From The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post (Bristol, England), Tuesday, June 26, 1883; Issue 10956.

The Messrs. Chute could not possibly have made a happier selection for the conclusion of their highly successful season than the engagement of Mr, D'Oyly Carte's company for a return visit with Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's popular comic opera of "Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride." The charming and graceful music to which the quaint and amusing satire of the æsthetic craze has been wedded has lost none of its attractiveness, and last evening a crowded house accorded the opera an enthusiastic reception; indeed, the encores were so frequent as to sensibly prolong the performance.

It would be impossible to conceive a more finished representation, the chorus, in particular, being exceptionally strong and effective, whilst the orchestra rendered the accompanying music admirably. Mr. George Thorne again played the part of Reginald Bunthorne, the fleshly poet, and the round of applause which greeted him upon his first appearance testified to the pleasure which many present experienced in once more renewing the acquaintance of so established a Bristol favourite. His rendering of the part is original and quaint, his posturing — a feature which largely enters into the representation of the character — well studied, and his gestures natural and appropriate, whilst his clear and distinct enunciation renders the performance thoroughly enjoyable.

The title rôle has seldom had a more adequate representative than Miss Ethel McAlpine, who sings the melodious music assigned the part charmingly, whilst her acting is particularly bright and unaffected. The ballad, "Love is a plaintive song," was heartily applauded and re-demanded, and conspicuous amongst the numerous encores of the evening were those accorded to the well known duet "Prithee, pretty maiden," and in that in which the refrain "It was a little boy " occurs, and in which Miss McAlpine was associated with Miss Elsie Cameron (Lady Angela) who possesses a singularly sweet voice, which she uses with discretion.

Mr. Arthur Rousbey's rich voice and cultured style contributed to a thoroughly artistic representation of the character of Archibald Grosvenor, an Idyllic poet. Into the character of Col. Calverley Mr. Byron Browne infused a good deal of dramatic vigour, at the same time that he displayed a rich tenor [sic] voice of considerable compass. Miss Fanny Edwards was very good as Lady Jane, the "massive" love-sick maiden; and the other characters were all well filled. "Patience " will be repeated each evening this week.

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