The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

Covent Garden . —The festive season has not been allowed to pass without another circus company being organised , and with snch managers as Messrs . Augustus Harris and Freeman Thomas to look after affairs , it is only natural that big things might be expected . That these expectations have not been fully borne out we aro sorry to have to admit . This year ' s circus lacks variety , and thus causes

the audience to tire long before tho last turn comes on . For instance , there are three turns of performing horses or ponies , and , as everybody knows , however clever these creatures may be , they become monotonous in time . There are bears , who go through some clever tricks , including walking the tight ropo ; Gou-Gou puts his pig throngh his pacesand causes much amusement thereby . It will thus be seen

, that thoro aro no loea than five nf this kind of entertainment , which to our mind is too many . What we expect in tbe circus ringequestrian acts—there is a lack of . Mdlle Aguzzi goes throngh some graceful feats , while the daring riding of Mr . Silvester , as the Newmarket Jockey , was greatly appreciated . These are the only equestrian acts in the programme . The funniest item is undoubtedly

the clever antics of the Feely Family , who go through their acrobatic entertainment in splendid style , which the audience greatly appreciates j the drolleries of the clown of the troupe are very amusing , and cause roar after roar of laughter . The Sisters Hoffman exhibit skill on the horizontal bar ; Mdlle Jessica goes through her marvellous performance on the telegraph wire ; and Sig . Pasha puts Himself

into some awkward positions aa the Morocco Jumper . The last item on the programme is Herr Hagenbaoh ' s equestrian lion , or rather we should say lioness , accompanied by the royal Dane Boar Hound . A large iron cage is erected in the centre of fche ring , and all being in readiness , a horse is led into it , after whioh the lion and hound , accompanied by Herr W . Philadelphia , enter the cage . The

lion then goes throngh some equestrian acts , whioh are followed by a general race ronnd by horse , lion , and honnd , which brings the performance to a close . All this maybe a novelty , and . has unquestionably taken a very long time to accomplish , bnt now that it has been accomplished we are inclined to think , as we thonght on the occasion of our visit , thafc ifc will not prove attractive enough to help

to draw a large audience . The children ' s " Cinderella , " whioh takes p lace after the first part , is capitally managed , and reflects great credit on all concerned . The acting of the Misses Louisa Hind , Emily Hobden , TopsySinden , Dod Etherington , Evelyn Field-Fisher , Amy Vincent , and Masters Alfred Field-Fisher and Bertie Sinden is especially worthy of notice , while the music of Mr . Gwyllym Crowe is tuneful and bright .

Grand . — It has once more been Mr . Charles Wilmot s good fortune ^ to produce a pantomime that is admirably suited in every respect to the taste of a North London audience . Year after year thi * notnto manager brings something bright to the fore , and this year is no exception . As ia the custom here , Mr . Geoffry Thorn has been called in to supply the book , and chooses for a snbject the

wellknown legend of " Aladdin ; " he has written as bright and entertaining a story as it has been our lot to unravel . Witty sayings , comic songs , brisk dialogue , and puns innumerable , is what the book is made np of , and with the melodious innsio , composed and selected by Mr . W . H . Brinkworth , not a dull moment is allowed in the piece . Starting in the good old fashioned style , with the temple of

tbe oracle , the story is elaborated throngh no less than fourteen bright and picturesque scenes . The moonlit garden where the grand ballet of jewels takes place is an exceptionally pretty scene , while the bine temple by the willows is an exact copy of the willow pattern plate . Another ballet takes place in the Egyptian Hall of Aladdin ' s Palace , after which a really magnificent transformation scene is

allowed to unfold its charms , which brings one of the best pantomimes we have ever seen to a close . As we havo already said , the fun is fast and furious ; the song " I ' m so Happy" by the Widow Chow-Ohow , the song "Bobby knows his book" by Ske-Ming , the dance to the tnne of "The Turkish Patrol , " executed by Ab-Mee and AhvRong , are all worthy of special mention .

