The Era, (London, England), Saturday, May 14, 1881; Issue 2225.

THEATRE ROYAL AND OPERA HOUSE. — Lessee, Mr. J.W. White. — Local playgoers have this week worshipped at the shrine of the Gilbert-Sullivan combination, the former half being devoted to The Sorcerer, and the latter to the performances of the Children's Pinafore company.

On Monday, when The Sorcerer made his first bow to the Huddersfield public, there was a large and much more fashionable audience than has hitherto been the rule here, conclusive evidence that the apathy of former times was due to the inconvenient and uncomfortable arrangements of the old Theatre. The piece was splendidly mounted, a street view in the second act, painted by Mr. George Tweddell, being very effective.

The representation of the piece was also adequately sustained by the members of Mr. D'Oyly Carte's company. Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre was cleverly conceived by Mr Arthur Rousbey, and the stately minuet between himself and Lady Sangazure, equally well-portrayed by Miss Madge Stavart, was received with such favour that it had to be repeated. Miss Ethel Pierson made a charming Aline, and Mr Cadwaladr, though not in so good voice as heretofore, was a satisfactory Alexis.

Mr. Frederick Billington, who, being "a native", was complimented by a special reception, undertook with much success the role of Dr Daly. Mr A. Wilkinson, as the representative of the "Family Sorcerer," John Wellington Wells, acquitted himself very satisfactorily, singing his well-known puffing song with great glibness. Miss Marion Grahame was an attractive Constance, and the clean and tidy "widdy," [sic] Mrs Partlett, was humorously acted by Miss Bessy Armytage.

The band was under the control of Mr. Ralph Horner, whose abilities as a conductor we have previously noticed. In the Sulks, a musical burletta, in which Miss Harcourt and Messrs Edgar Manning and Le Hay appeared, served to raise the curtain.

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