The Boarding House; and has since revived, with good effect, the long-neg. lected ballad opera of The Jovial Crew. COVENT GARDEN, July 15.-The season at this theatre closed with The Casile Spectre, Bombastes Furioso, and Killing no Murder. In an interval between the performances, Mr. Fawcett came forward and thus addressed the audience :-, "Ladies and Gentlemen, "I am desired by the Proprietors of this Theatre to offer you their most grateful acknowledgments for the very kind and liberal patronage you have afforded them during this season. Under many disadvantages, and against the powerful attraction of a new and splendid rival theatre, the Covent Garden Company may boast of having retained their full proportion of public favour; and, throughout the season, of receiving the invaluable reward of your approbation, by a most successful representation of their numerous dramatic productions. With such flattering encouragement, the Proprietors considered it their duty (as it ever has, and ever will be, their highest ambition) to proceed with unceasing exertions, more completely to render the theatre itself, together with its representations, worthy the sanction of our generous patrons. "Preparations, therefore, have been making, during the greater part of the past season, for various and extensive alterations, such as have either been suggested to the Proprietors by their own experience, or offered by their architect and other friends, as likely to increase the pleasure, the comfort, or the convenience of the audience. An entirely new plan of decoration has been completed for the interior of the theatre; and, while due attention has been paid to produce a striking and brilliant effect, an endeavour has been made to combine a national character with the ornaments appropriate to a regular theatre in the metropolis of the British Empire. It will be desirable that the recess should be as short as possible. By Monday, therefore, the 6th of September, it is hoped, Ladies and Gentlemen, we may have the high honour of presenting ourselves again to you, with every improvement perfected for your reception. And the Proprietors rely, with the fullest confidence, on your so-often experienced support for the reward of all their expences and exertions, "I have only now, in the name of the whole company, to express our heartfelt thanks for your kind indulgence to our humble but best endeavours for your amusement, and to solicit a continuation of your cheering approbation and applause.” RETROSPECT. Our two principal theatres have closed for the season. There has been at both a tolerably quick succession of new pieces, though, as usual, in this dearth of dramatic talent, very few have suc» ceeded. On the score of new performers, some valuable additions have been made to the gratification of the public, and the managers deserve well for their attention in this respect. At Covent Garden theatre, Mathews has been added to the list of the corps dramatique; and every one must applaud highly such a judicious engagement, since every one knows that this gentleman, in sterling and original humour, in the happiest art of mimicry, and in natural faithfulness of portraiture, has not his superior, in some particular instances not his equal. Mrs. Sterling has been also engaged; she is a pleasing singer, and, although not qualified to lead the operas of the house, her complete knowledge of the science of music renders her a desirable acquisition. We are surprised that Mrs. Bishop has not been brought forward more frequently, Miss Marriott and Mrs. Campbell (late Miss Wallis) have severally sustained characters in the higher walks of the drama; the former has confined herself to tragedy; the latter in addition to tragedy, has performed a few parts in sentimental comedy. We are sorry we cannot congratulate these ladies on a larger share of public approbation than they received. They cannot be said to have succeeded; nor could it have been strongly expected that they would, following, as they did, the footsteps of Mrs. Siddons, ere scarce the echo of her tread had died away, and interrupted as they were, indeed, by her occasional returns to the stage. Miss Smith also was another drawback. The public were gratified with the exertion of her extraordinary powers at the other house. Mr. Kemble's loss has been felt. Tragedy was played less frequently than during the preceding season, in conse quepce of his absence, and that of Mrs, Siddons; but when it was represented, Coriolanus, Macbeth, and the other great characters, found an able representative in Mr. Young. We think very highly of this gentleman, and account his talents of the very first order. Mr. and Mrs. C. Kemble have left this theatre; the cause assigned is, that the principal parts are given to Mr. Young, in preference to Mr. C. Kemble. Miss Bolton has retired also, though from a different motive; her intended marriage with Lord Thurlow. Report says, that Miss E. Bolton is shortly to be married also, as well as Miss S. Booth. Of the pieces produced here in the course of the season, the Renegade of Mr. Reynolds bad a partial success. The Ethiop by Mr. Dimond, though withdrawn for a short time for improvement, was a complete failure. The Students of Salamanca was a poor production; and Education from the pen of Mr. Morton, met with a very flattering reception. The Lord of the Manor, and several comedies, were revived with great success. Of the after pieces, Love, Law, and Physic, a translation from Le Collateral of Picard, was deservedly a distinguished favourite, Midas was revived, and was very