Miss Belle Black makes a vivacious Aladdin , her dancing and singing being excellent , while Mr . Wilfred Shine , made np like Mr . Fred Leslie in "Monte Cristo jnn ., " lends valuable aid as Abanozar . The Widow Chow-Chow is cleverly represented by tbat amusing comedian Mr . Joe Cheevers , Mr . Alfred Rivers is Ske-Ming , and Miss Retta Walton is Ah-Rong . One of the fnnniest characters is that of

Ab-Mee , a toy soldier ont of a Christmas box . This is undertaken by Mr . Fred Walton , who causes no end of amusement by his really clever antics . Wishee-Washee finds a good interpreter in Mr . Charles Seel , while Miss Louie Wilmot is entertaining as Aladdin ' s chum . Miss Sara Beryl ( Princess Badroulbudoar ) , Mdlle

Elsie ( So-Shi ) , Mr . Wal Curtis ( Ah-Dup ) , Mr . Harry Moore ( Fiz-fiz ) , all lend good snpport . During tho performance the Leapo troupe go through some clever acrobatic feats , while the trick bicycle riding of Mdlle Elsie is worth notice . In conclusion , we feel sure that Mr . Wilmot will reap a good harvest from his 1889-90 pantomime , which may rank among the best of the year .

The hundredth performance of the interesting revival of " Caste , " at the Criterion , took place on Friday evening , the 3 rd inst . Thus another testimony is afforded of the abiding popularity of Robertson ' s prett'eat domestic drama . The two ballets at the Empire have changed their respective

positions on the bill . " The Paris Exhibition " i-s now played at halfpast eight , and " A Dream of Wealth" at half-past ton . Thia arrangement is in accordance with the wishes of tho pntrons . Mdlle . Vauoni , who has been exclusively engaged at this theatre , is to make her first appearance on the 15 th inst . The Principality of Wales has ever been noted for its bards and its songs , wbile some of the most popular of oar musicians aud

The Theatres, &C.

vocalists speak with pride of their early association with Welsh mountains and vales . Onr good brothor B . » nj . D . vies , of Haverfordwest ; , is the happy father of two talento-. l musical daughters , and wd are pleased to be able to record that last . w

Miss Florence , was maJe the happy recipient of two priz ; a : — ¦ no fi .-r displaying exceptional ability in playing at sight , tho othor prize lor brilliant execution in a selected piece . Wo heartily congratulate onr dear little friend on hor flnccess .

Messrs . Spiers and Pond havo been appointed Refreshment Con . tractors for tho Royal Military Exhibition , which will bo opened in the grounds of Chelsea Hospital , o . irly in May , by H . R . H . the Princo of Wales , under the immediate patronage of Hor Majesty ihe QUOOP , The Exhibition will be open for somo months , and ia in aid of the Church of England Soldiers' Institute .

Barnato Lodge, No. 2265.

BARNATO LODGE , No . 2265 .

A CHARMING " function " was that particpated in at the Whitehal Rooms of tho Hotel Metropole , on Tnesday , tho occasion being tho second annual ball under the auspices of tbe Barnato Lodge , No . 2265 , in aid of their Masonio Benevolent Fnnd . Tho ball room , lavishly decorated , wore a brilliant aud picturesque appearance , every moans that taste or talent could command being brought into requisition . The aristocracy of wealth found in the decorations

blended most harmoniously with fche dresses of the guests , which were beautiful in colonr , and reflected great artistic taste in the loveliness of the shades introduced . Sparkling diamonds and jewels were conspicuous for their beauty , and were a favourite adornment for the dress and hair . Many familiar faces were recognised in the company , which numbered some 170 gnests , though not representing by

