January 7.] 
T PI E FIELD. 
19 
I picture to myself Messrs. Phelps and Greenwood, one 
armed with bowl and dagger, the other with Harlequin’s 
bat, and Clown's cockscomb, as in Reynolds's picture of 
Garrick between tragedy and comedy, pulling at the Sad- 
lers Wells audience personified by some respectable Isling- 
tonian, in amicable rivalry. I wonder if they mutually 
despise each other ? But the comedy partner lias it all 
his own way at present. It is a capital pantomime ; I 
never was so cold in my life ns on the night I sat in those 
boxes, the draught in which is “a thing to dream of, and not 
to tell,” yet I think I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The story 
of the opening, being the familiar nursery one of “Tom 
Thumb, "is intelligible, a circumstance for which I cannot be 
Sufficiently grateful. IIow Tom narrowly escaped being 
boiled in the pudding bag, and how his mother, seeing the 
said bag jump up and down in the caldron, thought the pud- 
ding was bewitched, and therefore gave it to the tinker; 
how, having escaped from the tinker’s budget, he avoided 
being eaten up by a cow, but was not equally successful 
with old Grumbo the giant, who ate him up, clothes and all, 
&c. ; all this a visitor to Sadlers Wells will be sure to 
learn, if ho does not know it already. The scenery is 
beautiful, and does the greatest credit to Messrs. Fenton 
and Meadows. Only they don’t seem to me to manage 
their gas quite properly, whereby some of the beauty of the 
painting is lost to the audience. The rows of gas burners, 
invisible to the audience, placed behind the upper groves or 
slides in which scenes work (technically called mediums) are 
the chief means of illuminating scenery. Now it is evident 
that the more acute the angle at which rays of light fall upon 
an object, the greater is the amount of illuminating power 
and, therefore, whenever it is intended that great brilliancy 
should be given to a scene it is the more remote medium 
lights that must be trusted to, and that they should be 
forced to their full power; not, as at Sadlers Wells, the 
nearer ones, the rays from which fall at an obtuse angle 
upon the object— which is just as if, when reading very 
small print, one were to hold the book upright, nearly 
under the lamp or candle. The fact is, that the proper 
application of gas is very little understood at the London 
theatres, excepting only the Lyceum, where, under Mr. 
Beverly’s superintendance, the subject receives all the at- 
tention it merits. 
The Harlequin and Columbine at the Islington theatre 
are good, the Clown (Dculin) excellent, though rather too 
much of a tumbler for my taste in clowns ; but then he 
tumbles so well— so wonderfully, indeed — that he is well 
worth seeing on this account alone. 
At the Lyceum we have, of course, no pantomime, but 
as usual, a pastoral-comical adaptation from Mdmc. 
D’Aulnpy — also, as usual, by M. Blanche'. Placid, the 
East/, once a king, but now dethroned and a shepherd, 
would be the happiest of men in his retirement in the 
verdant valley, were it not for the rather overbearing dis- 
position of his spouse, the ex-queen Dominanta, which, 
however, does not prevent her from attending to the 
menage, and even (in lace and brocade) having an eve to 
the cookery — and for the loss of his eldest daughter, the 
Princess Carpelona, “ supposed to have been drowned" — 
but who naturally wasn’t, turning up just in time to make 
a result to the story. Perewigulus, the Proud, is nominally, 
despotic King of Rumantica, but, practically, the obedient 
instrument of his generalissimo Brutus the Crooked, who, 
being disdained by Carpelona, and knocked down by her 
adorer Conn, forces the obedient monarch to sentence the 
offending couple to be burnt, but, just as they are led to 
the stake, the faggots are transformed into a fountain. 
