Richings English Opera: Fra Diavolo

“This evening, at the Olympic, the Richings English opera troupe will perform ‘Fra Diavolo.’ Miss Caroline Richings, Mrs. Seguin – late Miss Zelda Harrison – and Messrs. Castle, Campbell, Wylie, Seguin, Arnold, and H.C. Peakes are all in the cast. These singers are well known to our public, and need no commendation.”

“The production of Fra Diavolo by the Richings opera troupe at the Olympic theatre last evening filled the house from parquet to dome. Castle sang very well and threw élan and spirit into his representation of the bandit chief, and Campbell gave Beppo’s stirring song in the last act with fine effect. Peake’s [sic] Giacomo was fairly rendered, but the young officer, Lorenzo, was hardly up even to mediocrity. Miss Richings made an excellent Zerlina, and Miss Zelda Harrison sang the part of Lady Allcash commendably. Mr. Seguin was indifferent as the Dundreary English traveler. The chorus and orchestra were good—the latter particularly so under the experienced baton of Mr. Dietrich.”