From The Era (London, England), Saturday, September 24, 1881; Issue 2244.

VICTORIA HALL. – Proprietors Messrs. W. and F.E. Hunter. – On Monday evening Mr. W. H. Poole introduced Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, and we may congratulate Mr. D'Oyly Carte upon the excellency of the company who represent the opera.

Miss Henschel being in every respect a really charming Mabel, and Mesdames Katie Cohen, Constance Snow, and Agnes Taylor are able and pretty assistants. Miss Fanny Harrison (one of the most esteemed favourites who has ever trodden the boards here) plays Ruth.

Mr. F. Federici (another old favourite) is capital as the Pirate King. Mr. Walter Greyling is an excellent Major-General Stanley, Mr. H Bolini sang and played well as Frederick, and Messrs. Truro and L. Roche were decidedly good in the respective roles of Samuel and Sergeant of Police.

The opera was, as regards dresses, scenery, and appointments, most admirably placed upon the stage, and the musical arrangements, under the conductorship of Mr. J. T. Haines (another old favourite), were admirable. Excellent audiences have attended during the week.

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