the master-piece of Mr. Mathews. However wel delineated the snappish irritability of Sir Fretful, Puff is, without doubt, his triumph-a character in which he is totally unapproachable. His activity and invention find full scope for display in the rehearsal of the mock tragedy, which, according to custom, is an ad libitum affair, in which all sorts of pleasant absurdities may be introdoced. Not a single opportunity for 'fun' is missed by Mr. Mathews; the distress fidget, and enjoyment of the dramatist, amidst sneering friends and tiresome actors, are graphically represented. Mrs. Yates, in whom the company have gained a great addition, created much sensation, on appearing as Tilburina; she played the character with great effect; and when, according to the old Critic custom of ad dressing the actors by name, Mr. Mathews said, "Ah, Mrs. Yates, who would have thought of seeing you here?" the house rang with the loudest applause. The whole piece is very strongly cast with Mr. Harley as Whiskerandos, Mr. Roxby as the Earl of Leicester, and Mr. Frank Matthews as the Governor: Mr. Selby as Sneer also acted very neatly. The National Anthem, the last verse of which was delightfully sung by Madame Vestris, was unanimously encored, the spirit of the audience being most enthusiastic.

CITY.

Mr. Freer, to the great delight of crowds of Shoreditchini, Hackneyites, and denizens of the neighbouring localities, who nightly visit the theatre.

Like much other interesting matter, the above was omitted, through want of space, in our last number. During the present week, The Haunted Grange' has been followed by The Omnibus,' in which Mr. T. Lee made a capital Pat Rooney; he has likewise appeared with great success in The Devil's in the Room,' and as Doctor O'Toole, in the Irish Tutor.' Mr. Lee will shortly appear in a new screamer, with the cognomen of Jemmy Lind; not the Swedish Nightingale, but the Irish Skylark.' Miss E. Terry is a very valuable acquisition to this theatre; she is admirablə in her burlesque acting and singing; Mrs. and Miss Daly also proves of great assistance to the corps dramatique. Messrs. Coney and Taylor, with the won derful dog Hector, receive the greatest applause every evening. BRITANNIA SALOON.

We attended here on last Saturday evening, and were glad to find the house well filled. The entertainments commenced with the Ocean Monarch,' a drama which has been admirably got up, and in all respects ably supported; Mr. C. J. Bird as Dick Dareall, and Mr. Sawford as Tom Tackle, are deThe East endors were taken by storm on Saturday serving our especial notice. Both performers appeared night last, by the announcement that both the houses quite at home,' and their spirited acting did not in that district would be ready for inspection on that escape the applause of the more appreciating portion evening. The vacation has been taken great advan- of the audience. This was followed by the revival of tage of by Messrs. Johnson and Nelson Lee; the the Deeds and Doings of the Dark House; or, Simdecorations, &c., have been conducted with the ple Sue of Billingsgate,' the title of which bears a greatest spirit; and everything that could be done strong resemblance to that class of pieces belonging bas been effected for the comfort of the crowded audi- to the thrilling iuterest' school. Be this as it may, ences who nightly assemble within the walls to do the drama abounds in well drawn situations; and we homage to the efforts of the worthy managers. An feel it our duty to bestow commendation on the enlargement of the gallery has taken place; a splendid mounting; in fact the whole is highly cre litable to new act drop has been designed and painted by Mr. the management. The part of Charles Eiford received Beaumont. The performances have during the weexample justice from the hands of Mr Bird; his imperconsisted of a very powerful drama by Mr. Egerton Wilks (author of "The Plank across the Street,") entitled A Wife's Secret,' which has been well sup ported by the very excellent company engaged here; it is a complete plagiarism on Lovell's play of The Wife's Secret:' this has been succeeded by a capital extravaganza, entitled Lady Godiva,' with Mr. Barry from Astley's as Peeping Tom, and Mrs. Saville as the heroine. The entertainments concluded with The Emigrant Ship,' founded on the recent awful destruction of the Ocean Monarch,' we object in toto to the production of pieces having their origin in such fearful calamities; they are calculated to harrow the feelings, without being productive of any good result. Mr. Saville is too good an actor to be oast in such pieces. The scenery, costumes, and properties require considerable improvement; but the performances are altogether very acceptable to the

audience.

STANDARD.

