The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

— : o : — The Royal English Opera House . —Mr . D'Oyly Carte ' s new theatre in Cambridge Circus is not only the most magnificent mansion of amusement in the metropolis , but will rival in splendour of decoration many of the notable establishments on the continent . In the first place it stands on a substantial site , with streets on three sides , BO that numerous exits have been provided in addition to the principal entrances . The front elevation of the edifice ia most

striking and elegant , nnd does credit to the skill of the architect , Mr . Colcutt , F . R . I . B . A ., and is built of red Ellistoun brick and Doulton terra cotta . The vestibule ia richly but plainly panelled with white Italian marble , with dado of green marble , and contains a single picture , " The Concert , " by Mr . Fairfax Murray . A broad marble staircase on the left leads below to the stalls , and above to the

various circles ; here the walla are lined with alabaster , while art pottery containing plants is placed at the corners of the different landings . At the first floor is the grand saloon , from whioh opens the smoking balcony on the right , and is contiguous to the dress circle , with its 242 seats . We may here state that all the seats , nearly 2000 in nnmber , are most conveniently arranged , at an elevation that

enables every one to have a free view of the stage , while the ceiling inclines upwards from the stage to the gallery , so the nsual sensation of flatness is avoided . The interior of the house presents a really beaatifal appearance , its fine proportions and luxurious surroundings calling forth the warmest praise . White and gold are freely used iu the decoration , the seats are of a delicate green plush , the drapery is

of yellow satin , and the gorgeons tableau curtain is of gold brocade . The furniture is supplied by Maple and Co ., of Tottenbam-Coartroad , and the decorations are carried ont by Collinson and Lock , of Oxford Street . The entire bnilding is lighted by electricity , whioh is further employed for the transmission of messages to various parts of the building . The utmost attention has been paid to the stage

arrangements , all the latest improvements being utilised . The proscenium is 34 feet square , and ia framed in handsome greeu and white marble , a very novel and pretty effect . The auditorium is constructed of iron , steel , and concrete , and where wood is obliged to be used it is covered with a coating of asbestos ; indeed , it is stated that the building is considered so impervious to fire that it will not be

insured . A brilliant company assembled on Saturday to witness the initial performance of Sir Arthnr Sullivan ' s opera , " Ivanhoe , " the libretto founded on Sir Walter Scott ' s novel , by Mr . Julian Stnrgis ; and we may at onoe say that the result waa worthy of the association with the beautiful building . We shall shortly give a detailed account of the work , which haa qniokly achieved a deserved popularity .

vaudeville . —After too long an absence from London Mr . Thomas Thorne has returned once more to his old quarters , which in tbe meantime have been considerably altered and redecorated , and now presents a light and pretty appearance . In the fine new entrance hall we find Mr . Sydney Alport , smiling and courteous as usual , welcoming the guests , who in turn extend their greeting to old

favourites and new comers as they make their appearance on the stage . Mr . Thorne has selected an early piece by Mr . Jerome K . Jerome , entitled " Woodbarrow Farm , " whioh although capitally acted and fairly amusing is hardly a satisfactory successor to the fiae plays we have previously enjoyed under Mr . Thorne ' a management . The story shows how Allen Rollitt , a young farmer , spoiled by a fond

mother and cousin , comes unexpectedly into a large fortune , deserts his home , and sets np as a fine gentleman in London , falls an easy prey to a fascinating adventuress , and other designing persons , so that when the rightful heir to the money turns np he willingly relinquishes his position to return to the old farm and tho loving hearts he had previously left . This character is played by Mr . Bernard

Gould with a breezy country spirit that is highly refreshing , Miss Emily Thorne and Miss Ella Banister carefully impersonate Mrs . Rollitt and Deborah ; Mr . Fred . Thorne , Miss Vane , Mr . F . Grove , and Mr . C . M . York , represent some of the would-be participators of Allen ' s fortune , and Mr . Hamilton Knight does well as the rightful heir

, the dramatic scene in the last act being specially noticeable . Mr . Thomas Thorne contents himself with the small part of PifBn , a butler , who instructs Rollitt in the manners of polite society . Ifc is a happy bit of character acting , and causes a feeling of regret thafc he is so littlo seen . The piece is well mounted , and will serve as an attraction while some more ambitious play is prepared .

