Richings English Opera: The Doctor of Alcantara

“We have not suffered for a lack of musical entertainment the past week. English opera has been deservedly successful at the Olympic, and there will be a general regret that the present season closes tonight. There is every encouragement for a repetition of the season we have just enjoyed.”

“The Richings Opera troupe concluded their unprecedented successful engagement at the Olympic theatre yesterday.  At the matinee Julius Eichberg’s popular work, the Doctor of Alcantara, was given, and in the evening the Bohemian Girl.  A large audience was present, on both occasions, particularly at Balfe’s opera, when, despite the rain, every seat was filled and standing room only of the most limited kind was to be had.  The success of this troupe, in face of the most formidable obstacles, plainly shows how the public regard English opera, and how merit receives its reward from them despite ill-natured cavaliers and former failures in the same line.  We augur like success for the next season, when the weak points of the company, chorus and orchestra, will be strengthened and a still more strenuous effort be made to elevate English opera to its proper standard.”