The Era (London, England), Saturday, May 7, 1881; Issue 2224

THEATRE ROYAL AND OPERA HOUSE. — Lessee, Mr. J.W. Gordon. — A rare treat has been afforded the Southampton playgoers this week in the production of the famous opera The Pirates of Penzance, by Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan, and represented by Mr. D'Oyly Carte's company.  The piece was splendidly mounted, the scenery and dresses being everything that could be desired; whilst the rendering of the opera was so excellent that the charming melodies, songs, and concerted pieces were again and again encored, and the talented artists called to the footlights after each act amidst the greatest enthusiasm. The opera has drawn immensely, and has been witnessed by highly fashionable and crowded houses.

Miss E. M'Alpine has a splendid soprano voice, and must be warmly congratulated upon her success in the part of Mabel. Miss Fanny Harrison as Ruth may also be sincerely complimented on her admirable singing.

Mr James Sidney entered thoroughly into the spirit of the piece, and as Frederic sang the music allotted to him in excellent style. Mr. G.B. Brown, the Pirate King, was remarkably good; whilst Mr. W. Greyling as Major-General Stanley was wonderfully made up, and quite in his element. His song "I am the very model of a Modern Major-General" elicits nightly thundering applause, and a most flattering encore. Mr. F. Frederici as Samuel, Mr. H. Cooper Cliffe as the Sergeant of Police, Miss. C. Snow as Kate, Miss Grosvenor as Edith, and Miss Hutchinson as Isabel, acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner.

A charming and highly amusing operetta entitled Six and Six precedes, and should on no account be missed.

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