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"PATIENCE" AT THE THEATRE ROYAL

From The Huddersfield Daily Chronicle (West Yorkshire, England), Wednesday, July 5, 1882; pg. 3; Issue 4655.

Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's popular æsthetic opera was produced on Monday night at the Huddersfield Theatre, if not to a crowded still to a thoroughly appreciative house, by a strong and efficient company, being the best Mr. Carte has at his command. "Patience" is known so well that there is no need to refer to its æsthetic mission which its author designed it to fulfil; it will be quite sufficient to say how near the several artistes approached to the conception of the author of this charming work in their portrayal on Monday evening.

The mounting and scenic effect have received every attention, while Mr. P. W. Halton wields the baton with consummate skill; in fact, the orchestra is a most efficient one.

But speaking of the way this sensational opera was given for the second time in this town on Monday evening, the hearty recalls, the demonstrative applause, and the wrapt attention which were commanded from the audience, left no doubt as to the excellence of the company and the prevailing popularity of this enchanting production. The choruses were given with a sweetness, smoothness, and intelligence rarely seen in the provinces. The duet, "Long year ago, fourteen may be," was rendered with a sweetness of tone and a simplicity of grace that draw forth the loud applause of the audience, which did not subside until an encore was given. "I hear the soft note of the echoing voice" was sung in a very pleasing manner; the chorus "Yes, the pain that is all" being remarkably smooth and delightful. But the ensemble, which is given by the maidens and the "idyllic" poet Grosvenor, was sung with great effect, and a power only excelled by its perfect harmony. At the close of the curtain after the first act the several artistes were called before the curtain by an enthusiastic audience.

The part of Reginald Bunthorne, the fleshly poet, loses none of its charm in the hands of Mr. George Thorne, while Patience is well represented by Miss Ethel Pierson, whose voice rings out clear as a bell. Miss F. Edwards makes a capital Jane, she being honoured with a recall for the deep feeling and expression with which she sang "Silvered is the raven hair." Patience's love ballad, "Love is a plaintive song," was effectively rendered, while the very pleasing duet which follows by Bunthorne and Jane called forth an unmistakable expression of admiration from all parts of the house. In the quintet, "If Saphir I choose to marry," the orchestra is heard to great advantage; while the novel and humorous duet, "When I go out of doors," is sung by Bunthorne and Grosvenor in masterly style.

The acting is characterised by a peculiar freshness and charm, Miss Pierson being a very natural and genial exponent of the dairymaid Patience. One impression, at least, of the performance on Monday evening was that this most celebrated and fascinating opera had for its exponents the best company ever seen outside the metropolis.


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