this occasion she appeared as Beatrice (for the first time) in Much Ado about Nothing,' and in compliance with repeated applications, and to gratify numerous parties who have hitherto been prevented from witnessing her personation of Anne Bracegirdle. The Tragedy Queen' was selected for the after piece. The entertainments passed off admirably, and the reception of the 'star of the night' was most enthusiastic. On the following night the stage manager of this establishment, Mr. Joy, took his benefit; then we had a repetition of Southern's tragedy of Isabella' with Miss Faucit as the heroine; after this came Rosina,' in which Miss Morgan sung very prettily, and the entertainments wound up with Aladdin.' The house was crowded. Miss Faucit afforded another treat on Wednesday (24th) with her excellent performance of Juliet to Mr. Leigh Muaray's Romeo and the Mercutio of Mr. Calcraft; and on Thursday there was no less delight caused by her appearance as Pauline in The Lady of Lyons,' On last Saturday evening the winter season was brought to a close; it likewise terminated the engagement of Miss Helen Faucit and Mr. Leigh Murray. The performances, which were for the benefit of Mr. Calcraft, consisted of The Stranger,' and Much Ado About Nothing.' The following letter has been addressed to the Editor of the 'Freeman.' HUDDERSFIELD THEATRE, (Lessee Mr. John Mosley.) The Bottle' it may be said has fairly done its work here, it having been repeated during the past week to crowded houses. On Wednesday, Mr. Sloan the Irish comedian of the Queens Theatre Manchester commenced an engagement of six nights, and has been well supported in the pieces he has appeared in by Messrs. Coefield, Hind, Phillips, Miss Kirk, and Mrs. Sloan. The Tempest' was produced on Monday with new scenery, dresses, and machinery, the following is a cast of the principal characters; Prospero Mr. Mosley, Caliban Mr. Preston, Irinculo Mr. Coefield, Stephano Mr. Phillips, Ariel Miss Kirk. Mr. Anderson better known as the Great Wizard of the North' is announced to exhibit his magic powers at the Philosophical Hall here on Wednesday May 31st, and Thursday June 1st. MANCHESTER THEATRE ROYAL. (Lessee, Mr. J. Knowles.)-After a very indifferent season, this theatre closed for a short period on Saturday evening, on which occasion 'The Tempest,'a ballet divertisement, and the burletta called 'Othello, according to act of Parliament,' were performed to a respectable house. It is the intention of Messrs. Charles Dickens, Mark Lemon, John Forster, John Leech, Frank Stone, Dudley Costello, George Cruikshank, and the other gentlemen amateurs who recently appeared in London, to give a performance in aid of the funds for the endowment of a perpetual curatorship of Shakspere's House, at this theatre, on this (Saturday) evening. 'The Merry Wives of Windsor,' and Animal Magnetism,' are the selections, and we do most heartily trust that the receipts of the house will reach the highest expectations. A Manchester paper says: 'It is believed that Madlle. Jenny Lind will again appear at the Manchester Theatre Royal. Mr. Knowles, the enterprising manager of the Theatre Royal, is now in London, and we have received information, that would lead to the conclusion that he had already made the necessary arrangements, not only for the appearance of Madlle. Lind in Manchester, but in the principal provincial towns.' The Manchester folks are now anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the opera season in London, so that they may once more listen to the enchanting notes of the 'Swedish Nightingale.'- company have been very successful here since they NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL.-The Edinburgh laudatory in its notices upon the several performerscommenced their brief season and the press is very On Monday Rob Roy' was performed with a perfecbeen hitherto unaccustomed to see. tion as to dresses and general effect, that we have Mr. Mackay was Glover enacted Rob Roy with more reality than we the Bailie a part he performs to perfection and Mr. appeared as Othello and Mr. James Bennett as Iago. ever witnessed. On Wednesday Mr. Edmund Glover On Thursday we witnessed that delightful play The Heart of Midlothian.' Mr. Mackay was superlatively excellent in the Laird of Dumbiedyke, Mr. Glover performed the Duke of Argyle, George Staunton by Mr. Wyndham, the Queen Miss Cleaver, Effie Deans Miss H. Coveny, Madge Wildfire Miss Coveny, and Jeanie Deans by Mrs. W. H. Eburne. On Friday the house was crowded to witness the repetition of Rob Roy.' 'An Object of Interest' was the afterpiece, in which Mrs, C. A. Tellett performed the is to take his benefit and farewell of the stage here principal character with much effect. Mr. Mackay on Friday. OXFORD.