From The Era, 10 September 1881

ROYALTY THEATRE. – Lessee and Manager, E. L. Knapp – In the presence of a large and well filled house, Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's new æsthetic opera Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride,  was produced at this theatre on Monday evening. To gauge its success by the appearance of the house and the hearty welcome it received, this latest addition is in no whit behind its predecessors from the same hands, the reception accorded it being enthusiastic.

The fleshly poet Bunthorne is played by Mr. G. Thorne, on whom the heaviest of the work falls. Mr. Thorne must be complimented on the manner in which he portrays the character. Archibald Grosvenor, the idyllic poet, was taken by Mr. Arthur Rousbey, whose fine voice told well in the duet "Prithee, pretty maiden," sung in conjunction with Patience, as in the other songs allotted to this character. Miss Ethel McAlpine made a charming Patience, acting and singing admirably.

Of the rapturous maidens, the Lady Jane (Miss F. Edwards) takes the lead, her solo in the second act, with violoncello accompaniment, being encored. The other maidens – Lady Angela (Miss E. Cameron), Lady Saphir (Miss C. Deveine), and Lady Ella (Miss H. Chapman), were all good, both in singing and acting.

Among the three Dragoon officers the Colonel (G.B. Browne) has a capital patter song to which he does full justice. Mr. J. Sydney plays the Lieutenant, and J.B. Rae the Major. The setting of the opera is of high artistic finish, while the effect of the various posings and groupings on the stage are very fine. The two scenes are bright and well painted.

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