THE IMPERIAL.

The prosperous voyage of H.M.S. Pinafore at the Imperial Theatre still continues, and, wafted by gales of popular favour, there is every prospect of a continuance of smooth sailing, particularly as two important characters in the cast have been rendered additionally attractive by the appearance of a couple of experienced and popular vocalists.

The part of Josephine, the Captain's daughter, is now undertaken by Miss Clarina Clelland, a young vocalist who has appeared with credit to herself in Mr Carl Rosa's company. Miss Clelland has ample qualifications for the interpretation of the character, and her ability as a vocalist enabled her to win hearty applause for her delivery of the principal music allotted to the part. The pretty melody in the first act was rendered in excellent style, and the scene where Josephine contrasts her possible future as the wife of a sailor with that which would be her lot if she married Sir Joseph Porter showed that she did not lack dramatic feeling. Miss Clelland's reception was most favourable.

Another change in the cast is caused by the appearance of Mr Wilford Morgan as Ralph Rackstraw, the nautical hero of the opera. We need not question the ability of Mr Wilford Morgan for the task he undertook, seeing that in operas of a far more ambitious character both on the Italian and English stage Mr Wilford Morgan has been able to hold his own against most distinguished foreign tenors. He was seen to great advantage at the Imperial Theatre, and his singing of the music added greatly to the enjoyment derived from this singularly attractive work. Mr. Morgan's acting was also excellent.

The remaining characters were efficiently filled, Miss Fanny Edwards being very amusing as Little Buttercup; while Miss Isabelle Muncie as Sir Joseph Porter's first cousin, Mr Dwyer as the Captain, and Messrs Rousbey, Dymott, and Fairweather, all acquitted themselves well, Mr Van Biene proves an excellent conductor, and orchestra, and chorus do their work admirably. There was as usual a, large audience.

Page modified 29 March 2010