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JULY 30. The Comic Opera of The Americans was revived this evening, after a lapse of seven years. The introduction of the native American Indians had the happiest effect. In the war-hoop chorus, the Indian dance, and generally in their pantomine thus displayed skilful training, great docility, and even a tolerable preception of musical time. The music of this Opera contains many delightful compositions which were very worthily executed, particularly by Miss Carew, who evinced great skill and considerable compass, and was most deservedly encored. Miss Kelly sang well and acted admirably as she always does. Mr. Pearman sang several songs, among others The Death of Nelson, with applause. Mr. Isaac was excellent in the songs of the native chief.. Mr. Harley supported the entertaining part of Dabble, with great humour, and was most heartily encored in his Auctioneer song. Mr. Bartley, Chatterley, and Wilkinson, were also well received in their respective parts, and the whole went off with uncommon eclat.

AUG. 6. This evening after the Opera of The Americans, that of The Deserter of Naples was performed for the first time this season. Mr. T. P. Cooke undertook the part of Henry, in which he was extremely well received. He particularly distinguished himself in the combat scene, which concludes the first act.

Mr. W. S. Chatterley appeared as Skirmish, the drunken character of which Munden used to make so much. Under all the disadvantages of such a recollection he acquitted himself in a very respectable manner. Mr. Wilkin Son's Simpkin afforded great amusement, and Miss Kelly's Louisa possessed ail the energy and feeling which this

admirable actress possesses in so eminent a degree, and exercises upon all occasions when she is presented with an opportunity.

AUG. 10. The Death of Captain Cook has been very well dramatised and per formed this evening, with only one exception, that is, the motive of his murder is assigned to love and jealousy, though Captain Cook was probably as little susceptible of that passion, as the savages of the island were little calcu lated to excite it. We would rather assign the cause of his death to a very fine observation, which we remember to have been current at the time. So long as Captain Cook (said the public opinion at that time) adhered to bis confidence and service of God, and to his exemplary humanity, so long he succeeded in all his enterprises, and escaped in circumstances of the most extreme danger; but when, in a moment of vanity and mental intoxication, he allowed himself to be worshipped as a God by the savages of the Friendly Islands, from that moment his career of success was stopped, and he seems to have become marked as the object of Divine displeasure, till he paid the last fatal penalty of his idolatrous arroga tion of what belonged to his Maker. It is now nearly forty years since: we remember this current saying, and we are as willing to adopt and believe it

now as we were then. The Pantomime contains a good deal of bustle. The principal event is well calculated to produce effect, and the performance of the American Indians, who were brought into more prominent and constaut action than in either of the other dramas in which they have exhibited, contri buted in no small degree towards the favourable reception with which it was

honoured. Mr. T. P. Cooke sustained the part of the celebrated English Commander; he looked and fought extremely well, displayed grace and activity in his movements, and we are not aware that pantomime can be expected to advance much further in the attempt to realise an intellectual portrait. Messrs. Walborne and Salter were very happy in their performance as two natives of the island, and Mrs. Pincott as Emai, a relation to the King, acquitted herself in a manner which would have been creditable to any Theatre. Miss Stevenson was highly interesting. Of the Indians we have already spoken generally; but we should not omit to give them credit for the expressive pantomime in which they represented the effects of music on savages: nor should we overlook that individval amongst them who succeeded so well in depicting the frantic intoxication to which his tribe are said to be addicted, when opportunities favour the display. scenery is good, the music agreeable, and the audience was so crowded as to afford great encouragement to those whose business it was to entertain them.