Fairy Ama zona interferes for her proteges-, Corin turns 
out to be somebody else (the king’s sou I believe), and 
Brutus has to sneak off in confusion. Frank Matthews 
is Placid ; Madame Vestris, Dominanta ; Wright, Brutus; 
J. Bland, Pereiuigidus, the Proud; and Miss St. George 
the Princess Carpalona ; — all excellent— but the real at- 
traction and beauty of the piece lies in the charming 
scenery and in the peculiarly well-arranged and graceful 
dance of the first act. Certainly Mr. Beverly has never 
exceeded— I doubt if lie has equalled — what lie has done 
for “ once upon a time there were Two Kings." The two 
finales (that of the first act for choice, ns the grand last 
scone of the second, although marvellously brilliant is a 
little like vaudeville songs, stir tin air connu) are perfect 
in execution, taste, and management. I do not recollect 
to have seen so charming a bit of ballet as the dance in the 
first act; I don’t think the most bilious critic could suggest 
an improvement in either the costume or grouping of the 
coryphees ; and certainly till I saw this performance, I bad 
no notion how clever a man M. Petit, the Lyceum ballet 
master, was. I hereby beg his pardon for the mental in- 
justice I have done hi#n, and to assure him that I shall 
hereafter rank him an arcadian brother of Oscar Byrne, 
of the Princess’s. I don’t think I can pay him a higher 
compliment. As for the “ Dancing Wave,” Rosina Wright, 
she is not to be talked of ns an “ agreeable dauseuse ” — a 
“graceful leader of the ballet,’’ &c., according to usual stock 
phrase; she is simply one of the half-dozen best dancers 
in Europe, and those who can’t sec it, or wont — because 
she is English — acknowledge it, are well, never 
mind. C. 
seldom to be seen in any pantomime. The Clown, too 
(jealous perhaps of Jullien), very successfully leads the full 
orchestra with a penny whistle, and, sooth to say, dis- 
courses most eloquent music. We have seen this attempted 
elsewhere, but never with a tithe of the talent displayed 
by the present clown at Astley’s. But the gem of the 
whole evening's entertainment is Mr. Cooke’s manege 
riding in the circle. His perfect mastery over the beau- 
tiful mare Raven ought to draw every one of our sport- 
ing friends to Astley’s. Miss Emily Cooke, also, deserves 
the highest encomiums for her equestrian talent ; and the 
elephants in the Chinese spectacle surpassed all our ex- 
pectations. We hope on a future occasion to notice their 
performances at length. One of the fellows stands on his 
head quite as well as clown or pantaloon. 
concerts, which, we are happy to perceive, have been at- 
tended during the past fortnight. by crowded audiences. 
Among the novelties produced, we may specially enume- 
rate Jullien’s American Quadrille, which has created so 
great a sensation among our Transatlantic brethren, and 
winch is performed in admirable style by the Hungarian 
Band, assisted by the Brothers Distin. Then we have the 
Cuckoo Gallop, which always pleases by the beauty of its 
melody and the striking nature of the peculiar effects which 
are introduced into it. There is also a new Christmas 
Carol, composed by Mr. Theodore Distin, who has allied 
a bcautitul melody to the words by Mr. Leicester Bucking- 
ham. In addition to these the programme contains 
numerous attractive features, among which the clever 
pianoforte playing of Miss Julia Warman, and the 
densely crowded during the week, as to render it a matter I Mu. G. V. Brooke. — On Wednesday week, Mr. G V 
of impossibility to get even one’s nose into the doors. Brooke, the tragedian, who has just completed’ an engago- 
From the expressions of admiration escaping the visitors, meut at Belfast, distributed among the poor of that eitv 
I ( 1C I A l » A % » n ac t » m .t <1 ♦ It <t ^ Alt.-, nmtt Amt rtt . , ,a n il aakL.iI nta A I I l.l.trtl-. I I. nil. iV . _ 1* it • . t 
it is to be presumed that the pantomime is a decided suc- 
cess. During the ensuing week we shall make an endea- 
vour to get somewhat nearer the stage than the box 
poor 
100 blankets, with other gifts of money, &c., without any 
sectarian distinction. 
Mediterranean Fleet, — Theatrical performances are 
lobby, and enter into the particulars of our visit in the the order of the evening on board some of the shin 
next, number of “The Field.” The Bellerophon, on the night of the lfith of December j 
Kino’s Cross Theatre. — A pantomime is nightly per- got up Slasher and Crasher, the Valet de Sham, and tin 
— A pantomime is nightly per- 
formed at this “cabinet” theatre by the “Living Mario- 
nettes,” under the management of Mr. F. Cooper. 
