October 1856: English Opera – “Esmeralda” – Lucy Escott, Miss Dyer, Mr. Henry Haigh, and Mr. Durand

An article on page two of the North British Daily Mail, on Friday the 17th of October, 1856,

reads:

 

“ENGLISH OPERA.—The success which has attended the re-engagement of this favourite company

has, notwithstanding the many counter attractions, exceeded that bestowed upon their former

engagement, and is an instance how willingly our citizens appreciate and liberally patronise

whatever is really worthy of their approbation and support. Last night Battista’s ‘Esmeralda,’ founded

on one of Victor Hugo’s novels, was presented to a numerous audience, who manifested their delight

and satisfaction by enthusiastically applauding and encoring the more striking passages. The principal

characters were sustained by Lucy Escott, Miss Dyer, Mr Henry Haigh, and Mr Durand, all of whom

acquitted themselves most admirably. This evening ‘Maritana’ is to be produced, and, as the engagement

is now near an end, we would advise all who have not yet heard this company to do so before they take

their departure.”

 

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, September 2024.