-The New Orleans Serenaders, Mess rs Sawford, Burke, Ole Bull, Rainer, Collins, and Swaine, have been delighting the Oxonians for some nights past, with their entertainments at the Star Assembly Rooms. Scarcely excepting the far-famed party of the original serenaders from the St. James's Theatre, this company may be said to be one of the finest in existence: they mostly possess a musical knowledge far beyond any of their competitors, added to which their style and manner generally, are such as must gain for them many admirers. The instrumentation of the party is delightful; young Burke, or Ole Bull, as he is called, produced tones from the violin which would not disgrace his renowned namesake artistic execution drew down, nightly, thunders of applause, and nearly a double encore. Swaine on the his bones' is really wonderful; it is impossible to conceive the rapidity of his execution, and his time is perfect: amongst his finest productions may be named his duett with Burke on the violin (Zampa), and his various imitation of the regimental drum, and the horse-race. Sawford on the tamborine is the life of the party; his attitudes are inimitably comic. The sweet alto of Collins (the Germon of Pell's celebrated company,) would do honour to any quartette party; and with the deep bass notes of Rainer (of the wellknown Rainer family,) form a most beautiful harmony. The latter has arranged a Burlesque on the Italian Opera,' nightly received with roars of laughter and encores. The room was crowded on each occasion, and we hope again to have an opportunity of hearing the serenaders. Numerous other amusements may shortly be expected. PERTH THEATRE ROYAL. [Lessee Mr. J. Anson.] -Our theatre here was crowded on Thursday evening to witness the performance of Mr. Ira Aldridge, the celebrated African Roscius in Othello' and Mungo in 'The Padlock,' and it is but just to say he charmed and delighted all. By particular request he appears next Thursday. ROCHESTER THEATRE ROYAL.-This theatre, after closing a very indifferent season, opened for one night more' on Monday. The performance was for the benefit of Mr. Lobley, Pantaloon and Property man whose first benefit had proved a failure. Prior to the commencement of the performance at the Theatre Mr Lobley treated a 'generous public' (?) with the exhibition of himself on the river Medway, riding in washing tub,dressed as Clown, and drawn by two geese the unfortunate birds were not the only geese present This was an exhibition that did no credit to the establishment. The result was a second failure. The pieces were The Dream of Fate,' 'The Dead Shot,' and Jocko.' The actors, including Messrs. James, Young, Hambleton, and Mrs. Bartlett and Miss Palmer, exerted themselves most effectually. In the last piece, the celebrated Plimmeri played Jocko with his usual excellence. ་ SUNDERLAND THEATRE ROYAL. [Lessees Mrs. Beverly and Mr. Roxby.] The Lambton Worm' after a long run has at length been withdrawn, and the public are now warned of the near approach of the close of the season, by the commencement of the benefits, the first of which took place on Friday the 19th inst., ike beneficiare Mrs. Beverly presenting on that occasion two pieces new to the Sunderland stage The Rag Picker of Paris,' and The Railway King.' In the former, Mr. Harry Beverly's impersonation of the Rag Picker was a beautiful performance, the various changes of the character from the the gay being rendered with grave to a masterly hand. He was exceedingly well supported by Miss Edwards, Mr Branson and others of the company. In the concluding piece Miss Newton and Mr Roxby had full scope for their rich comic acting, and exer cised the laughing propensities of the audience, in no ordinary degree. The house was not so full as the nature of the entertainments and the character of the lessee so well deserved. The performances on the 17th were under the patronage of the 30th Regiment the pieces were 'the Rivals' and the 'Sheepwalker' The bouse was pretty well attended. Mr H. Beverly makes his appeal for Friday the 26th inst., his selections consists of The Black Doctor,' and 'A Mistaken Story.' We trust that the merits of this invariably excellent actor, will not go unrewarded. We have no hesitation in saying that there is not a more truthful and natural performer on the British stage. successful debut at the Gymnase in Le Vieux Garcon, racters. ་ AMUSEMENTS OF THE WEEK. On Monday night last the Royal Property' was which exists at present, has not allowed to pass unheeded even the venerable and time-honoured groves of Vauxhall, for a considerable time past nurating and beautifying this famous resort; and, indeed merous artists have been actively engaged in re decothe gardens present the appearance of having been subjected to a complete revivifying process; and the whole place appears more superior than ever. The