popular. Mrs. Jordan and Mr. Betty have been frequently before the public on these boards; the former elicited strong bursts of applause, by her yet powerful talents. At Drury Lane theatre, Miss Smith and Mr. Kae were profitable acquisitions. Of Miss Smith, we have spoken at large in our occasional criticisms. Our opinion of her excellence rises each time we witness her performance. There is some difference, certainly, between Mrs. Siddons and this lady; but Miss Smith's improvement will, we doubt not, gradually render the shade of distinction fainter and fainter. Mr. Rae is destined we think to attain to eminence in his profession. The engage. ment of Mr. Braham, could not but he pleasing to the public, who will be gratified to hear, that he is retained for three years. The tragedy of Remorse, by Coleridge, has been fully noticed by us. It delights us greatly on the perusal; there are some beautiful touches of nature in it. There have been several revivals, but they did not meet with great success. The comedy of the Curtain Lecture was damned. Three farces have failed; nearly at the close of the season, a fourth was produced from the pen of Mr. Poole, the author of Hamlet Travestie, under the title of the Hole in the Wall; it partakes not so much of the character of Farce, as of the French Petite Comedie; the language is spirited, but there was not drollery enough in it, yet it was played with applause to the end of the season. We must mention the Oratorios at this theatre, on account of the superb gothic orchestra, and the chorusses under the direction of Sir George Smart, which certainly were never yet equalled. Upon the whole, considering that this was the first season after the rebuilding, very great-credit is due to the sub-committee, and the acting manager of this theatre, for the entertainments they afforded to the public, under so many inconveni ences. Lyceum Theatre. This theatre was opened, for a short season of the English Opera, on Wednesday, the 14th instant, under the able management of Me, ARNOLD, and promises to afford great gratification to the public, as well as profit to the managers. The performances commenced with M. P. On Thursday, the 15th, the comic ballad opera of "The Jovial Crew, or the Merry Beggars," was revived, which has been played each night since, and has been received on each occasion with great applause. This piece has been as successful, and has been represented almost as frequently, as any dramatic piece ever furnished for the English stage, having heen brought forward in different shapes several times during a period of nearly two centuries, and has always been a favourite. PHILLIPS introduces the Woodpecker." "Ma chere Amie," and a new song by Anacreon Moore, called "Evelyn's Bower." The latter he sung to the tune of "Marching through Derby O and the sweet simplicity of the air, and the exquisite poetry of the song, were so irresistibly charming, as to bring down an immediate and general encore. The performers were quite at home in their respective parts. 66 Mr. LOVEGROVE's Justice Clack was a masterpiece of acting. Mr. Oxberry's Oliver was equally so. Mr. KNIGHT and Miss KELLY were as excellent as usual, The beggars presented a curious groupes and the house of Cripplet, in the second act, was ludicrous enough. Mr. and Mrs. Liston are engaged at this theatre, and so is Master BARNETT, a musical prodigy, of the age of 10 years, who has made his first appearance on any stage in the musical afterpiece of the Shipwreck. Pantheon, Oxford-street. This elegant Theatre opened for the performance of English operas, and ballets or pantomimes, the 22d instant, under the stage-management of Mr. Hill. The performances were, The Cabinet, and the historical ballet of The Deserter of Neples. The house has lately undergone a thorough and substantial repair, and its decorations have been considerably augmented and improved. When the curtain drew up, the whole company came forward and sung God save the King, in full chorus; and immo diately afterwards Mr. Betterton appeared and recited an Address, written for the occasion: both these efforts were rewarded by loud and continued plaudits. The opera introduced, as Orlando, Mr. Hill, who sung with his accustomed sweetness, and in the Polacca was loudly encored. Count Curvoso introduced to the London boards a Mr. Grossett, from York, an actor of no mean abilities. The novelty of the evening was a fair debutante, a Miss Amati, who personated Floretta: her voice is powerful and melodious, and she possesses a refined taste, with no inconsiderable degree of science. She has the merit of articulating distinctly, and promises to become a very pleasing actress, with the help of study. Curioso found an adequate representative in Mrs. Chatterley; and, on the whole, the opera went off with great eclat. The ballet of The Deserter was supported by the comic talents of Laurent and Delpini, and Mrs. Wybrow. the dances Miss Harrison and Mr. Jones took the lead. The latter is a young man of great promise in his profession. He is graceful and agile; and exbibits a facility and firmness in his execution, rarely to be found in English dancers. The house was a good one, and among the audience were some of the most fashionable persons now in town. In The Haymarket Theatre was to open on the 22d, with the attraction of Mrs. Jordan, and Messrs. Munden and Irish Johnstone; but the proprietors had not bettled their differences, and the theatre consequently remained closed, when this part of our Magazine was put to press. Mr. Munden, we understand, has been remarkably successful in his