The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

DrUl'y Lane . — Ouco more Mr . Augustus Harris , in producing hia Christmas pantomime , has oolipsod previous etforts ; his last venture is certainly the best ho has ever produced at Old Drnry . The well-known writer , Mr . E . L . Blauchard , has provided a framework that suits the taste of Mr . Harris's patrons , while Mr .

Ferdinand Wallerstein has selected and composed music catching ta the ear . Although not strictly adhering to the accepted legend of" The Forty Thieves , " Mr . Blanchard has managed to k « ep tho idea well in view , while tho several ways in which he leads up the displayparts are well conceived . The opening scene of the pantomime is a

new idea for Drury Lano , inasmuch as fche usual magic cave , with its necessary fairies , is entirely done away with . The proposed subject for the pantomime is decided on by Camaralzaman , Sindbad , Codadad , and others , who agree to represent the forty thieves . Thia they do , and select for their leader Abdallah ( Misa Edith Blande-Brereton ) .

Among the others we find Ally Sloper ( Mr . Victor Stevens ) . How the story proceeds after the forty thieves are bound together is well known . Mr . Harris first shows his quality in the cave of the thieves , where each leader , with his band congregate together . Here we have one of the most gorgeous displays that has ever been seen , even

afc Drury Lane . Each band has a different dress , some in satins , some in armonr , some in shining beads , while others appsar in silver and gold tissues . Such a display as is presented when all are congregated is indeed dazzling to look at , still all are grouped so well together that violent contrasts are avoided ; altogether a more

magnificent scene could nofc have been wished for . Bnfc nofc content with this , fche manager in lien of a transformation has invented a Qaeen ' s Jubilee scene . This is worked out in three divisions , the last being the Temple of Fame . At the back of this scene is a statue of Queen Victoria , behind which is seen the river , stndded with

shipping . The procession is headed by beefeaters , followed by Britannia . After this appears , in native costume , representatives of the different colonies , tho whole spectacle presenting a blaze of colonr and glitter of the most snmptnous character . The arrangement of these is personally superintended by Mr . Harris ,

who was called forward to receive the congratulations of his audience . Another interesting item is a ballet by the children of tbe National School of Dancing . Thia takes place in the baquetting-room of Ali ' s house , where the children aro about to retire to bed . This is capitally arranged , and at its

conclusion tho audience would not be satisfied until Madame Kafcti Lanner had made her appearance . The pantomime lacks nothing as to the ability of the artistes engaged j once again we have Mr . Harry Nicholls ( Ali Babi ) , and Mr . Herbert Campbell ( Cogia , his wife ) , well to the fore . These gentlemen work well together , and

are as amusing as ever . They have plenty ot good business to go through , aud certainly they make the most of it . Their annual duett has for its stock line " Not really , " and both these favourites were recalled several times . Miss Constance Gilchrist is a graceful

Morgiana . This lady ' s dancing is always good , while her voice , though not strong , is pretty . Miss Edith Bruce ( Gauem ) , plays with plenty of spirit , aud Miss Edith Blande-Brereton is a dashing Abdallah . Mr . Robert Pi . teman throws considerable dramatic force

into the character of Cassim , more especially in the cavo ccene ; while Mr . Victor Stevens is highly amusing as Ally Sloper . Mr . Charles Lauri jun ., and Mr . Paul Mattinetti , as a donkey and monkey respectively , are exceedingly clever . Their pranks are most amusing . Mr . John D'Auban introduces some well-executed dances into the

part of the Chief of Police , while Miss M . A . Victor disports herself as Mrs . Cassim . Mr . Reuben Inch ( Mustapha ) , Miss Dot Mario ( Camaralzaman ) , Miss Minnie Mario ( Sindbad ) , Miss Minnie Inch ( Noureddin Ali ) , Violet Russell ( Young King ) , and Miss Marie Williams ( Aladdin ) aro all well filled with their several part ? .

A double harlequinade follows the Temple of Fame scene , and here we once more find onr old friend , Harry Payne , with his merry band . Then conies Paul Martinctti , with his followers . Altogether wo can heartily congratulate Mr . Augustus Harris on having produced the most gorgeous of fche many good pantomimes seen dnring hia management .

