Richings English Opera: The Bohemian Girl

“The opera selected for the evening [Saturday] has not yet been announced, but we do not think the management could do better than to repeat the ‘Bohemian Girl.’  It has thus far proved a success, and would easily bear one more repetition.”

“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.”