Richings English Opera: The Bohemian Girl

“In the Grand Opera House Balfe’s ever popular opera of the ‘Bohemian Girl’ was repeated last night [sic] to a very numerous audience. The interest of the opera is mainly confined to the leading characters, Arline and Thaddeus, both of which rôles were well filled last night. Henry Haigh, the principal tenor, has a robust voice of remarkable volume, and though he lacks smoothness, finish, and schooling, he sings with such fire and passion that he never fails to arouse the sympathies of the audience. He was repeatedly encored in all the well-known airs, the applause given to ‘Then You’ll Remember Me’ and ‘The Fair Land of Poland’ being very enthusiastic. Peake, the veteran, who played Devilshoof, showed considerable power of humorous acting, and repeatedly gained applause by his deep sonorous bass. But the principle charm of the performance is due to the very good singing of Miss Richings, from which age has taken little of that power of execution, and sweetness of timbre for which she is distinguished. Her voice is somewhat thinner than in the days of old, and her lower tones less rounded, but on the whole she is almost as pleasing as in her younger days. The chorus and orchestra are in nothing lacking, and in dresses, decorations, ballet, and the whole mise en scène no expense has been spared which could contribute to the perfection of the performance.”