Aventie . —There was produced here on Thursday week , a burlesque , entitled Robinson Crusoe . This work has been written by Mr . Robert Reece , and staged by Mr . H . B . Farnie . The idea of the anthor has been to provide for tho holidays , and to this end ho hns introduced items thafc havo no real connection with Dofoo '_

wellknown story . Nevertheless , the piece is full of amusing skits and songs , with plenty of dancing . Not only has there been a good book provided , but tunes have been arranged by Mr . John Crook in such a manner that thoy prove most seductive . Another feature in this production is the excellent scenery painted by Messrs . Albeit

Calcott , F . Storey , and W . Keith ; while tho gorgeous dresaca , designed by L . Bescbo , and execnted by Mons . and Mdme . Alias , are made tbe most of by the troupe of graceful ladies engaged . The piece opens at a cave on the disputed Island , which changes to the port of

Hull . A pirate and his myrmidons determine to carry off Jenny Jones and Polly Hopkins , who are in love with Vavasseur and Robinson Crusoe respectively . Bufc instead of carrying off the fair ones , Crusoe and Vavasseur are taken on board . The second act sees tho ..

rincipal characters together on a Cannibal Island , where an Amazon Queen and her attendant fall in love with Crusoe and his friend . All these incidents produce a good deal of lively hnmour , and in the end tho two pairs of lovers return to England . Here wo see thorn in a mock harlequinade , where Mr . Sam Wilkinson plays Clown , Mr .

Henry Ashley Pantaloon , Mr . Arthur Roberts- Policeman , Mr . Fred Storey Harlequin , and Miss Phyllis Broughton Columbine . In the two scenes alloted to this portion of the programme fun , fast and furious , is the order of tho day , and wo advise those of oar readers . 'ho visit . Iii ? theatre , to stop aud . \ 'i . n . _' . this

The Theatres, &C.

part of the burlesque . Mr . Arthur Roberts as Robinson Crasoa exerts himself succes .-fnlly . He has pljnty of good materials to work on , and when he has become more habituated fco fche part , he should make ifc extremely funny . Misses Wadman ( Jenny Jones ) , and Phyllis Bronurhton ( Polly Hopkins ) were greatly appreciated ; Misa

Wadman s singing is always bright and tuneful , while Miss Broughton dances with grace and ease . Mr . Henry Ashly ( Vavasseur ) , Mr . C . W . Bradbury ( Captain William Atkins ) , Mr . Sam Wilkinson ( Rev . Wiaky Fum ) , Mr . Charles Sutton ( Friday ) , each make the most of thoir parts , while Mr . Fred Storey dances himself into prominence aa

Taffe . Neither Mrs . Mackintosh ( Princess Bumbonla ) nor Misa Janette Steer ( Jam-Jam ) exhitits very high qualities , but Miss Lydia Yeamana ( Lieutenant of the lugger ) sang in charming style the ever

acceptable ballad " Sally in our Alley . Everything weat well ou the first night , and tho principals were called at the fall of the curtain . Mr . D'Albertaon , the acting manager , came forward and apoligised for the author ' s absence .

The annual New Year ' s entertainment to the brethren and widows resident in the Royal Masonic Institution at Croydon will take place on Wednesday next , when we anticipate a repetition of one of the many enjoyable meetings which have taken place in the same building in years gone b 7 «

The members of the General Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls met on Thursday , 30 fch December 1886 , at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Edgar Bowyer in the chair , with Bros . R . Grey , J . H . Matthews , S . H . Parkhouse , G . H . Webb , & c . Six petitions were approved ,

making the total number of candidates for the April Election 29 , with 23 vacancies . £ 4 , 446 14 s 3 d was ordered to be invested in the purchase of stock , in the

names of the Trustees of the Sustentation Fund . The proceedings closed with the customary vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding .

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MASONIC L E C T U E _&_ -. KNOBSAIDE2CBSSCSUCSS. O RG . JAMES STEVEXC P . M . P . Z . is open to accept invitations 13 SLOT the- delivery o _ his Liictuii-- in ______ . O _ _ . _ . ___ . or PROVINCIAL LOCOES , or Lon ? KS OP I-JSTBirciiO-f . y < . L ' . cU . i'C . l ' eo ; tr . ' . !_ * Uii * . _; o :. p . _ .- _ < .. oiby . v . ccii . od , AiMasj .---Uh . r _ h . u __ . SS . W *