224 PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS. -Let us go, while we are in our prime, The flourish of the managerial trumpet falls mellifluously upon the ear, the sound is re-echoed, and open fly the portals of HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Rank, fashion, and beauty again move in a sphere of unwonted brilliancy. Once more we behold fairy forms blooming in loveliness, and casting around a fragrant charm like that imparted to the garden by the "painted populace." All is "gentle and aristocratic" in this the most courtly of resorts, where noble dames and gallant cavaliers haply congregate with as evident an anxiety to be seen as to see. Subscribers may fairly anticipate a season rich in attraction, for the arrangements of Mr. Lumley are full of melodious promise. It is satisfactory to be assured that Sontag, Lablache, and Parodi, are expected early in the season, and that "Medea" will be reproduced, for which purpose Pasta will expressly visit this country to superintend the arrangements for the appearance of her pupil, Parodi, in that character. Her Majesty's visit to DRURY LANE is a mark of royal favour, evincing a proper regard for the exertions and just appreciation of the praiseworthy motives of Mr. Anderson in the course of management he has pursued. Vires acquirit eundo is peculiarly manifest in the greatly improved manner which distinguishes the whole stage arrangements. This is strikingly apparent in "Fiesco," Julius Cæsar, "The School for Scandal," and "The Beggar's Opera." Indeed, it should be observed that never under any management was there such an amount of attention, action, unanimity, and general regard to time, emphasis, and effect displayed, as exhibited by the popular gatherings in "Fiesco" and Julius Cæsar." In the cast of the latter tragedy evidence is afforded of discrimination in the distribution of characters. The Brut. a of Mr. Vandenhoff is a rigidly correct piece of acting, the declamation of the actor being well adapted to the part. The Marc Antony of Mr. Anderson is a performance of a high order; his delivery of the well remembered oration, evolving consummate skill in depicting the several changes of feeling which agitate the noble Roman. Miss Phillips as Portia gives great effect to the little demanded of her, by imparting to that little much grace and dignity. The tragedy, in all respects, the scenery, dresses, and banners, being unexceptionable, is excellently placed upon the stage. This proper regard to the mise en scène is conspicuously bestowed on "The Beggars' Opera," in which Mr. Rafter sustains the part of Captain Macheath very efficiently; Polly Peachum being represented by Miss E. Nelson, who, in addition to a voice of sweetness, possesses some taste; and Lucy Lockit by Miss F. Huddart, a character for which she is unfitted, from not possessing the humour essential to give proper effect to the personation. The recent representation of the favourite drama of "Charles the Twelfth" before the Court at Windsor Castle has prompted several managers to bring that clever production of Planché again before the public. Since the period of its being originally performed, twenty-two years have passed away, and it may naturally be supposed that in this evolution of time, material changes have occurred in the cast. In the distribution of characters, and, in fact, in the general getting up, the version given at the LYCEUM far surpasses that of any other management. In appearance Mr. Charles Mathews is Charles the Twelfth to the life; indeed, he steps from the canvas to the stage, and presents a most masterly and artistic picture, with the light and shade properly apportioned. The rigidity, coolness, and determination of the inflexible monarch, cannot for a moment be lost sight of in this clever personation. His interview with Adam Brock is a scene replete with excellent acting, both on the part of Mr. Charles Mathews and Mr. Frank Matthews; the latter's Adam Brock, is the blunt, honest-minded farmer all over, his hearty joyousness of manner being admirably expressed. The bluff old yeoman's daughter, Eudiga, is ably represented by Miss Julia St. George, who throws into the part considerable archness and vivacity. The meddling burgomaster is personated by Harley, and it should be mentioned that never did this favourite actor infuse more humour into his original character of Triptolemus Muddlewerk. The Island of Jewels" has reached an uninterrupted career of sixty nights, and it is fair to suppose, from its present popularity, that it will reach its hundredth celebration without suffering from any diminution of attraction. 66 Auber's Postillon has afforded Chollet an opportunity of displaying his vocal powers to some extent at the ST. JAMES's, where Mr. Mitchell's aristocratic patrons begin to assemble in full force and great fashion. "Mr. Bunn on the stage" must be magic to those who have the curiosity to witness the unfolding of the budget of the ex-manager, exlessee, and ex-author, and to learn whether listeners are to be made acquainted with the experience of the relater. If the lecturer should be tempted to jump from the stage into the confession box, and make a clean breast of it, there is no declaring the secrets which would be unravelled, and the personages who would be involved. Mr. Lewes' new play at the OLYMPIC, entitled "The Noble IIeart," is rich in poetical language, but poor in dramatic construction. The plot is not only unnatural, but it is highly improbable. The acting is, in some respects, very