From The Morning Post (London, England), Wednesday, April 26, 1882; pg. 3; Issue 34270.

The Savoy was en fête on Monday night, the occasion being the first anniversary of the production of the æsthetic opera "Patience," a work whose popularity seems as enduring as the virtue it is named after. "How poor they are who have not patience," exclaims Iago. London playgoers are in no such sad case. For the last twelvemonth they have been in uninterrupted possession of the "Patience" provided for them by the combined philosophy of Messrs. Sullivan and Gilbert, and familiarity, instead of producing the proverbial disesteem, has but made the entertainment more welcome.

Never certainly was the opera received with greater favour than yesterday, when, decked out in new clothes and illustrated with new scenery, it presented an unusually bright and picturesque appearance. It was acted, danced, and sung by all concerned in its representation with that emulative zest which gladdens the spirits of an audience and keeps their interest on the alert. The chorus was increased and so well disciplined as to give effectual rendering to the concerted pieces. Mr. Arthur Sullivan conducted, and on taking his place in the orchestra obtained an ovation in which the musicians and the public joined with equal heartiness.

Bouquets were presented to the ladies visiting all parts of the theatre; and after the performance such of the audience as wished to inspect the arrangements of the electric lighting were admitted behind the scenes for that purpose on presentation of their cards. It is a matter to which the management may refer with justifiable pride that "only at the Savoy can be seen the spectacle of a public building lighted solely by electricity, by which a rich, soft light, perfect coolness, and purity of air and immunity from fire are secured." These are assuredly advantages which, promoting as they do the comfort and security of the spectators, sensibly contribute to their enjoyment of the play.

Respecting "Patience," the manager, Mr. D'Oyly Carte, has compiled some curious statistics, from which it appears that the piece, originally produced at the Opera Comique and thence transferred to the Savoy, has been acted in and out of London 977 times, that as many as 870,000 persons have paid to see it, and that no less a sum than £138,600 has been received for admissions.

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