entertainments commenced with a grand vocal and instrumental concert, in which were introduced some selections from Dr. Bull, Bishop, Adolphe Adam, and others; these were beautifully performed by the vocal and instrumental performers engaged for the purpose. The Rotunda theatre has been converted into a capacious cirque for the purpose of exhibiting the clever performances of a capital corps of equesdisplayed some novel and daring feats, these are sure trians from the Cirque National de Bruxelles, who, to attract great numbers. Many of the pieces introduced were exceedingly clever, and some of them highly ludicrous, this was more particularly the case series of embodiments of many of the characters in in the act given by Mr. Mosely, who went through a thePickwick Papers,' it had a most droll appearance to see the rider, his steed at full speed, changing his dress from the fat Mr. Weller, sen., to the slim Sam, CONTINENTAL THEATRES. introducing Mr. Pickwick and his companions. The PARIS.-Duprez has been re-engaged at the Opera scene drew forth loud applause and hearty laughter. for a year. His name still exercises a magnetic indu- consisting of gymnastic feats, was extremely clever, The performance of Santa Ameson and his infant son, ence with the public, and has been found sufficient to attract numerous auditors to hear him in his favourite and gained a due amount of praise. The other characters, in Guillaume Tell' and 'La Favorita,' in entertainments were done ample justice to, and appa which he maintains his reputation as a distinguished rently gave great satisfaction. The entertainments artiste. The ballet, though deprived of Carlotta, is concluded with a grand pyrotechnic display, to give still enchanting, and the lively Diable a Quatre' is has been constructed on the Waterloo groun. due effect to which, a magnificent piece de resistance' scarcely less agreeable with Madlle. Plunkett, than in model is on a very larg scale' and is intended to be a the hands of her celebrated rival. On the whole, this theatre seems to be recovering, though slowly, somerepresentation of the noble and ancient city of Conwhat of its ancient prestige, having worn for some stantinople. The artist in his design has chosen that length of time a very cloudy aspect. Madlle. Rachel portion of the city viewed from the entrance to the has appeared in a new part, namely, as Monime in Golden Horn, introducing to the notice of the spectaRacine's Mithridates,' and it is one of her most tor the aurut, or slave market; the beautiful mosque charming creations; less imposing, and presenting less of the sultan from the outer court, the seraskier's opportunities for striking display than many others of tower, court of the mosques of Mahomet, and Selim, her more celebrated characters, it is in the Monime Bassaret, and Yeni, Jani and Suliemanie. the Galata she exhibits the most touching and gentle characteris.ping, is introduced, and gives a fine relief to the Tower, &c. A portion of the Bosphorus, with shiptics of her genius. Madile. Dinah Felix has made a buildings. The illuminations were of a superior and The plentiful order. Upon the whole the entertainments went off with great spirit and finish. CREMORNE GARDENS. These beautiful gardens opened for the season on Monday last. The long continuance of the fine weather so admirably adapted for the presenting and enjoying these highly intellectual amusements, has induced the spirited management to throw open the grounds some time before the period originally appointed for that purpose, and the large company which assembled yesterday at this favourite resort, appeared to be highly gratified by the circumstance. We have, on a former occasion briefly alluded to the numerous alterations and improvements which were in preparation for the present season; many of them are now completed, and from the excellent and tasteful manner in which they have been executed, they lend fresh enchantment to the view.' Every portion of the vast gardens, which consists of several acres, has been made available for the production of some novelty well calculated to surprise and delight the visitor. All that art, aided in an eminent degree by fair nature, could effect, is there to be discovered. The amuses ments presented were numerous and varied, and served to keep the company in capital spirits through out the afternoon and evening. Lieutenant Gale, made his second ascent in the new balloon, constructed solely for these gardens. In the theatre a new grand ballet was produced with considerable splendour. The novelty is entitled Telemachus in the Island of Calypso,' and has been got up' in a most finished style. As its name indicates, it is a mythological spectacle, founded on a portion of the beautiful work of the Archbishop of Cambray. The principal points may be thus described. Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, leaves the kingdom of Ithaca in search of his father, who, after the Trojan war, is supposed to have been wandering on the seas. The youthful adventurer is under the especial care of Minerva, who watches over bim. They incur the displeasure of Venus, who supplicates Neptune to destroy them in a tempest. During the storm they are shipwrecked, and cast upon the island of Calypso. The goddess becomes enamoured of the Ithacan, and her passion is augmented on hearing him relate his adventures in quest of his sire. Mentor watches ovar Telemachus and counteracts the wiles of Calypso. Cupid the tricksy god of love, however, mabes his appearance on the island and causes Eucharis to fall desperately in love with Telemachus, who, in bis turn conceives a violent passion for the young nymph. Calapso discovers the love which the young couple entertain for each other, and the passion which rages in her own bosom is turned to jealousy and hate. She endeavours to destroy Telemachus, but Mentor appears and turns away the arrow directed to his heart: Calypso in despair, views the love of Eucharis and Telemachus. At lenth Mentor suggests to the youth the propriety of their quitting the island,and points out the ship ready to set sail. Eucharis conjures her lover to remain on the island, and Cupid suggests the burning of the ship as the best mode to effect the desired end. The nymphs accordingly fire the vessel. Mentor, seeing how matters stand, determines, by some violent measure, to put a stop to the "billing and cooing,, of the lovers, and therefore leads Telemachus to the summit of a rock, where he unceremoniously casts him into the sea beneath, and jumps in after him. The nymphs are seized with astonishment at this pecu. liar proceeding, this feeling of 'wonder, however, gives way to poignant sorrow, when they see the swimmers make for a ship in the distance. Cupid finding that that his designs to create a breach of the peace have been frustrated by a superior power, betakes himsel to Venus and the Isle of Cythers. It was performed in a very superior manner, the various parties engaged acquitting themselves in a highly creditable manner. The scenic effects introduced were of a most surprising order, and their effect was materially aided by the ready manner in which the machinery worked. The dresses and appointments were also first rate and worthy of especial remark. In the pagoda orchestra, a grand vocal and instrumental concert was given, which was given in a first rate style. In the course of the evening a ball was given on the circular platform encompassing the illu. minated orchestra. As the evening advanced the gardens were brilliantly illuminated, and the grand promenade, which runs the entire length of the grounds was beautifully lighted by festoons of coloured lamps. THE DRURY LANE FUND. The Anniversary Festival, in aid of the funds of this ins titution took place on Wednesday last at the Freemason's Tavern, the Duke of Beaufort in the chair. Amongst the vocal and instrumental perfor< mers who kindly offered their valuable services to the committee on the occasion we find the names of Madame Thillon, Miss Birch, Miss Dolby, Miss Miran, Miss P. Horton, Mr. Sims Recees, Mr. Whitworth, Mr. D. W. King, Mr. H, Phillips, and several others of eminence, but not one from either of he Italian Operas. MISCELLANEA. Mr. Mandeville, alias Southwell, the Socialist lecturer, has decamped from Canterbaty, leaving the unfortunate theatricals to shift for themselves. Things are in a bad way at Gravesend. Mr. Heary Farren of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, is the manager. The Abergavenny speculation, Manageress Mrs. Geroux, was unsuccessful, and the actors as usual the sufferers. The celebrated Madlle. Lecouvreur, of the theatre Francaise, passing through the streets at a late hour, on a raw cold night, was accosted by a poor woman with four little children, who in a tone of bitter suffering, beseeched the actress to take pity on her destitute condition. Mademoiselle Lecouvreur searched in her pockets, and Anding nothing, 'Wait,' said she, my good woman, I will give you more than you could have hoped for,' and instantly throwing off her mantle, she began to recite the imprecations of Camilla, with a vehemence and superiority of talents, that soon collected a crowd around her, notwithstanding the inclemency of the season. She then made a collection among the audience, and with the fruits of her charitable exertion gave the poor woman a sufficient sum to provide lodgings and clothes for her infants. Foote was an enthusiastic admirer of Shakspere; and frequently in the course of dramatic conversation, would point out particular beauties which had escaped the research of the