Christmas Festivities at Moore Abbey. — M oore 
Lottery Ticket, to a brilliant audience, Admiral Sir 
Edmund Lyons and a large party of officers of the fleet 
being present. A grand supper was given afterwards on 
Abbey, the seat of the Marquis of Drogheda, has pre- the main deck, of which about 100 of the elite partook, 
sented a continued scene of festivities during the week. The Sanspariel was preparing to follow the example. 
Private theatricals were amongst the amusements that 
enlivened the festivities. The pieces selected for repre- 
sentation were “Comfortable Lodgings in Paris in 1750/’ 
with the farce entitled “ Pleasant Dreams and “ Who is 
Your Friend?” or “ The Queensbury Fete.” On Thursday 
evening “Comfortable Lodgings” was performed; the 
dramatis personal were — 
Captain Bonassus Marquis of Drogheda. 
Bombardier Uabillnrd Hon. C II. Lindsay. 
Vincent Dorville Earl of Bectlve. 
Sir Hippington Miff Hon. Spencer Ponsonby. 
Rigmarole (his Vulct) Captain Everard. 
Roue (an Ex-Licutcnant) Hon. Frederick Ponsonby. 
Monsieur de Cachet Mr. E. S. Cole. 
Gregory Mr. Carroll. 
Antoinette Marchioness of Drogheda. 
Madame Pelagie lionussus Mrs. Carroll. 
The several characters were ably sustained. The eveninl 
amusement concluded with the farce of “Pleasant Dreams,” 
in which the Hon. F. Ponsonby, as Porridge the landlord, 
the Marquis of Drogheda, as Peter, his son, and Captain 
Everard, as Boots, kept the audience in one continued 
peal of merriment. The Countess of Bective, as Sally, 
was inimitable. 
Cadland Theatricals. — Cadland, the noble mansion of 
A. It. Drummond, Esq., Inis recently, according to the 
usage of its hospitable and much respected owner, been 
the scene of a series of seasonable festivities. It has had 
its time-honoured Boar’s Head procession, the head bein 
carried by the worthy host himself, preceded by a band 
playing those national blood tingling airs, which remind 
a man to thank God he is an Englishman, and followed by 
all the gentle and simple that filled the house, each heart 
in the fulness of its rejoicing finding its own chorus, 
making the vasty edifice ring with mingled mirth. It has 
had its private theatricals too. A prologue written and 
delivered by Baillie Cochrane, Esq., was a consummation 
of pith and humour. We subjoin the “Bill of the Play." 
“ Theatre Royal, Cadlands. Haste ! haste ! haste ! great 
attraction. The histrionic, dramatic, diplomatic Mr. 
Victor Drummolul will make his first appearance since his 
Continental engagements. Miss Cecilia Drummond, for 
Monday evening, December 26th, 1853, 
Her paymaster had had a narrow escape from drowning 
while in a “ caique.” 
one night only. 0 , , . , _ , , ... .... 
the Lady Elizabeth's servants hope to perform the farce Duchesse sleeves, with two trills ot guipure. 
of “ Raising the Wind.” Dramatis persona) Plainway, green velvet ribbon, with a pattern in gold. 
®!jc Met. 
C03TUJII5 FOR JANUARY. 
Bridal Dress. — Gown in white grog de Tours silk, the 
skirt ornamented with three splendid wreaths of roses, 
marguerites, and foliage, figured in relief! at equal dis- 
tances from each other. This material is very rich and 
silky. The corsage is cut rather low, and terminates with 
deep basques, gathered behind : the basques and the two 
contours of the opening are enriched with the same 
design as the skirt. A small tlounce of point d' Angleterre. 