The

AUG. 17. This evening was revived at this Theatre, the greatly admired Melo-Drama of the Blind Boy. A very crowded and fashionable audience were drawn together to witness the powers of Miss Kelly as Edmund. It is certainly one of those extraordinary exhibitions which leave their powerful impression upon the mind, never to be effaced. We would only compare it, as a perfect piece of acting, to what we have been told of Garrick's last scene in Lear. A thing, which the old boast of having seen, and the young are told they can form no conception of. We can hardly imagine a more difficult task, than for one, who possesses as fine an eye as any on the stage, to give to that eye, an expression of blindness, while the whole carriage of the person, the movement of the arms, and the motions of the feet, all according with the character of one who is totally devoid of sight, never betrayed the contrary to the closest observer. There was a stiffness, a fixedness in both eyes, as if they were perfectly incapacitated from receiving the least impression from the surrounding light, and although we watched, with astonishment, this wonderful mechanical power over the eye, yet we could not discover, though close

to the stage, the slightest indication of change throughout the whole of Miss Kelly's performance. But this will appear still more remarkable, when we consider how much the expression of many passions depends upon this organ, and recollect that Miss Kelly without its aid, pourtrayed these passions in their very utmost force. Perhaps she never exhibited greater genius than in the transfer of expression from the eye to the next feature, after the eye, best suited to the passion she would depict. Thus, Love which has ever been considered the property of the eye, was by her on this occasion, in the scenes with Elvina and her father, transferred to the mouth. It played in her smile and in the pleasure which lighted up her countenance though the eye never participated in it. In the last terrific scene with Rodolph and the murderer Starow, while indignation, terror, rage, and despair succeed each other in her countenance with incalculable velocity, the eye remained the same-still dead and motionless, as in the more tranquil scenes. Her songs, which she sung with a plaintive sweetness, that seemed to hush the very breath that formed it, were not enchored. They were received with a silence far more flattering, for it was the homage of subdued feeling. The new music in this piece is exceedingly beautiful, and Mr. Pearman in the songs allotted to him as Rodolph, exerted the fine powers of his voice with great advantage. Mrs. W. S. Chatterly, is a very pleasing Elvind; she is a very fine and delicately formed woman, and therefore looks the character well. We could be tempted to find fault with Mr. Bartlet's vociferous Oberto, but he so often reclaimed this error, by fine ingenuous and manly feeling that we will not do so. Kalig was well performed by Mr. T. P. Cooke, and was loudly. and often applauded. Mr. Harley forced Molino, as he does every other character, into a very prominent place, in this piece, which without the aid of his comic genius might go on and go off unobserved by the audience. Mr. Isaacs, as High Priest, took part in a very delightful Epithalamium, but his voice is almost in itself a chorus; and while those who sing with him, take care to let his voice, like a fine organ, be heard swelling above them all, they need not fear discomfiture.

AUG. 19. A new Opera, in two acts, was produced at this Theatre, under

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but it was too heavy. This praise, however, is due to them-if they could not place it in security on the highest point of popular favour, they did not let it sink altogether to the bottom of public reprehension. The plot is ill-constructed, the characters are shadowsand the dialogue is perfectly worthy of those to whom it is given. Dearth of incident, of situation, of wit, of humour, and of sentiment, must necessa rily have consigned the Opera to "that bourne," from which, when once directed thither, "no drama e'er returns" -but the sweet music of Mr. Jolly, delightfully by Miss Carew and Mr. Pearman-the lively acting of Mr. Wrench (of his singing, we shall say nothing)-the comical embarrassment of Mr. Harley-the serene stupidity of Mr. Wilkinson- and the sweet voice and sweeter features of Miss Lovewrought on the good nature, if not the good sense, of the audience. By means of this powerful agency, Jealous on all Sides, was received with considerable approbation, and, when announced for repetition, was feebly and ineffectively opposed.

PERFORMANCES.

Bull's Head-Maid and Magpie-Ditto.
The Duenna-La Perouse.

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22.

20.

30.

Americans-Doctor Bolus.

$1.

Ditto-Bull's Head.

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20.

7. Bull's Head-Americans - Wanted: a

21.

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Ditto-Sitto--Ditto.

Ditto-Ditto-Ditto.

Ditto-Pitto-Ditto.

11, Americans-Deserter of Naples.

