but little. The whole piece is of course out rageously extravagant and ridiculous, from discovery of the pirates ou the rise of the curtain, to their conflict with a number of the London police force told off to effect their capture, near its fall, MrE. Cary appeared to much advantage as the “Pirate King” and was ably supported by Signor Carmini Morley as Frederick, who was by an unfortunate mistake “ bound ’prentice to u pirate” in his youth instead of to a pilot, as intended by Ids parents and guardians. Miss Leaf, as “ Ruth," a piratical maid-of-all-work,” sang and acted with great expression, while Mdlle Mena Murielle, an old Timaru favorite, by the way, as “ Mabel Stanley,” was charming, and rendered the music allotted to her exquisitely. Our old friend Miss Amy Johns, as "Edith Stanley,” looked as well and sang as prettily as she always does. “ Major-General Stanley, K.C.8., a model Major-General,” who must be a family connection we should say of that celebrated First Lord of the Admiralty, "Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.8.,” was well played by Mr F. Wentworth, who was in capital voice, and whose get-up was all that could be desired. His song of the “ Major Gineral” received an encore that would not be denied. The members of “ the force,” about a dozen in number, to whom reference baa been made, were led by Mr Harry Benlmm ns Police Sergeant Al. These "bobbies” were wonderfully good burlesque imitations of the London guardians of the peace, their make-up being very good indeed, even to the London helmet and the well known lanterns. Mr Benham, as their leader, was irresistibly funny, and his song, “ A Policeman’s lot is not a happy one,” which by the waj has a capital refrain, was enthusiastically encored. But where was our old friend Johnny Hydes, who has made such a bit in the character elsewhere, and who was cast for the part in the programme ? This is one of tboso parts that Johnny fairly revels in, and excellent substitute ns Mr Benham proved, we must say we missed him.

On the whole the “ Pirates of Penzance ” is well, worth seeing, and it is not difficult to account for the great popularity it has achieved,bothHome and abroad, notwithstanding, this there are very few, probably who,having seen it, would concede that it possessesj the fun and “ go ” of Messrs Gilber and Sullivan’s first joint production, the over famous “ Pinafore.” The scenic artist, Mr Briggs, is to be congratulated on having prod need some excellent effects, while every praise is due to the orchestra under the highly efficient baton of Mr Sydney Wolfe, B.A.M.

The opera will be repeated to-night, and to those who have not been fortunate enough to secure seats in advance we would offer the showman’s advice and say —“ Be in time.”