is placed round tho top of the corsage, and covers the 
neck. As for the basques, they are bordered with a rich 
flounce of point d' Angleterre. The sleeves are wide, open 
to the inside of the arm, with a lacing of ribbon of moire 
antique, with floating ends : they are trimmed with point 
d' Angleterre. A bouquet of roses and orange-flowers is 
placed in the corsage. The coiffure is composed of the 
double bandeaux, turned back d l' Impsratrice, with small 
light branches of clematis and orange-flowers placed 
between the two bandeaux. Gloves with double buttons 
in diamonds. Shoes in moire antique. Open-work silk 
stockings. Diamond bracelet. Another toilet is a gown 
in oriental gauze, pale pink, with two skirts it disposition, 
with a rich pattern of figured draperies, in relief, woven in 
the material. Corsage creole, closing in front, with folds 
on each side in a heart form, and the sleeve formed of a 
large bow. A chemisette, with Grecian plaits in front, 
and little falling sleeves, passes the bow, and gives great 
elegance to the corsage. Grecian coiffure, with bows of 
taffetas ribbon placed in the hair. Straw-coloured gloves. 
Bracelets of ribbon. A third toilet is a gown in violet 
silk, with corsage d basques ; the basques cut separately, 
trimmed with five rows of narrow black velvet, with dents. 
The corsage, up to the throat is decorated also with galous, 
and closed with gold buttons chased. The same disposi- 
tion of trimming is placed on the front of the skirt. Col- 
lar Louis XIII., in old guipure. An emerald broach 
Coiffure of 
A fourth 
Mr. Egerton ; Fainwould, Hon Augustus Harvey ; Jeremy 
Diddler, Mr. Victor Drummond ; Bam, Mr. George Drum- 
mond ; Richard, Mr. Alfred Drummond; Walter, Mr. 
Cecil Drummond ; Peggy, Lady Elizabeth Hervey ; Miss 
Durable, Miss Geraldine Pare. To be followed by “White- 
toilette is a gown of white tarlatane, with five tlounces 
festooned. A little sortie de bal (or evening cloak) in 
pearl grey moire antique, lame with gold, lined with gohl- 
colonred plush. Corsage Louis X V., with frills of tarla- 
tane, and ruches of ribbon of white taffetas. Coiffure 
bait at Greenwich.” Mr. Beniamin Buzzard, Lord Her- The hair turned back d l' Impera trice, with a peigm j of 
vey ; Mr. Glimmer, Mr. Alfred Drummond ; John Small, 
Mr. ' Francis Fulford ; Miss Lucretia Buzzard, Miss 
Hewer ; Sally, Miss Cecilia Drummond. Doors open at 
half-past eight. Performance to commence at nine. In 
consequence of the crowded state of the Pit, gentlemen 
are particularly requested to shave oft’ their whiskers ! 
All moustaches below one year of age pay half price ! ! 
Ladies allowed to keep their bonnets on (if they can) ! ! ! 
The demand for places is so unprecedented, that no creno- 
lines will be admitted to the dress circle ! ! Pay ready 
violettes and foliage in crape, falling low behiuil, with 
lloating ends. A peigne (comb) is an arrangement of 
flowers, or Howers and ribbons, placed at the back of tho 
head to fill up the space behind. This year, in almost all 
the coiffures, the hair is brought from the back to make 
the double and even triple bandeaux; anil those peigne s are 
placed as I have explained. A most useful invention is 
the bouffantes de Croizat (who is the inventor of them). 
Instead of having to creper the hair — which is most 
injurious to it, and by no means efficient when many 
flowers have to be placed ia the hair — these bouffantes. 
The Adf.lpiii, in spite of tho cold without, has been 
warm enough within (luring the past week, for the house 
has been crowded every evening to witness, in our opinion, 
the best drama ever produced at this generally fortunate 
theatre. Number Nip, or the Spirit Bride, increases in 
favour; and though the drama is very slight, the beautiful 
scenery, admirable costumes, and capital acting of all con- 
cerned, ought to make the Gnome King a holiday favourite. 
Madame Celeste dances the Tauromachiaas no one else could 
dance it. It is really an example of choreographic genius. 