Ditto-Ditro-Ditto.

96. Privateer-La Perouse.

27. Ditto-Death of Captain Cook.

THE ROYAL CIRCUS AND SURREY THEATRE. For the uninten'ional omission of our critical remarks on the performances at this Theatre, in our last Number, we have now to offer the amende honoruble of an apology, at the same time evincing the sincerity of our excuse, by supplying the deficiency.

JUNE 29. Were it only to learn the moral lessons of industry and perseverance, we could conscienciously recommend a frequent visit to the Surrey Theatre, for the very rapid succession in which Mr. Dibdin produces his Dramatic Novelties, most forcibly illustrates both these virtues.-A new serious Romance entitled "Montaldi, or the

Black Banner," this evening claimed our attention, and was received with much eclat. Pantomime, and situation combine to render it a most interesting trifle, and it was as well received, as it was well acted.

JULY 6. Smollet's celebrated novel of " Humphry Clinker," furnished the new Burletta of to-night. This Tale is somewhat remarkable for being the only one, in which its Author has not introduced a seaman amongst his prin cipal characters. Of the drama founded on it, we need only observe, that while sufficient of the original has been preserved to include the leading circum

stances, enough has been superadded to discover the genius of him, who has adapted it to the stage. Our old acquaintances, Humphrey, Bramble, Lismahago, Winny Jenkins, and Tubby, were depicted to the life, and, the sketches of the novelist received form and feature from the talents of the performers.

JULY 20. "Roderick Random," with all the advantages of new scenery, comic situations, good music, and excellent acting, was this evening introduced as a three-act Burletta, and received all that genuine applause, to which, both as a tale, and as a drama, it is so justly entitled.

JULY 27. A serious melo-drame was produced this evening, called "Ferdinand, Count Fathom," partly founded upon that romance, and partly original, some of the incidents strongly reminded us of "Travellers Benighted," and the whole was most powerfully and terrifically effective. Miss Taylor, Ridgway, and Smith, were the principal performers, and never succeeded better.

AUG. 10. The violent and piratical enterprises of the Buccaneers of the 17th Century, though always savage, were frequently interesting, and com prising some of these, a piece was this night produced, called "Lolonois, or the Buccaneers of 1660." The story principally turns upon the endeavours of François Lolonois, a Pirate Chief, to destroy a Spanish settlement in South America, in which attempt he is repulsed and slain. As a spectacle it is mag

1818.

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nificently romantic, and we have no doubt will be a lasting favourite. An overture of Paer's was introduced previously, and performed by the band with every effect which so admirable a composition deserved.

AUG. 15. The performances of this evening were under the patronage of their R. H. the Duke and Duchess of KENT, who honoured the Theatre with their presence, and were received with the most unbounded and enthusiastic acclamations, by an unusually crowded audience. The Royal Party arrived about seven o'clock, and were conducted by Mr. Dibdin and Mr. Rorauer to the stage box, which was upon this occasion, most elegantly decorated with crimson velvet hangings, fringed with gold lace, and surmounted with the Royal Arms." God save the KING!" was then sung by the whole corps dramatique, and the same national anthem was again repeated in lieu of the usual finale at the close of the entertainments, when their Royal Highnesses departed amidst similar shouts which had greeted their arrival, after expressing their high gratification at the various performan

- ces.

The remaining boxes were filled with rank and fashion, and we are indeed happy in noticing, en passant, that the box list of every week includes the names of some of the most distin. guished personages in the kingdom.

AUG. 17 to 22. Varied selections of the most popular pieces of this, and former seasons, formed the entertainments of this week, and as old favourites were received accordingly.

PERFORMANCES.

June 29 to July 4. Don Giovanni-Montaldi, or the Black Banner-How to Write an Opera.

July 6 to July 11. Humplirey Clinker-Montaldi, or the Black Banner-Duke

and the Devil.

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July 13 to July 18. Humphrey Clinker-Montaldi,

or the Black Banner-Vicar

of Wakefield.