Coeval with the opening of the other Eastern house this establishment received its crowd of visitors on Saturday night. Our space will only this week permit us to state that during the recess, the usual amount of labour has been bestowed on the decorations and improvements, which have been effected with considerable taste; and the managers (Messrs. Douglass and T. Lee,) have used their utmost exertion to make this a place of popular resort; indeed, we must give this house the preference, particularly as regards the performances; The Italian Wife,'' Haunted Grange,' and other interesting pieces have been performed by the very excellent company, headed by the well-known

We

sonation of the revengeful protector of poor Sue was
truthfully pourtrayed; on the whole, his entire con-
ception of the character evinced careful study, and
obtained much applause. The George Bradburn of
Mr. Sawford was a clever performance, to say the
least of it. Mr. Broughton made the most of Edgar,
the reprobate and Mr. W. Rogers and Mr. H. Carles
were extremely comic in their respective parts.
now come to Miss Marian Lacey, whose assumption
of Simple Sue was capital; at one moneat her idiotic
mannerisms called forth the sympathy of the specta-
tors; and in the next her highly polished habits were
the signal for applause. Mrs. Colwell rendered well
the small part of Anne. A new ballet, called the
'Smugglers of Palermo: or the Fisherman and the
Sbirri,' closed the evening's amusement. It has, we
believe, been produced under the direction of Mr.
Smith, who executed 'La Tarantule and a
des Deux,' with Madame Robie, in a graceful and
captivating style. We thought Mr Clements was
quite out of his element as the Simpkin: he is best
adapted for the old men parts.' Now that a re-en-
gagement has been made with Mr Smith, we hope
to be entertained by the children of Terpsichore :
Mr Smith is a skilful dancer and pantomimist, and
with a little attention being paid to the corps de
ballet,' some pretty pieces might be produced,

Provincial Theatricals.

'Pas

BRADFORD THEATRE. (Lessee, Mr Mosley.)During the past week a succession of legitimate plays

has given Mr Mosley's excellent company an oppor tunity of proving its efficiency. On Wednesday the play of Pizarro' was performed, Mr Loraine appearing as Rolla, a character well adaptod to his energetic style of acting and in which he was much applanded

the farce of Sketches in India' concluded and afforded Mr Coefield and Miss Carre an admirable opportunity for the display of their comic powers. On Friday the fashionable night the play of Money' was performed to a highly respectable house: it is seldom we have seen this play so well sustained by any stock com. pany which reflects the highest credit on Mosley, as also on the ladies and gentlemen connected

with him.

engagement to a close; and we do congratulate Mr. Glover on the bold, and, we are proud to say, successful esperiment.

PERTH. We have been somewhat astonished by the production in splendid style, of a new nautical drama, called The Ship on Fire, or the Loss of the Ocean Monarch.' This is expeditious work for a country theatre. Dramatized, new scenery, &c., and played in little more than a month after the melancholy accident itself, and played most excellently it was, and some new scenery by Mr. J. Johnson very good, es◄ Mrpecially the view of the Liverpool Docks. Mr. Stod dart played Dick Dareall villainously well; and Mr. F. Hastings as the Sailor, Tom Tackle, was quite at home. Mr. S. Johnson made the most of George Freeman, and Mr. Anson's dress and acting of Tommy Tit, was a very rich tit bit: his scene on board the vessel was very excellent, and reminded us of the late. John Reeve in The Flying Dutchman.' Mrs. Anson's Emma was a very pretty and finished piece of acting, and deserves great praise. The firing of the Cottage in the first act, and the last scene, the Ship on Fire, were most admirable, and on each evening were received with acclamations of applause. Such startling effects were never seen here before. Tuesday, our worthy. manager threw the house open for the benefit of that noble Institution, the Perth Infirmary, aud gave the whole proceeds, which were considerable. Business is good. Mr. Aldridge the celebrated African Roseius appears in a few evenings: he is an immense favourite here.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE ROYAL. [Lessee Mr Davenport]-The season closed on Monday, the entertainments being chosen by Miss Davenport, who claimed the proceeds of the house. In the closing address, delivered by Mr Davenport, he looked upon the engagement of stars' as being very injurious to the Exchequer, he should thorefore avoid it for the future. Mr Davenport added-"My object in future will be to get as good a stock company as possible, and having only twenty-four nights granted to me. I shall endeavour to arrange for them in the same way as it is done on the continent-by subscription—Í intend to issue a prospectus a month before opening, and put the season tickets at a very low figure, and if I am successful I have no doubt the drama will be resuscitated in this town.' After bidding farewell to a crowded and brilliant audience, he retired amidst lond cheering.

GUILDFORD. (Lessee, Mr. Barnett). -The season commenced here on the 2nd, and there is every pros pect of its being good. The company consists of Messrs. Weekley, T. Fry, Butler, Elliott, Tucker, Barnett; Mesdames Barnett, Fitzpatrick, Clare, Collins, &c.

