From The Sheffield & Rotherham Independent (Sheffield, England), Tuesday, April 25, 1882; pg. 3; Issue 8592.

"The Pirates of Penzance," which will occupy the boards of the "Royal" during the present week must by this time be sufficiently familiar to most Sheffield playgoers not to need description. Upon previous occasions the "Pirates" has met with a hearty welcome, and although last night the theatre was not so well filled as we had expected to see it upon the third visit of Gilbert and Sullivan's successful melo-dramatic opera, good "business" will no doubt be done ere the week is over.

There are one or two alterations in the cast since the last visit, Miss Alice Aynsley Cook appearing as the "piratical maid of all work" — Ruth. Although not possessing the buxom charms of her predecessor, Miss Cook has a voice of much greater sweetness and power, and is a careful actress. Mr. David Fisher, Jun., depicts the "modern major-general" with all his former humour; Mr. G. W. Marnock renders the songs allotted to the Pirate King, and acts the part as well as ever, and Mr. G. W. Traverner again represents Frederic, the pirate apprentice, with fair success. Miss Esma Lee as Mabel sings her difficult music with taste and displays a charming style; and Mr. T. Helmsley is seen to advantage as lieutenant to the Pirate King. Mr. G. F. Marler, the sergeant of police, again accompanies Mr. D'Oyly Carte's company, and his most amusing and carefully-studied performance of past seasons has not in the least deteriorated. The chorus, although scarcely so strong as before, is well up to its work, and the piece is well dressed.

From The Era (London, England), Saturday, April 29, 1882; Issue 2275.

THEATRE ROYAL. — Lessee, Mr. E. Romaine Callender. — Once more Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's opera reigns for a week here, Mr. D'Oyly Carte's Pirates of Penzance company having commenced their fourth or fifth engagement here on Monday, 24th, instant. Most of the parts are in the same hands as before; such, for instance, as that of the Major-General by Mr. David Fisher, the Police sergeant by Mr, G. F. Marler, the Pirate King by Mr. G. W. Marnock. Of the alterations in the cast the most important, perhaps, is the engagement of Miss Alice Aynsley Cook as Ruth. Both her acting and vocalism in this part are particularly suitable. Miss Esma Lee as Mabel is earning the warmest praise for her exquisite vocalism, and Mr. G. W. Travener as Frederic more than sustains the good opinions he has won on the occasion of his former visits. The opera is drawing good audiences nightly.

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