spirited; particularly that portion contributed by Mr. Brooke, who, in the last scene-albeit rather elaborate in portraying passion is very effective. Not so with Mr. Davenport, who does his best endeavours to "split the ears of the groundlings." The scenery, dresses, and the whole of the stage accessories, are in the best taste, and are satisfactory indications of the desire of the manager to invest the creations of our authors with a proper and becoming attention. Selby's amusing farce of "Catching an Heiress" has been revived, for the purpose of enabling Mr. John Reeve to exercise his varied abilities, which he does to some extent by some quaint acting, amusing singing, and excellent dancing. "My Precious Betsey" calls for no further remark, than that it serves the purposes of the performers at the ADELPHI to indulge in vulgar If we de buffooneries, which would not be tolerated by the audience of any other theatre. But that the taste of the visitors cannot be denominated fastidious is obvious from the patient and enduring manner they inhale an atmosphere as pernicious and disastrous to the human frame, as the gnawing of the worm that insidiously saps the stately oak. plore the want of ventilation, we cannot withhold commendation for the proper feeling which dictates the construction of more than one mode of egress from the boxes, although we must protest against the plan of stationing an individual at a door, whose duty consists in endeavouring to persuade visitors (whether of sober mien or not) to make a desperate rush from "the hissing hot" theatre to add more heat to his coppers by plunging into a neighbouring tavern. STATE OF THE ODDS. The publication of the acceptances for the different spring handicaps has not given that stimulus and spirit to speculation which we have been taught to look to as more or less a consequence on the declarations being made known; the betting, in fact, on almost every event we quote has been comparatively unimportant, notwithstanding that the numbers of the left-in rank being well with "the content" of former seasons. In the Metropolitan and Newmarket handicaps this "deadly-lively" feeling may be accounted for by the certainty Cheerful is made of for both. Standing in remarkably light, she has since been backed and talked of by the Goodwood party to a tune that has put everything else into the shade. However the race may come off, or however just the handicapper's estimate of her capabilities may eventually prove, there is no doubt that the weight, with the money, has gone far to spoil both as betting races. Of the others to be found in our list for the two stakes this mare heads, some are occasionally backed, but none really in general request, and Snowstorm and Black Eagle by no means "the pots" they once promised to become. The Northamptonshire, without any particular "bogy" of this kind to take the courage out of backers and fanciers of horses, reads even more dull than either of those we have just alluded to. In the sum-up for it little difference will be noticed from our report of last month, Osterley and Harriott figuring still as the select of the selected, the horse now with some points the best of it; on neither, though, has much money been laid out. With a somewhat brighter look and longer list the Chester Cup yet heralds no great move nor change. Many of the acceptances, such as Miss Ann, Ellerdale, John Cosser, and Clermont, have quietly, and elsewhere, been backed to win heavy stakes; but, excepting the first named, without any visible effect on the market prices. Mr. Merry's mare is just now strong in public favour, and threatening to reach Glauca, whose friends have made no great demonstration of late; while Fugleman-a dangerous horse to be against, if in anything like form Peep-o'-day Boy, and Roland have perhaps even now a more improving appearance than when we left them last month. On the other hand, despite the respect with which she is always mentioned, Lady Evelyn does not command the support which might have been expected; we fancy, however, she will be a much better favourite before the race is over, with, should she come well to the post, some very fine hedging for those who can be tempted to get on now. Of the others we may add, that John Scott threatens his opponents this year in a very qualified tone with the Knout and Chantrey; while all Ireland roars as mild as sucking doves with the grey Whin Colt, we once wrote as first pick. Turning from this table of weights and measures we come at last to a little excitement on the Derby, occasioned by a "certain race-horse," as in parliamentary lingo they refer to him, getting into Chancery. The family have certainly made a very pretty quarrel of it, and contrived to send" the certain horse," which we may perhaps be pardoned for naming as Bolingbroke, back a good many points. On his "rights" we have no doubt the white-legged one would still be first favourite, for he is reported as never in better form, and, by the stable authority, will never leave it till he has won the Derby. In contradiction to this, we have the Goodwood party in immense force with two horses, the Nigger now getting close up to the other, though, so far, without either suffering from the rivalry; it does not exactly appear yet which is to give way. In other respects our list is a short one, with business to match it. Since writing the above Bolingbroke has come again with a rush, and may fairly be reported as again at the head of the poll, the Chancery business promising not to “ run on." |