MANCHESTER THEATRE. (Lessee, Mr. J. Knowles). -The English operatic troupe, under the management of Mr. Howard Glover, have been pretty fortunate in drawing good houses. Last week, the opera of La Sonnambula' was repeated several times with success; Miss Rainforth made a wonderful impression on the audience with her fire conception of Amina. Mr. Sims Reeves gave the part of Elvino with considerable dramatic effect; and Mr. Whitworth's Count Rodolpho was greatly applauded. The Alessio of Mr. P. Corri consisted of mere buffoonery; but, for tho chorus-it was certainly one of the chief features of the performance. Mr. Loder's operetta, entitled 'The Young Guard,' has formed an amusing afterpiece; it was played for the first time on Tuesday, the 3rd, and met with a warm reception. Miss Rowland, a pupil of Mr. Glover, made quite a hit as Estella: in short, her performance of the part gave evident signs of her future success. She realized more the real artiste, than a mere ncvice in the profession. Miss Isabella Taylor, another of Mr. Glover's pupils, appeared as Donna Olympia, and reflected much credit on her talented instructor. The male characters were well sustained by Mr. Delavanti and Mr. Isaacs; on the whole, the piece was very stylishly put upon the stage. Mr. Reeves had an excellent house Thursday last for his benefit; 'Lucia di Lammermoor,' and the Young Guaru' were the pieces. On Monday evening the Puritans and Cavaliers' was presented for the first time, the proceeds of the house being for the benefit of Miss Rainforth, who played Elvira in a style that proved her to be a charming vocalist, and a no less talented actress. Mr. Reeves was the Arthur: he was in good voice, and received much applause. This (Saturday) evoning will bring the company's

on

RYDE THEATRE. [Lessee, Mr. Barnett.]-The season closed here on the 25th ulto. The following benefits were bumpers;-Miss Fitzpatrick's, Mr. T. Fry's and Mr. and Mrs. Barnett's.

TENBY THEATRE. (Lessee Mr. H. Fenton).-The benefits have been in progress here during the past week, consequently the business has been above par. On Monday evening, Oct. 2nd, the performances were for the benefit of that talented lady Miss Maria Tyrer, who was rewarded by a good house. The entertain◄ ments commenced with Shakspere's Macbeth,' in which the fair beneficiare' enacted Lady Macbeth with great effect. Macbeth of Mr. Wade Clinton was also vigorous and impressive, we have rarely seen the banquet scene of Macbeth more efficiently rendered in a country theatre. Mr Billinger's Rosse was very well done, as was also Mr. Goodman's Malcolm. Millward's Duncan would have been better, had he been more intimately acquainted with the author. The other parts were tolerably well sustained with the exception of Fenton's Macduff, which was a very sorry attempt. After the play the beneficiare in conjuuction with Mr Goodman danced a new and pleasing Polka, which received an unanimous encore. The Unfinished Gentleman,' wound up the enter tainments, and was amusingly represented, Mr Watkins as Lord Totterly personified the old antiquated beau with exquisite effect. Mr. Goodman and Mr Billinger were happy in their assumptions of the Hon. Mr Frisk Flammer and Charles Danvers, nor must we forget to notice the efforts of a gentleman amateur, who, as Bill Downey made a decided hit. Chintz by Miss Tyrer was well done, as was also the Louisa Bloomfield of Mrs. Simeon. The other pieces during the week have been the Warlock of the Glen, 'Nicholas Nickleby,'' Merchant of Venice,'' Floating Beacon,'' Ben the Boatswain' and 'Raymond and Agnes.'

MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE.

DRURY LANE,

on

Notwithstanding the attractions at Covent Garden, a crowded audience assembled at this house Monday evening, the occasion being the farewell concert of the Messrs. Distin, who certainly have the greatest claims to the regard of every lover of true music. Faultfinding is ever a most unpleasant task to the critic, particularly in an instance of this description; yet as Truth is our motto, we are reluctantly compelled to state our excessive annoyance on finding that the programme was scarcely followed in a single instance; half the vocalists were engaged at the opera, and from the extreme length of the programme, we were unable to wait the arrival of Mr. Harrison, Miss Messent, Miss Nelson, and several others,-Mr. Phillips having only arrived at nearly the end of the second part; whether the fault was with Messrs. Distin or not, the onus of the affair must remain with them; even those who were in attendance, often changed the music allotted to them. Having discharged this duty, we most cordially assert that otherwise the concert was satisfactory in every parti cular, excepting the mingled applause and disappro bation at Mr. Sporle's unmeaning song The Wishing Gate,' the repetition of which was quite unheard Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm at the masterly performance of the Distins throughout; in a word, it was-perfection. Mr Distin's Soldier Tired' was listened to with breathless attention and vociferously encored. Miss Birch was decidedly the favourite vocalist of the evening; her rich pure voice, and artistic execution received its due homage in several encores; an honour shared by the Misses Williams, and others; Miss Moriatt O'Connor has a very bewitching style, which is much appreciated; we were surprised that she should sing Barker's very miserable air to the Irish Emigrant's Lament,' instead of Dempster's lovely melody to the same heart-stirring ballad Mr Phillips sang My Boyhood's Home,' in his usual brilliant style; and the remaining vocalists executed their portion of the concert very creditably, though we have not space to particularize; the chorus Dal tuo stellato soglio,' (given in place of 'Il Carnavale,') was splendidly rendered. Before closing our notice we must not omit to say a word in praise of the good execution of the overtures by the orchestra ; the quartet for two pianos, by Miss Kate Loder, Miss Day, Messrs. Holmes and Lindsay Sloper; the tasteful playing of Mr. S. Pratten, and the brilliant execution of Mr. Sedgwick on the Concertina. The good wishes of the community attend the Distins on their voyage. COVENT GARDEN.

