The Era (London, England), Saturday, November 26, 1881; Issue 2253.

THEATRE ROYAL — Lessee, Mr. Charles Bernard — The engagement of Mr. Carl Rosa's opera company was brought to a most successful termination at this theatre on Saturday evening with a performance of Gounod's Faust, which was received with much enthusiasm. There was a crowded attendance in every part, the receipts, we understand, for this night being the largest of the week.

On Monday night there was another crowded attendance to witness the first performance in Newcastle of Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's successful æsthetic opera Patience, supported by Mr. D'Oyly Carte's company. The opera was capitally cast, the principal members of the company being received with much favour. The work was mounted with the usual care that has characterised Mr. Carte's previous productions, and it was throughout received with much favour.

The eccentricities of the æsthetic poet Bunthorne were cleverly "hit off" by Mr. George Thorne, whose humorous singing and grotesque attitude created much amusement. The rival poet, Reginald [sic], was enacted with much success by Mr. Arthur Rousbey, and, in conjunction with Miss Ethel McAlpine, he sang the charming duet "Prithee, pretty maiden," with much artistic feeling and taste, the rendering of the song "I cannot tell what this love may be" by the last named was also deserving of mention. Lady Jane was cleverly personated by Miss Fanny Edwards. Mr. James Sydney, as the Lieutenant, was well deserving of praise for his singing and acting; and Mr. G. B. Browne, as Colonel Calverley, Mr. J. B. Rae, as the Major, were equally successful. The leading love-sick maidens, Lady Angela, Lady Saphir, and Lady Ella were personated in the most creditable manner by Misses Elsie Cameron, Clara Deveine, and Marion May.

The vaudeville Quite an Adventure preceded the opera, supported by Messrs E. P. Temple, L. Vincent, O. Smith, and Miss Elsie Cameron. The opera has been played throughout the week to crowded and delighted houses.

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