From The Era (London, England), Saturday, March 24, 1883; Issue 2322.

THEATRE ROYAL. — Lessee and Manager, Mr. J. W. Boughton. — Mr. D'Oyly Carte's opera company, with Gilbert and Sullivan's latest success, Iolanthe; or, The Peer and the Peri, was produced here on the 19th inst., for the first time at this theatre. Everything had been carefully prepared, and expectation was on tiptoe for the event. A big house was the result.

The artists engaged are quite equal to their work, and perform in a most able manner. The part of the Lord Chancellor is intrusted to Mr. John Wilkinson, whose humour is irresistible. Miss Josephine Findlay is the Phyllis, and a very pretty character she makes of it. Miss Isabella Muncey plays the Fairy Queen with marked attention to the business. Miss Jessie Louise is the heroine, and Mr. Cooper Cliffe, as Private Willis, is deserving hearty commendation. The chorus and band have been specially augmented.

The dressing of the piece was most effective, and the mounting altogether in Mr. Boughton's best style. Iolanthe has been repeated every evening during the week except Friday to very large audiences.

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