Astley’s.— Mr. Nelson Lee, the monarch of pantomime 
writers, has produced a most humorous edition of “ Billy 
Button’s Journey to Brentford ” for the Christmas revelry 
at this theatre. Tho ups and downs experienced by the 
unlucky William, and his esquire Jeremy Stitdh'em, pro- 
duce roars of laughter, more particularly when the hero 
and some score of knights of the thimble aro seen mounted 
on horses, ponies, and donkeys, journeying on their road. 
The quadrupeds exhibit as much tact and ability ns the 
bipeds ; indeed, it is difficult to say to which of the two 
larties the palm should be awarded The tricks, trans- 
'ormations, and scenic effects, are of the usual excellent 
description presented at. this house. The pantomime has 
been eminently successful, and on a future occasion we 
may enter into a more detailed account of its merits. 
The Columbine, Madlle. Christine, has evidently been pro- 
perly taught, and dances iu ft finished scientific style, very 
l 
money, no drafts, except thorough draughts taken at the flower ........ . , . . 
doors Vivat Elizabetha. which are formed ot hair frizzed and fastened to side- 
Dancing was kept up with great spirit until a late combs, are placed under tli o bandeaux. I Ins avoids the 
our ; noblemen sinking their hereditary honours, and tedious operations ot combing out the frizzed hair on 
allant admirals forgetting their valuable acquired oues, returning from the ball or soiree at night. 1 ho bonnets 
hour 
gallant 
might be seen margin, 
from their heights and high res- 
brims slightly raised, and an im- 
OI, HIUH WIHUI1 tut- lUiiiuany - i .iniiiti i y iuomhoch. — l » . . # . • 
o will Cu r the Tiger’s Nails ?— Mr. Vallancc principal terms for cloaks are tho Mousqmtane, the Louis 
red at the police court, Hull, on Friday, and called XL, the petit Talma or rotonde, and tin- pelisse. V civets 
inn»ir>n r>f the sif.tinp magistrates to the miserable I and cloths are the materials most used, with trimmings ot 
guipure or deep fringe, surmounted with velvet ribbon 
plain or figured, and ribbon in moire antique, lhe pelisse, 
in velvet, requires no trimming round the bottom ; but the 
shoulder-piece is always richly ornamented, either with 
fringe, ruches of ribbon, or guipure. Pelisses iu cloth, 
taken of, after which the company gradually dispersed. 
Who 
appeared , . 
the attention of the sitting magistrates to the miserable 
condition of the tiger at the Hull Zoological Gardens, lie 
stated that it had for some time suffered much in conse- 
quence of its nails growing and cutting its flesh, the poor 
animal being almost unable to put its feet to the ground. 
He understood it was considered dangerous to do anything 
to the nails, but he, nevertheless, thought it a proper case 
for investigation by tho magistrates, and he wished to 
know whom he could summon ? Mr. M'Manus suggested 
that chloroform should be administered to the animal, 
under the influence of which ho thought its nails could be 
cut without danger. Tho magistrates said they had no 
power to interfere in the matter . — Hull Paper 
Hungarian Promenade Concerts, Lowtiier Arc vde. 
— The novelties provided for the gratification of the 
holiday folks at these excellent entertainments, are highly 
attractive in their character, and the introduction of a 
lighter and more popular class of music agreeably inter- 
spersed among tho classical compositions which have 
hitherto constituted the prominent features of the pro- 
witli bands of velvet all round ; and the shoulder-piece 
all in velvet, are charming. Those lor young ladies aro 
in black doth, trimmed with a deep band of plush, either 
in dark blue violet or dark green, lined with silk of the 
colour of trimming. Tho newest pelisse is made of 
moire antique, plain, trimmed with several rows of plain 
or figured velvet, guipure, or fringe : some of them aro 
lined with black or coloured plush. Tho pelisse without 
sleeves is more for young ladies, or young married 
women, than that with. Silk gowns all a disposition, or 
with flounces. One of the newest modes for flounced 
gowns is deep and narrow, flounces alternating : the 
narrow one is very narrow. There aro also double skirts 
in two different colours ; for instance, I saw a gown which 
hitherto constituted the prommeut features ot tno pro- ■> / r . white with 
gramme, cannot fail to increase tho popularity of the I lift® the first skirt m gw de Tms. «t wa* white, with 
