The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, July 4, 1884; Issue 5204.

"PATIENCE" AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. — Much of that genuine enjoyment, theatrically speaking, which the English people have been afforded during the past ten or twelve years must be attributed to that marvellously successful dual control which Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan have been able so closely, and with such apparent affinity of sympathies, to foster and maintain. Their long list of comic operas never fails to be well received, and the sweet strains of the music have become as current coins, whilst Mr. Gilbert's keen and well-selected apophasis strike home their true meaning in spite of the skill which may be used to waive or tone down the plain insinuations which they most assuredly breathe.

One of the most successful — if, in fact, not the most successful — additions to their musical productions is that ever charming and transcendental of ethereal operas "Patience." The insinuations, the mockery of cant and humbug, of dilettanti æstheticism, contained in this, is perfect; and the music with which it is clothed is as an ermine cloak vesting the flimsiest of theories.

Perhaps there might be one or two improvements in the company at the Royal, although, on the whole, the opera is fairly represented. Patience is personated by Miss Josephine Findlay, a young lady possessed of a fine, fluent range of voice, with clearness of enunciation- prominently in her favour. We think, however, that the character of Phyllis in "Iolanthe" suits these accomplishments to greater advantage, Wilfred Shine's Reginald Bunthorne is as good almost as it could be. The Lady Jane was trusted to Miss Elsie Cameron, in whose hands it was capitally cared for. The remainder of the company were efficient, and their efforts received the loudest approbation which small houses could muster.

This engagement marks the termination of the present theatrical season in Hull, and the theatre during the next few weeks will be subjected to a much needed and, we understand, very desirable renovation, It is expected that a new piece of Spanish origin will be staged for the opening, perhaps on the 28th instant.

The Era (London, England), Saturday, July 5, 1884; Issue 2389.

THEATRE ROYAL. – Lessee, Mr. Wilson Barrett; General Manager, Mr. Alfred Cuthbert. – Patience is again paying us a visit here, and a genial welcome was accorded her on Monday night. Numerous changes have taken place in the cast since the last visit. The most noteworthy change is that of Mr. Wilfred Shine (Bunthorne), who, following closely in the footsteps of his predecessor, gives a cleverly rendered impersonation of the æsthetic imposter. Mr. G.B. Browne is still to the fore as the Colonel, and Miss Elsie Cameron now capitally portrays the massive Lady Jane.

The tuneful strains of the "twenty love-sick maidens" closes the present season, and, before the re-opening on the 28th inst., much needed alterations will have been effected behind the curtain.

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