pleasing character of Lazarillo; her opening aria was
marred by a very natural timidity; she soon, however
recovered herself, and by her very delightful voice,
and the feeling she displayed, gained the most hearty
applause of the evening, her execution was very bril
liant. Messrs Harrison, Phillips, and Borrani, were
at home in their respective impersonations. The
ballet of Les Amazons,' displayed the magnificent
Last evening the
dancing of Mademoiselle Plunkett.
'Bondman' was ably performed by Miss Romer and
a totally different corps musicale.' Auber's opera
of Haydee' will be presented immediately, intro-
ducing the favourite Miss Emma Lucombe for the

first time on the stage.

PRINCESS'S.

The performances at this house have not changed since our last issue, but continue to attract crowded audiences; Miss Poole as Marie, in La Vivandiere,' is most triumphant, her sweet warbling calls forth the utmost enthusiasm: her touch on the martial drum " is unequalled. Mr Rafter is quite unfitted for the role of Tonio, he requires far more power, and greater attention to correct accentuation-a fault, very frequent with the vocalists in English opera. The sing ing of Mr Weiss is characterised by great taste and style, his assumption of the Sergeant is loudly applaud ed, but there is a great want of artistic ease in his acting. Madame Feron's Marchioness calls for much praise, but her acting is much to be preferred to her vocal power. Miss Harland improves in her performance as Lucia, in the Bide of Lammermoor,' and is fast becoming a favourite; Mr Allen as Edgardo, is most delightful-whatever he may want in vigour he makes up in his tasteful execution. Oxberry is the sole support of the stupid farce which is played here nightly, the manager has done well to retain so admirable a representative of the vis comica.' The dancing of Mdile Thierry and Signor Ferranti in the ballet of La Rosiere,' produces the greatest enthusiasm; they are really admirable artistes. Several novelties are in progress.

week to mention that this delightful entertainment at MR. COULE'S CONCERT-We have only space this the National Hall, Holborn, gave the greatest satisfaction to a crowded auditory. The Concertina band, and soloists received the loudest applause, as did Miss Thornton, Mr Hime, and the remaining vocal perform

ers who assisted on the occasion.

AMERICAN CORRESPONDENCE.

New York, September 19, 1848. On the night of the 16th, Mr. Hamblin appeared as Rolla at the Park theatre and thus brought the legiti mate to a close for a while at that house. I had ex.

The season commenced at this house on Monday evening, with Mr Wallace's successful opera of Ma-pected that Mr Hamblin would have made further ritana.' The house (which remains in the same state as when the Italian opera was held here,) was crowded with a most fashionable audience, who were evidently delighted, (as we ourselves were,) with the very splendid style in which the performances were got up and the completeness and splendour of Mr Bunn's arrangements, having at his command, the entire resources of this colossal establishment, have never been excelled. Two debutants appeared on this occasionMiss Wallace, sister to the composer of the Opera, and Miss Eliza Nelson, daughter of the composer bearing the same name: the former possesses a voice of very admirable quality, particularly in the lower notes, and her execution is very neat: by exercising the natural compass of her voice she will make a most agreeable singer. Miss Nelson appeared in the

progress with the real cause of the genuine drama; but I presume that gentleman anticipates something good of the present engagement of the Monplasir ballet company, which commenced last night, and evinced strong symptoms of success. Time will only show: and should Mr. Hamblin again find resource to the legitimate let him be advised and adhere to it. Mons. and Madame Monplasir will re-appear to-night in the ballet of Esmeralda :' and will doubtless gain a repetition of those plaudits which deafened the house on the occasion of their debut. They do certainly execute some brilliant pas. Forrest has nearly concluded his engagement at the Broadway theatre: this will be his twentieth night, and it is to be hoped that a hearty welcome is in store for him at Philadel phia, where he is shortly to appear. Mr Forrest's

AIR AND FIRE BALLOONS, ARTIFICIAL FIREWORKS, AND MANY OTHEE
DEVICES NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED.

EMBELLISHED WITH FIFTY ENGRAVINGS. 1.