It is safe to say that not a single person will go to the Savoy Theatre to see the ‘Fallen Fairies’ but to acclaim the association of Sir W.S. Gilbert with Mr. Edward German, a composer who has by general consent become the successor to Sir Arthur Sullivan. The book is, of course, an operatic variation of the author’s ‘Wicked World,’ produced some 36 years ago at the Haymarket Theatre. W.S. Gilbert was as delightful as ever in lines like

and in the description of a mortal’s kiss,

‘Fallen Fairies’ illustrates the adage, ‘Evil communications corrupt good manners.’ Fairy land, as it is seen here, is situated upon the upper side of a cloud that overhangs the world. Each immortal has his or her mortal counterpart, and at the opening of the opera the fairy Queen, Selene, awaits the return of Lutin, who has been sent to investigate and report upon the possibilities of the life on our planet. He arrives bearing a message from the Sovereign Lord that Ethais and Phyllon—the other male members of the community—are to proceed to earth without to-do. But Zayda is quite equal to the occasion; she reminds Selene of an old law which provides that when a fairy visits the earth, those he leaves behind may summon from the wicked world below that fairy’s mortal counterpart. With the entry of mortal man mischief ensues. Selene falls in love with Sir Ethais. She is betrayed by Darine, her jealous rival, and dethroned.

Mr. German’s music is delightful; throughout, the composer scores with a sure, deft hand. The choruses—notwithstanding the absence of male voices—are some of the most memorable numbers. Lutin’s song lingers in our memory, ‘One incident I’ll tell,’ the rhythmic lilt of which is ingenious and quaint. The scena, ‘A Freak of Nature,’ through which runs a charming violin solo, and the intermezzo that follows the departure of Ethais and Phyllon, are quite good. Miss Nancy McIntosh sang and spoke her words simply and distinctly. Histrionically, Miss Maidie Hope’s Darine was a success, but Miss Jessie Rose, as Zayda, showed, we think, the finest powers: her acting was perfect, and she has a remarkable gift for comedy. She was the star of the play, and Mr. Workman was not only funny, he excelled himself. His Lutin is full of quaint and characteristic touches.

Page modified 28 June 2019