From The Hull Packet and East Riding Times, 12 August 1881.

Upon acquaintance Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan seem more and more to improve. Those who were charmed with "Pinafore" and "Trial by Jury" were glad to renew their pleasure over "The Pirates," and now in "Patience" is found further cause for eulogising the twin dramatists

It was only in February last that "Patience" for the first time was presented to the criticism of London play-goers, and here in August we have it in Hull. This is a piece of enterprise for which we are indebted to Mr. Wilson Barrett, and for which his patrons should thank him in a substantial manner. The "people who book" might, for instance, by way of gratitude and encouragement, put in a more frequent appearance when comic opera is not billed. 

Like all the compositions of the two partners, "Patience" must be seen more than once to be thoroughly enjoyed. After a second or third hearing the airs begin to "grow upon one," and the beauty of both libretto and music is then more completely appreciated.

The company which is now on tour with the piece has been, we believe, travelling but few weeks, and greater credit is therefore to be given them for the style in which the whole representation is worked. In acting, dress, chorus, and stage management, everything deserves genuine praise. Mr. D’Oyly Carte is evidently awake to the correct idea that a troupe to be successful must be well dressed, well treated, and well paid.

To enter into a detailed criticism of "Patience" would be to spoil the expectant pleasure of — let us hope — many hundreds yet in Hull alone, but it may be broadly stated that a more enjoyable evening at the theatre than is to be spent this week, has not presented itself for some time, and this may be said without any suspicion of disparagement towards the many excellent entertainments which have during this season and the last been provided. In Miss McAlpine, Miss Elsie Cameron, Mr. Arthur Rouseby, and Mr. George Thorne old friends will be recognised, and pleasant memories will be aroused of "Pinafore," the pantomime of "Red Riding Hood," and "Flying Scud" in each of which the ladies and gentlemen mentioned have prominently figured. Supported as the principals are by talented collaborateurs, the rest of the tour may simply be set down as one of triumph.

From The Era, 13 August 1881

THEATRE ROYAL. — Lessee, Mr. Wilson Barrett; General Manager, Mr. Alfred Cuthbert. — Before it crowded and fashionable audience, Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience made her first bow on Monday last. The crushing satire on the “too-utter" portion of the B.P., as conveyed in the above-named opera, is admirably carried out by one of the finest companies we have seen brought together, principals, chorus, and band working well together under the skilful baton of Mr. W. P. Halton (sic). Several of the characters of this opera are but reproductions of those so well known in H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance. Nevertheless, they are well conceived; the music, too, compared with that of The Sorcerer and Pinafore, is perhaps not so effective, but is at all times good, and occasionally the airs are of the "catchy” order. Mr G. S. Thorne is excellent as Reginald Bunthorne. His burlesque of the mannerisms of a certain well-known tragedian is admirably carried out. Mr. A. Rouseby is exceptionally good in the part of the aesthetic poet, Archibald Grosvenor; and, though but having little to do, Mr. Sydney is to be commended for his Duke. Miss Ethel McAlpine leaves nothing to be desired, both in acting and singing, as Patience; and special comment must be accorded Miss Fanny Edwards for the portrayal of the "massive" aesthete Lady Jane. The scenery and dressing of the piece are indeed excellent, and reflect the greatest credit on the Management.

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