THE THEATRE ROYAL.

The Blackburn Standard: Darwen Observer, and North-East Lancashire Advertiser (Blackburn, England), Saturday, December 10, 1881; pg. 5; Issue 2407.

This place of amusement has, during the past week, received a large share of public patronage, and the pieces which were produced were well worthy of general support. The company was Mr. D'Oyly Carte's opera company, and they have been engaged nightly in the representation of Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's most successful works, entitled "The Pirates of Penzance" and "H.M.S. Pinafore." The first of these pieces was produced on Monday, Tuesday, and last evening, and although this is the first time it has been presented in Blackburn, it has become so popular that its reappearance will be hailed with delight on a future occasion. "H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass that Loved a Sailor," has previously been on the boards of the Blackburn Theatre, and the public of this town knowing it to be an excellent production have not failed to avail of the opportunity, and have gone to the Theatre in large numbers.

Mr. John Le Hay, in the character of Sir Joseph Porter, well assumed the dignity of an admiral, and, strutting about the stage in a manner that well became the character, creating bursts of laughter. Capt. Corcoran was not very efficiently portrayed by Mr. Fred. Billington, as he strained much after effect. Ralph Rackstraw found an able representative in the person of Mr. Leumane, who is gifted with a good tenor voice. The best, perhaps, after the admiral, was Mr. L. Roche, as Dick Deadeye, who possesses a good rich voice, and personated the character very effectively. Miss Henschel, as Josephine, was the favourite amongst the female artistes. She has a rich and mellow soprano voice, and is a charming actress. Miss Bessie Armytage, as Little Buttercup,  was very well received, having a good contralto voice, which she used to advantage. Miss Beatrix Young, as Hebe, was also very pleasant and animating. The characters of boatswain's mate (Mr. Lackner), and carpenter's mate (Mr. C. M. Blythe), and the midshipmite (Mr. Fitzaltamont, jun.), were all well sustained, and altogether both pieces have passed off very satisfactorily.

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