"H.M.S. PINAFORE."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5164, 24 October 1895, Page 3

"H.M.S. PINAFORE."

A BRILLIANT SUCCESS. No one was at all surprised last evening to find that some time ' before the curtain rose, the Masterton Theatre Royal was packed in every part, and even standing room downstairs was at a premium. So much has been heard of the romarkablo ability—and in somo cases the exceptional talent—of the members of tho company of juveniles locally organised to produce Gilbert ttvnd Sullivan's sparkling naval opera ™'H.M.S. Pinafore," that everyone expected an exceptionally good evou- '. ing's amusement, and it is safe to say that all present were more than satisfied, That this was so was amply demonstrated by the generous applause so frequently bestowed, and from the rise of the curtain on the ; sceno tthero tho sons of Neptune are discovered at work to the chorus! "We Sail the Ocean Blue," the]

audieuco was in perfect touch with Captain Corcoran and his crew. The scenery, specially painted by Messrs Ward and Eton, under the immediato supervision of MrT, Jago and Mv Geo. Gray, junior, is a real work of art, and as one old salt in the pit enthusiastically put it, "Shiver mo timbers, if it wouldn't make ut British sailor think as lie was aloaking at a- real old 'eart of honk!" The outlook from the ship's side is wonderfully effective ; a naturallooking sea and sky; ships moving in the distance; a real working light-house and other mechanical effects due to the genius of Mr T. Jago, to whom the promoters are certainly indebted for a groat deal. | The dresses were all in good taste and thoroughly suited to the various characters, while the music could not be found fault with. In fact the whole piece weut without a single hitch from start to finish, and the interest of the audience was never once allowed to Hag. Many of the numbers wore heartily re-demanded, the duet and trio work being most boisterously encored, particularly the tiio," Never Mind the Why and Wherefore."

As " Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.8.," Miss Violet Sinylhsonsnrpriscdevcn those who have before seen this clever young lady on the stage, and she looked every inch an aristocratic !" Lord who ruled .the water." Her " make-up " was most elaborate, her perfect knowledge and excellent conception of her part were indeed wonderful, and her acting throughout was received with delighted appreciation. Her singing, too, was really good. "Captain Corcoran" (Master Vni Jnjro) was well suited in his part. His acting was both careful and mil mill, and his singing highly creditable. He soon became a great favorite, and appeared as popular with the audience as with his "gallant crow," and we may expect to hear greatthings of Master Fred in (he future.

The difficult part of "iialph Rackstraw " was allotted to Master Walter Jago, and it is safe to say that it could not possibly have been in better hands. Master Walter has on several occasions delighted Mastcrton audiences with his singing, and last night he not only upheld his reputation but certainly scored fresh triumphs as an actor. In the words of Sir Joseph Porter he looked an "exceedingly fine fellow," and may well be proud of the success obtained lastnighl. Ralph certainly was fortunate iu being associated with such a clover young lady as his sister—Miss Olive Jago, who took the part of "Josephine" the Captain's daughter. Her sweet singing aud graceful natural acting elicited storms of applause, and it was indeed honestly merited. Miss Olive Jago is undoubtedly possessed of more than average talent, and the thorough conception of her part; the pathos thrown into it at the right time, and her generally piquant acting, quite won the hearts of everybody. Her pretty sailor costume in the first part was much admired, and her bridal dress in the last scene was simply beyond description. "Dick Deadeye"—the croaker, malcontent and envious mischiefmaker of tho ship, who never delights unless he is working evilwas undertaken by Master George Cullen,who is certainly to bo highly complimented on his performance. The part is a very heavy one, but Master Goorge proved equal to the occasion, and succeeded even better than at the rehearsals. He did the fullest justice to the drollery of the situation, and his keen interest in his part was evident from the fact that no opportunity to put in a little by-play was missed. Master George Cullen has considerable talent as a comedian, whilo his -" make-up" last night was as good as anything of the kind we have seen for some timo.

Master Russell Dixon as tho " Boatswain," made the vory most of his part, and brought it into greater prominence without overdoing it than is usual, his acting being very good indeed, while his " make-up" was amongst the best, Miss Hilda Corbott made a most attractive and amiable-looking "Cousin Hebe," and sang very sweetly. Sho knew her part to perfection, and—in common with all the principals—made no mistakes. Master Rupert Corbett did well as the" Midshipmite," and sang the song of that name with telling effect, gaining loud plaudits. Quartermuster J, Smith delighted all hands with a perfectly danced hornpipe, while Master Charlie Feilding ably sustained his rather light character of" Sergeant of Marines." Last, but by no means least, of the principal characters—the all important " Sweet Little Buttercup " was impersonated by Miss Flora Joyce, an exceeding young—but remarkably talented—little lady, It would be difficult to find a juvenile capable of acting the part given to Miss Joyce as well ns she presented it last night. She looked the part to perfection ; she acted it with [remarkable faithfulness, and altogether deserved the highest praise. Tho audience recognised this fact and were not slow to award it.

The choruses weutwell; theywero sung with a hearty merry ring that showed how much the youngsters enjoyed their work, and as ono gentleman rightly observed," If the young scamps would throw as much heart into singing in the Church : choir, how much brighter the services would be!" But 'twas ever thus, and so, we suppose, it will continue; possibly, however, 6ome of tho youngsters may take a bint from tho above.

; Altogether, Messrs Geo. Gray, | jun,, J. Kearsley and the other promoters have every reason to be jproud of last night's performance. We understand that Mr George 'Gray, senior, has lent much capable assistance, and, in a quiet way, has been largely instrumental iu bringing the young people to their present slate of proficiency, by giving many valuablo hints and much good advice. The opera will be repeated at Mastorton this evening.

ThuGliorusinoliuled—British Seamen ;—Alf. Corbetfc, Tom Cullen, C, Presswood, W. King, Len Nicol, It, Jago,lvan O'Connor, Con. Wliekn, C. Bills, Frank O'Connor, Neil Gray, D, Dixon, Bert Mason, Norman Lee, H. Dixon, Ait. Sutton, Art. Nicol, S. Burns, It. Jenkins, Frank Henry, Will Jackson, Stov. Langton, Claude l Corbetfc, W. Johns, C, Gray, and Rob. Henry. Thcfollowingyoungladies,alsowho arc described as being "sisters, [cousins, and aunts" of those on board : Misses Stenipa, Connie Ward, Ruth Henry, Alice Walker, Nollie Jenkins, Kittie Whelan, Eva O'Connor, Hettie Ward, P. Whelan, Alice Elliott, Susie Dixon, Rose Ockenden, K. Williams, M. O'Leary, Eva Ockenden, Beatrice Bragging, Lily Wliitfc, 0. Richardson, Jessie Gregory, Bdio King, Lily Ockenden, E, Peterson, S, Hourigan, Annie