commentators. He one day asserted, that would not be difficult to find passages in Shakspere, which are not strictly correct, either in sense or grammar, yet carry their meaning so warmly and obviously to everybody's mind, as no other words could convey it. This,' added he, 'was the witchery of the poet; who, by the inspiration of his muse, could snatch a grace beyond the reach of art.' of John West Dudley Digges, a member of the MEMOIR OF MR. FORMAN. George Frederick Forman, was born in Lambeth, on June 26th, 1814, his father held an office as one of the comptrollers of the Custom House. He dying in difficulties, when the subject of this sketch was nine years old, left him without any resources; but by the recommendation of a friend he was received by Mr. Gimmell, of Salisbury Square, into his printing-office; here he remained for five years. His mother then married Mr. Connelly, the then celebrated wood-engraver, and he returned home to study that art, under the direction of his father-in-law; but having been particularly successful at School (Mr. Henderson of Stockwell Green) in carrying off most of the prizes for lengthened recitations, he began to feel the sedentary employment of wood-engraving irksome, so 'left his father's house with no faithful servant to conduct his steps,' and after trying his histrionic powers at Mr. Foster's private theatre, near West Square, the well known Ben Smithson made an engagement for him with Mr. Jackman at Bedford: his first attempt was in Tragedy!! don't laugh,—Liston made the same mistake. Jackman found out directly he was not good in Hamlet, &c., so not knowing what to do with him, put him into the walking gentlemen,' in which finding he had a good tenor voice, he used to sing love songs to disconsolate nieces and daughters in the farces. Finding this to tell better than his tragedy, upon leaving him he became a pupil of the celebrated Tom Cooke, under him he perfected himself for first Tenor singer, and came out at York, as Fra Diavolo, &c. till a six weeks severe hoarseness walked off with his voice. He then joined Mr. Bennet of Worcester, for the Wrench's sort of comedy, but at Shrewsbury, happening to play Peter Spyk, in the 'Loan of a Lover,' the Miss Smithson's were starring there then, advised him that low comedy was his forte, and through them and others, who said they always looked upon him as a low comedian, he accepted an engagement at Salis-Angel of the Attic.' bury, for the low comedy, with Mr. Maddocks: here, as with Mr. Bennett, the provincial press were lavish of their praise, calling him the young Liston, to which great man they said he bore a strong resemblance. From here, he made his first appearance in London as Dominique, the deserter, at the Adelphi Theatre, and was triumphantly successful. His next part was Norma, in the burlesque, which established him in London. Upon Mr. Gladstane's leaving the Adelphi, he opened with Messrs. Phelps and Greenwood at Sadler's Wells, when they began the excellent system that has done them so much honor, from there to the City, with Mr. Honner; there to the Surrey, from there to the Victoria where he now remains for his second season. MEMOIR OF MISS STANLEY. Miss Emma Stanley was born in Exeter, November 1822. Her father George Stanley, was of a highly respectable Derby family. At an early age he abandoned the paternal roof and became an actor, and divided public favour with the distinguished artist, W. Murray of Edinboro' When still young he married the grand-daughter In private life Miss Emma Stanley is much esteemed for her suavity and gentleness of manner. She is remarkable for the character of her costumes, which cannot be surpassed in elegance and taste, even on the French stage. We cannot conclude this short memoir better than by quoting the verses, which appeared in all the papers addressed to her by a French artist, un witnessing her performance of the Devil's In It,' and the Vous qui possedez tous les charmes, St. James's Theatre, NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. AD ALL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE EDITOR MUST BB DRESSED TO 6, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. CORRESPONDENTS WILL GREATLY OBLIGE US BY PORWARDING THEIR COMMUNICATIONS AS EARLY IN THE WEEK AS POSSIBLE. M. A.Mr. Turnour, Bow Street. C. M. Jenny Lind will in all probability visit the provinces. C. J.-Miss Eliza Clayton, H. M. MWe have complied with your wishes. We expect the Female American Berenaders will honor the Oxonians with their presence during the Commemoration week, IGNOTUS. We have perused your letter with much satisfaction and we I have no doubt you would procure what you wish, through our columns; the expence will be about seven shillings. We should be happy to receive communications on the subject. |