any means the total of tickets sold . To the prevailing epidemic mnst be attributed the absence of a number of ladies and gentlemen who had looked forward to the Barnato Lodge Ball as one of the events of the season . As for those who graced fche proceedings with their presence , it was felt that the dance was a most successful one , all entering with zest into the convivialities of the hour . The honours of

the occasion were performed by Bro . H . Barnato , who extended a courteous welcome to every arrival . Dancing commenced shortly before 10 o ' clock to the strains of Messrs . ' . Coote and Tinney ' s band , the early comers opening an excellent programme of dances with the " Old Guard " valse . By midnight the scene was one of great animation , the sole interruption being the delicious snpper , which was plentifully discussed , and served np in a manner whioh spoke well

for the management of the Hotel Metropole . Dancing was subsequently resumed , and it was nearly 5 o ' clock before the last batch of guests retired from tho festive scene . Messrs . Tom Honey and John Robertson rendered efficient service asM . C . ' s , the following gentlemen officiated as stewards : —Messrs . M . J . Jessop ( the Worshipful Master of the Barnato Lodge ) , J . Joel , M . J . Do Leenw , E . J . Acworth , I , Joel , C . F . Hogard , A . Levy , and H . Warner . —•M . iddlesea County Timet .

On the Gth inst ., the Lodge of Probity , No . 61 , held its annual meeting at Halifax . Bro . William Cash , Senior Warden , waa installed Worshipful Masfcer of tho Lodge by Bro . George Parke P . M . The Lodge was numerously attended . The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet .

The Rev . Harry Hebb , M . A . Oxon , has been elected by tbe Provisional Management Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , to the Head Mastership , in succession to Rev . Dr . Morris , M . A . LL . D .. and such

election has received the confirmation of the General Committee . The appointment dates from 1 st January 1890 . The School Term will commence on Tuesday , 4 th February 1890 .

The fifth annual ball of the Chiswick Lodge , No . 2012 , will be held nnder the patronage of Bros . Right Hon . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., Senior Grand Warden , W . M ., George Everett P . M . Treasnrer , George Gardner P . M . Secretary , at the Star and Garter Hotol , Kew Bridge , on Wednesday , the 22 nd instant . Dancing to commence at 9 p . m . Tickets ( Lady ' s 10 a 6 d , Gent ' s 12 s 6 d , double 21 s ) will

inclnde supper and light refreshment during tho evening . These may be had of the Officers of the Lodge , or any member of the Committee : —Bros . W . H . Ellis , Clovelly , Hounslow ; Hartzhorn , M . D ., Blenheim Lodge , Chiswick ; W . Ritchie , High Road , Chiswick ; J . Brill , Castle Hotel , Brentford j G . Callingham , High Road ,

Chiswick ; E . Wavell , Victoria Street , S . W . ; G . Sales , Avenue House , Acton ; F . W . Walden , 9 Heathfield Gardens , Gnnnersbury ; W Wilson , 21 Binden Road , Shepherd ' s Bush ; Evan Philips , Runny , mede , Brentford ; W . C . Dickey , High Road , Turnham Green j H . C . Waters , Chiswick Sqnare , Chiswick ; B . Hardy , Gordon House , Chis . wick . By dispensation granted , Masonio clothing will be worn .

HotiowAi ' s PIMS AND OiimrBNT . —Rheumatism and Gonfc . —Those purify , ing and soothing remedies deserve the earnest attention of nil persons liable to gout , sciatica , or othor painful affections of the mnscles , nei vc ? , or joints . Tho Ointment should be applied after the affected parts have been patiently fomented with warm water , when tho Ointment should lie diligently rubbed

upon tho adjacent skin , unless tho friction causes pain . Hnilnwny ' s Pilla should be simultaneously taken to diminish pain , reduce inllammitiou , and purify the blood . This treatment abates the violence , and lessens the frequency of gout , rheumatism , and all spasmodic diseases ! which soring from hereditary predisposition , or from any accidental weakness of constitution , Tho Ointment checks the local malady , while the Pills restore vital power ,