July 20 to July 25. Adventures of Roderick Random False Accusation Humphrey Clinker.

July 27 to August 1. Adventures of Roderick Ran. dom-Ferdinand, Count Fathom-Humphrey Clinker.

Aug. 3 to Aug. 8. Sir Launcelot Greaves-Ferdi

nand, Count Fathom-Adv.

of Roderick Random.

Aug. 10 to 15. Lolonois, or the Buccaneers of 1660 -Humphrey Clinker-Ferdinand, Count Fathom.

24.

25.

Italian Wife-How to Write an Opera-
Kouli Khan.

Who's the Murderer-Red Riding Hoed,
or the Wolf of the Forest of Arden-
Italian Wife.

Ditto-Ditto-Lolonois.

26. Ditto-Ditto-Don Giovanni.

Europ. Mag. Vol. LXXIV. Aug. 1818.

Y

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Plenty and Pleasure's mingled reign is here!

Tho' by no Phidias or Vitruvio plann'd, Our dome may boast a fire by Genius fann'd

Not such a fire as o'er affrighted Thame "Shook its red mantle" like a Bond-street

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Wit to soft Satire lends her painted plumes, And Love's light torch the festive scene illumes;

Tho' Art may here no tripod-altars raise, With hydrostatic, pvro-technic" blaze, Wit's rarest gas sustains our constant lamp, Secure from Folly's smoke or Envy's damp; And if too swiftly spreads th'electric fire, Mild Wisdom comes like Congreve's reservoir.

Friends, Allies!-ye who bid our giories live.

And like kind patrons "gild the means ye give,"

Come, and as Banquo view'd the magic glass,

Admire your sceptred children as they

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[Aug

So may each tender heart with hope be thrill'd,

And every lover win a Barn well-fill'd! May never stubborn rhymes your verse confuse,

Nor fires consume them, nor committees chuse:

But such Committees as to night preside, Their purpose Pleasure-Elegance their guide

Prompt to praise others as themselves excell,

And most exalted when they cry "How well!" v.

EPILOGUE.

ON proud Britannia's rock-built seat,
Where all together oft they meet,
The Seasons stopp'd, and each to Fame
Announc'd her merits and her claim.
First Spring began-" My laughing hours
Bring genial gales and balmy flow'rs:
I bid young Beauty share my throne,
The fairest semblance of her own;
While Love, an urchin shrewd and sly,
Strives in my fost'ring lap to lie,
And slumbers while I deck the elf
With buds as tender as himself,
Till in my changeful sport he sees
An emblem of his own decrees."
Then Summer spoke-" My presence calls
Proud Pleasure's train to rural halls,
Her fading roses to renew,

And bathe her feet in fragrant dew.
With me the dreaming minstrel roves
Thro' twilight glens or tuneful groves,
And seeks their haunted shades among
New graces for his attic song.
Pale Spleen and haggard Care resign
Their drowsy vigils while I shine:
My smile gives vigour to the Sage,
And second life to freezing Age.'
Said Autumn-" Sisters, boast no more
That poets revel in your store;
The warbling race would soon expire,
And soon the rural hall would fire,
Unless to grace the festive board
I yield the riches of my hoard,
Your gifts are gay on Cupid's shrine,
But prudent Hymen waits for mine!
Chaste Truth and sober Taste I suit,
They praise the flow'r, but prize the fruit."
Her sceptre gemm'd with frozen dew,
Mild Winter wav'd, and said-" With you
Health, Love, and Fancy, form alliance,
With me-Joy, Friendship, Wit, and
Science !

Behold, this ample dome is mine,
Where all their mingled stores combine.
Your own united gifts I glean,
To grace and fill my social scene.
Siphs, fairies, elves of earth and fire,
To guard my ancient roof conspire:
For to Philemon's barn, they say,
Jove came down mask`d to act a play.
Go, Sisters! boast your rosy bow'rs,
But own my right to attic hours!

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