Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, 19 April 1890

Monday. — Carmen exceptionally excellent. Miss Zélie de Lussan, gifted with a light, pleasant voice, sang admirably. Can't have Trop de Zélie . Mr. Barton McGuckin, as Don Jim-along-José , did all that can be done with this weak-minded soldier. No holes to be picked in Mr. McG.'s performance, though there was a portion of his costume that would have been the better for the attention of Signor Soanso, the Spanish tailor. Perhaps he is one of the Renters of Drury Lane. The strongest and most novel situation was the entrance of a horse, which, like the old woman who lived on nothing but victuals and drink, wouldn't be quiet, and nearly gave poor Carmen fits. If it had given Mr. Barton McGuckin fits—a pair of them—my previous allusion to the tailor would have lacked a tangible basis of fact. Fancy Carmen frightened by an ordinary horse, not even a dray-horse, of which no Carmen would have been afraid!
Tuesday and Friday.—Faust. Signor Runcio, as Faust , up to the mark. Military band of soldiers returned from the wars had apparently conquered the drum of a British regiment. Signor Abramoff (good as Mephistopheles ) showed his generous disposition by sharing his red light with Martha when he was talking to her.
Wednesday.—Romeo and Juliet , repetition of last week when the season commenced with Gonoud's masterpiece. Scenery tested the resources of some of the greatest Drury Lane successes. The pantomime in the ball-room was particularly excellent and noticeable.
Thursday.—Mignon , represented by charming Miss Moody. Supported by the dullest of Lotharios , Mr. F. H. Celli. Wilhelm played by a very small tenor—in fact one who looked like a Child. The cast good all round, and a crowded house enthusiastic. One of the best revivals of the season.
Saturday. —Wallace's Lurline in the evening, after Carmen in the morning. Troubador just as enchanting as he was twenty years ago. The silver river, too, flows on as sweetly as ever. Good house testifies to the love we all have for home-made music. On the whole a satisfactory week from every point of view. So far—all's well.