This popular comedy was very successful in Britain for the decade after its premiere, though it has been rarely seen since. For this 1873 tour The Princess of Trébizonde was played in repertoire with three earlier acknowledged hits by Offenbach, The Brigands, The Grand Duchess of Gérolstein and Geneviève de Brabant.
Several of the cast - Messrs Walmisley and Chester and Miss Braham - had also appeared on the 1871 tour. Indeed she was still singing her role not just in 1879, but even in 1892.
Further dates in Dundee, Paisley and elsewhere to be confirmed.
An Aberdeen opinion
Aberdeen Press and Journal, Wednesday 9 July 1873 (p4)
The Princess of Trebizonde Opera Company
'While one half of the town is away in the country, it is some compensation to the other half to have the Opera House to resort to, where they can at least enjoy a ''midummer night's scream!'' The success which the Opera Bouffe has met with on its first introduction, not withstanding the unfavourable period of the season, is very gratifying, and, we think, is an auspicious sign of the interest which we may expect, from the musical character of the people, to be taken in the Italian or Lyric Opera, with which our fine new Opera House has yet to be inaugurated. Meantime we will ''take the good the gods provide us,'' and be thankful.
'On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the title opera of the company was performed with great success. The Princess of Trebizonde is one of Offenbach's most charming operas, and it is the best in which the company has yet been cast. The music is very sparkling, although not perhaps so striking as that of the Grand Duchess or Genevieve de Brabant; but the plot is exceedingly whimsical, and gives rise to no end of fun. Zanetta, the daughter of a travelling showman (Cabriolo), having accidentally smashed the nose of a wax figure of the Princess of Trebizonde, assumes the place of the dilapidated figure, when she is seen by the young Prince Raphael, who falls violently in love with her, and, by way of payment, drops into the showman's bag a lottery ticket, which afterwards is found to entitle the possessor to a baronial hall.
'Cabriolo and his family, consisting of Regina and Zanetta, his sister, Manola, ''the strongwoman of the wilderness'' and Tremolini, the merryman, retire to the baronial hall, whither Prince Raphael goes a-wooing, followed by his tutor, Dr Sparadrap, and his father, Prince Casimir. The latter, for the gratification of his son, insists on purchasing the whole ''collection'' of figures, including, of course, the Princess, and the whole family forthwith go to reside with the Prince.
'Tremolini has planned an elopement with Regina, and Dr Sparadrap with Manolo, and are at a loss how to carry out their plans. In the midst of a supper party the irate Prince breaks in upon them, and they adopt as their only chance the expedient of being wax figures for the nonce. The threat of Casimir to have them ''all cut open'' unveils the deception, and he is about to discard them when Raphael informs his father that he has discovered his secret, viz., that he married a female acrobat himself. Finding himself non-plussed, he yields his consent, and the three pair of lovers are made happy.
'Miss Fanny Harrison and Miss Mabel Brent, as Raphael and Zanetta, had the largest share of the music to sustain, which they did admirably, all the pretty playful airs of the opera being encored, while their acting was characterised by piquancy and vivacity. Mr Horatio Saker did the part of the showman to perfection, while Mr John Chester, as the irascible Prince Casimir, with a strong German accent, and Mr Walmisley as Dr Sparadrap, were each in their element, and gave much enjoyment. Mr Betjman, (the tenor of the company), as Tremolini, and Miss Marion Inch, as Regina, were also very effective in their parts, the dancing of the latter being especially neat; while Miss Carrie Braham, as ''the strong woman of the wilderness,'' left nothing to be desired.'
A Dundee Perspective
Dundee Courier: Tuesday, 15 July 1873 (p4)
Theatre Royal
'Last night the Princess of Trebizonde Opera Bouffe Company gave the first performance in an engagement which is to last six nights only. There was a very good house. The company takes its name from the piece they play, viz., Offenbach's opera bouffe The Princess of Trebizonde. We can hardly speak too highly of the performance. Every performer sustained his or her part in a most appropriate style, and elicited the warmest applause from the audience. Want of space compels us to delay any lengthened remarks till tomorrow, but we must say that the visitor to the theatre this week will enjoy a rich and rare treat.'
And Paisley
Paisley Herald; Saturday, 26 July 1873 (p1)
The Princess of Trebizonde Opera Company
'This company appears in the Exchange Rooms on Monday, 4th August, and will continue a few nights only. From the opinions of the Press, this company seems to be ''all the rage'' in whatever town they appear. The Aberdeen Journal, in noticing this company two weeks ago, says: - ''The Princess of Trebizonde is one of Offenbach's most charming operas and it is the best in which the company has yet been cast. The music is very sparkling, although not perhaps so striking as that of the Grand Duchess or Genevieve de Brabant, but the plot is exceedingly whimsical, and gives rise to no end of fun. (There follows a complete transcription of the review from the Aberdeen paper quoted above).
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