Tivoli . —A lengthly programme , embracing many of the best Known names in the musio hall profession , is now being submitted to the patrons of this handsome establishment , with the corresponding effect of crowded houses . There ia hardly any pause from tho commencement to the termination of the entertainment , tho artistes following each other in rapid succession , so tho audience are never

weaned ; and whether visitors merely look in for an hour or so , or witness the entire performance , thoy are sure to be amused . Last Monday was appointed for the benefit of Mr . F . J . Potter , the courteous and capable business manager , when a large number of the Public assembled to repay his attention and enjoy the varied program me presented for their delectation .

Mr . Terry and his Company played " In Chancery " at Cambridge , on the afternoon of the 28 th nit ., and also gave afternoon performances at Oxford , on Monday , and Eastbourne , on Thursday . Mr . Terry and his Company will also open the new Theatre , at Ipswich , with this piece , one afternoon this mouth .

Mr . Norman Forbes has definitely settled that when ' * ' All the Comforts of Home " shall have run its course at the Globe Theatre , lj > will bo followed by a revival of Mr . G . Godfrey ' s "Parvenu . "

The Theatres, &C.

On Thursday , 29 th ult ., nnder the auspices of the Royal Sfc . Edmund ' s and the Abbey Lodges , a grand Masonic ball took place at the Athenaeum Hall , Bury St . Edmund's , under the distinguished patronage of the Most Noble tbe Marquia and Marchioness of Bristol , Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Henniker P . G . M . Suffolk , Bro . Lord Euston P . G . M . Norths and Hunts . Bro . the Rev . C . J . Martyn D . P . G . M .,

the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury St . Edmund ' s ( Mr . and Mrs . H . Lacy Scott ) , the Deputy Mayor ( Mr . F . Summers ) , Mr . and Mrs . E . W . Lake , and other ladiea and gentlemen , and members of the Craft . The hall presented a brilliant appearance , having been very tastefully decorated in honour of the occasion . At the far end of the hall was displayed the inscription , " The White Rose Chapter , " on

either side of whioh were the words "Loyalty and Charity . " Opposite , near the large staircase , were the mystic letters , "ITNOTGAOT U , " and close by handsome bannerettes enhanced the effect of the ornamentation . Other Masonio inscriptions were conspicuous about the hall , where emblems were alao to be seen .

Dancing commenced between nine and ten o clock , to the strains of Herr Carl Krill ' s band , by kind permission of Bro . Captain Scudamoro and the Officers of the 3 rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment . Tho brethren appeared in full Masonic clothing , and military and naval officers in uniform , and the scene waa of a very picturesque character . Upwards of 200 were present .

A Masonic Ball will take place at the Royal Hotel Assembly Rooms , Dawlish , on Tnesday next , under the patronage of the Right Hon . the Marquis of Hartington , the Right Hon . the Viscountess and Viscount Ebrington , the Hon . Lady and Sir Stafford Northcote , Bart ., and many others . Miss Bailey ' s Torquay Quadrille Band will be in attendance . Mr . W . Southwood , Regent House , Dawlish , ia tbe hon . sec , and he will readily supply further information .

The annual snpper of the members and frienda of the Dnke of Cornwall Lodge of Instrnction , No . 1839 , will be held at the Queen ' s Arms , Queen . street , Cheapside , on Tuesday , 3 rd March 1891 . Brethren desiring to be present should apply for tickets to Geo . Scott

Miller , Secretary , 134 Long Acre , W . O . This comparatively young Lodge of Instrnction haa just cloaed its first Association for Benevolent Purposes with the grand total of over £ 550 , collected within three years . Another Association is being formed , for whioh already twenty subscribers have handed in their names .

The Masonio ode , " In days of old the Masons' hand , " snng for the first time in public at the inaugural concert of the present half-session of the Southampton Polytechnic Institution , ia a very beautiful composition , and oue that deserves to be widely known , both for its poetical and musical merits . The ode was composed by onr late esteemed fellow townsman , Bro . G . M . Passenger , J . P ., aud was set to musio by bis talented son-in-law , Bro . R . Sharpe , both Paat Prov .

Grand Officers , and Past Masters of the Royal Gloucester Lodge , for the Centenary Festival of which Lodge it was produced . We are glad to havo had the opportunity of making a closer acquaintance with thia exceedingly beautiful composition , whioh is dedicated to Mr . C . J . Dale , principal of the MetropolitanOollege of Music , an old friend of the author , and is published by the London Musio Publishing Company ( Limited ) , of Great Marlborough Street . —Southampton Times .

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