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146
ANNALS OF THE
hands, amid the universal plaudits of the house, and
Sims Reeves proceeded to the dressing-room, made up
for Edgardo, and finished the Opera,
of course to the
great delight of all. It should here be mentioned that a
report existed about this time that the distinguished tenor
and Catherine Hayes were engaged to be married. The
success of the native songstress was complete.
" "
Lucia
never received, perhaps, a more poetic impersonation than
in the hands of Catherine Hayes. Her acting, particularly
in the mad scene, reached the highest standard, and
her singing equalled any of the Italian artistes in style
and finish.
On Wednesday, November 7th, " Norma " was given.
Norma, Miss C. Hayes ; Adalgisa, Miss Poole ; Pollio,
Herr Damcke ; Oroveso, Burdini ; Flavio, Galli ; Clotilda,
Miss Fitzgerald.
Poor Herr Damcke was no great improvement on
Paglieri, and did not distinguish himself very greatly in
the role. The gallery " lads " made sad havoc of the
name, parodizing it in all sorts of ways. When singing
somewhat out of tune, a voice called out "What
damn key are you singing in now ?" Another said
"Bravo Coal-quay" (the tenor was of very dark com-
plexion).
On Thursday, November 8th, " Norma " was repeated ;
and
On Friday,
" Norma," and the mad scene from
"Lucia." Catherine Hayes singing "The Harp that
once," in the interval. The poverty of the Company did
not admit of an extended repertoire, so Norma had to be