theatrical tour to Liverpool, &c. At the Royalty Theatre, now under the management of Mr. Palmer, of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a lady of the name of SIMs, from Portsmouth, bas made her appearance at the head of the vocal department, and shewn herself capable of sustaining that high situation by the sweetness of her voice, taste, expression, and execution. Every exertion has been made, and no expense spared, by the manager and proprietor of this Theatre; for in one week there have been produced three new pieces: an opera, called The Wife of a Hundred, which was received with great applause, and continues still to draw crouded houses; The Battle of Vittoria, and The Castle Spectre. In fact, every subject, whether of national import ance, or which stands high in the publie estimation as a dramatic favourite, is immediately burletta'd, and brought out at this Theatre with undiminished splendour. Of the performers, we must allow Messrs. Carles, Gilbert, Johnson, I. Isaacs, Mrs. Sims, and Mrs. Hill, to rank deservedly high. In short, the whole of the numerous company; and the beautiful and splendid scenery exhibited, do equal credit to the liberality of the Proprietor and the experienced judgment of Mr. Paimer. On that gentleman's first appearance this season, he spoke the following occasional Address, written by Mr. T. Dibdin: LIFE has been called a play, a jest, a flower, An actor born to strut and fret his hour, (to the Pitt.) And ye, of fresh attachment to give proof, Hail me, not on, but very near the roof (to the Galleries.) And there are others? with respect I ask it, Who, if we had one, would not scorn the basket. May each in every wish their hearts can form, sue, And brightly beam on you, and you, and you. Ruin'd is the invader's host: On Pyrenean heights is lost: In vain he eyes the Garonne's trembling Hear ye the groans from Castra's streets, On Saragossa's towers are yet display'd The debt of vengeance for their murder'd parents' woes. Romana's spirit from the tomb arise! As from the Baltic erst the patriot flew : His image present to the soldier's eyes, Of chivalry the ardour shall renew. Thy shade, brave Palafox! for vengeance stays, Loudly it calls, and Spain the call obeys. O'er yielding traitors their red faulchions wave; Yon valiant chiefs my bleeding heart rejoice, Their country's sinking honour born to save. I see their efforts on Vittoria's plain, Now on the flying Gaul they wreak the ills of Spain, III. Of ancient days the scenes unfold! Whom Ocean to Iberia brought. France fled before the sea-born Briton's spear, Her vine-clad regions felt the deadly stroke, The Garonne own'd illustrious Edward's heir, Poictiers a monarch bent beneath his yoke. Spain knew the sires of yon advancing host, Whose manly strides the glorious path pursue, Trac'd by Plantagenet on yonder host, Where Bayonne's towers already meet Protracted war her mis'ry prolongs. What minstrel's band can touch the sounding lyre, Victorious Wellington! to reach thy praise, A Pindar's muse thy matchless deeds require, Yet gratitude her humble voice will raise; Nor thou, great chief! the tribute wilt despise, In raptures bursting from a nation's eyes Kind Heaven the wrongs of freedom to redress, The Wellington from Britain hither sent. Batavians, Saxons, Swiss, Hesperians see, Spain, from destruction sav'd, bids you alike be free. Sarmatia, too, has dar'd extend her spear To drive Napoleon from her ample plain, Disarm'd and vanquish'd by his guilty fear, He lives surviving his brave soldiers slain. Kindled by Wellington on Torres Vedrashills, The spreading flame of Liberty all Europe, fills. pared may be, With so many several tools works he, The fairest goddess in the skies Vulcan be, to do her right, Did build her a town by day and by night, And gave it a name which was Hammersmith hight, Which nobody can deny, And that no enemy might wrong her, He built her a fort, you'd wish no stronger Smithfield he did cleanse from dirt, Another comes in most proper and fit, The Blacksmith's justice is seen in it, When you give a man roast, and beat him with the spit, Which nobody can deny. Another comes in our Blacksmith's way, When things are safe, as old wives say, We have them under lock and hey, Which nobody can deny. Another proverb to him doth belong, And therefore let's do the Blacksmith no wrong, When a man's held hard to't buckle and thong, Which nobody can deny. Another proverb doth make me laugh, Wherein the Blacksmith may challenge half, When reason's as plain as a pike-staff, Which nobody can deny. Though your lawyers travel both near and far, And by long pleading a good cause may mar, Yet your Blacksmith takes more pains at the bar. Which nobody can deny. Though your scriveners seek to crush and to kill By their counterfeit deeds, and thereby do ill, Yet your Blacksmith he may forge what he will, Which nobody can deny. Though your bankrupt citizens lurk in their holes, And laugh at their creditors and their catchpoles, Your Blacksmith fetches men over the coals, If any scholar be in a doubt, Now if to know him you would desire, MOLOC THE MOOR. AWAY from my country, in Africa dear! Thro' England I wauder forlorn, Without friends-without hope-my sad bosom to cheer, In vestments both scanty and torn. The bleak winds of winter I poignantly feel, And hunger is mine to endure Oh Britains! Oh Christians! take pity and heal The woes of poor MOLOC THE MOOR, Once, indeed, did Prosperity shine on my head, And joy strew'd my path-way with flowers, But the germ of enjoyment is wither'd and dead, And Penury leads on the hours. H |