The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

" Valentine and Orson , " the fifth of the series of burlesques brought out by Bro . Hollingshead at the Gaiety , will not tend to the reputation of Mr . Reece , its author . Literally , it is last and least ; and not only is it least in merit but also in length , as it occupies barely two hours—too short a time for the habitues of this popular house , who having been used to a long evening ' s amusement , find it not palatable to sit for so short a time

admiring the occupants of the stage . Mr . Reece has possibly thought " brevity is the soul of wit . " There is little of the latter and too much of the former in " Valentine and Orson . " The plot is very poor , but Gaiety audiences on this point are not too fastidious ; provided plenty of pretty faces , graceful dances , twisting of words , puns , and comic songs are supplied they will not grumble at all . But even this dish is not well served up . 'There arc the pretty ladies ,

lovely scenery and dances , but the music and songs are not the best that might have been selected , especially as the story is so weak . King Pepia ( Mr . Henley ) has taken into his court a g ^ ood looking ( K ) night of the day , —Valentine ( Miss barren ) — who falls in love with the king ' s niece Eglantine ( Miss Kate Vaughan ) . The king ' s consort had early abandoned him , and is believed to have given birth to twin sons in the forest . One is Valentine , the

other Orson ( Bro . Terry ) , the latter is brought up by a foster mother in the shape of a bear . Orson in the garb of a " simple child of nature , " or rather not dressed at all , astonishes the king by battering against the gates of his palace . Valentine encounters the wild man and challenges him . Bro . Terry puts great fun into the piece here by appearing for the fight , got up in a gaudy costume of civilisation . A yellow coat , hat on side of the head , large

rings on every finger , and of course a crutchstick . When he proceeds to strip for the fight , great is the laughter throughout the house at the discovery that his shirt front is only a "dickey . " He is vanquished by thc brilliancy of Valentine's shield , wherein he sees himself . All ends happily when the bear comes between the parties and declares that the men should not fight for they are brothers . No doubt as time goes on the performers will add to the puns and songs

and so make this burlesque popular , but this will add nothing of credit to the writer . It seems a pity that such a company as Bro . Hollingshead's should have poor stuff to represent . However , almost every play-goer knows they are capable of better things , and even now , were it not for them the piece could not live a day . But having been able to say so little for Mr . Reece , we cannot , happily , say ditto to the cast . VVe miss poor Royce and Bro . Dallas , but we

have brilliant talent to play to us . Bro . Terry is the only gentleman who can be said to have a leading part ; indeed , on our brother and Miss Nelly Farren the burden of the piece rests . All the other characters are more or less employed in sustaining these two . Mr . Wyatt , with his clever dancing , of course , is encored , as he should be , so is Mr . Warde " ( the Bear ) in an original dance . Mr . Henley says what little he has to say well , and sings a very good song . Bro . Terry , Miss Farren , and Miss Vaughan go through

some charming dances . Bro . Terry's songs arc but poor , but of course laughable as sung by him . His studies from the antique are extremely amusing during his duel with his brother , Valentine . Ajax defying the pawnbroker , Agammemnon borrowing threepence , and a professional beauty admiring herself in her boudoir , being specially good . In the latter , Orson is devoid of clothing , and while on the ground is looking up at Valentine and sees himself reflected in the shield . Miss Farren wears several gorgeous dresses , and dances and sings as only Miss Farren can . Her best

song ^ is" If she told me to go to Jericho , I think that I would do it ; If she told me to tackle the grand old man I'd do it for Mary Ann . " This has a catching air , but only two verses , probably more will be added . There is no need to brook the fact that Miss Farren , with her wonderful versatility , is capable

of keeping together the thinnest of writings . Miss Kate Vaughan runs her very close on this ground . She and Miss Gilchrist are two of the bulwarks of this home of the sacred lamp of burlesque . Miss Vaughan now appears in three sumptuous costumes , the admiration of the gentlemen , and the envy of the ladies . Her last dress , lavish in costliness , is , we think , the one of manv which graces her best . Hardly sufficient of her particularly graceful

dancing is accorded to us , but in this , as in other things , we must be thankful for small mercies . Miss Connie Gilchrist , as a rebellious courtier , has more scope for her undoubted talents in acting and dancing than she has lately had . She appears a number ot times on thc stage , and s ' mgs with much fervour , " It ' s very nice to feel yourself in love ;" but at present it is her dancing which is most admired by the public , consequently this comes in for an encore in two

places . She is decidedly clever , and being so young and already on the ladder of fame , it is more likely than not that she will at some future day be one of the leaders of burlesque , should she remain in this style of acting . There can be no doubt that in any occupation those who enter it early have the best chance of succeeding . " Experentia docet , " and the earlier experience is obtained the better . Miss Gilchrist , like many others who have self-confidence

and know of dormant talent being in them , always does more justice to a leading than a minor character . Her zeal and cleverness are not enhanced by being curbed in a " small" part . Bro . Lord Wolseley has recently written a letter , which has been freely quoted and even ridiculed , on " success . " He says , " that from a boy he has always made a practice that what he did he did thoroughly , and he thinks it is to this that he owes his success in lite . Had he begun life as a tinker he would have made it his business

to have turned out better pots and pans than any one else . A wag has said of this , it is well he was not a tinker , for it would have gone hard with householders had he have been " our only " tinker , as he is our only general . Bro . Lord Wolseley holds that a person of average ability and indomitable perseverance may fairly look forward to success in life . Miss Gilchrist seems to have somewhat anticipated this conclusion , for she is known to possess ability and perseverance , and having the advantage of being very young , may fairly look forward to success .

The Theatres.

Miss Phyllis Broughton , a young lady who is rapidly coming forward to take her place in the front ranks , fulfils the requirements needed in her character as Henry . She dances with agility and vigour , and will bc welcomed back after being left out of thc last Gaiety piece . Miss Broughton and Miss Gilbert go through two very pretty dances , but why the former did not come in for a bouquet and basket of flowers , as did Miss Gilbert , and the three

ladies we have already spoken of , on the opening night , we are at a loss to know . It seems to us a senseless custom , and has developed into a formal farce to hand on to the stage a great basket ot flowers to each of the chief characters . VVe have heard it suggested from the stage itself , that these doings are not often genuine , but if they

are let them be sent through the stage door . VVe may add the dresses of the ladies of the chorus are rich and tasteful . On the whole , though the new burlesque is in itself weak , yet in the hands of an efficient and talented company , it makes the Gaiety a place where an evening may pleasantly be spent . A farce , " Bachelor's Hall , " precedes the burlesque .

* * * Mr . Thorne has , we hear , presented his able and indefatigable manager , Mr . Sidney Alport , with a gold watch , as a token of his esteem for him as manager of the Vaudeville , where he has gained the good will of every one by his assiduity to business and his courteousness .

* - - s * * Mr . Baum has re-opened what' was once thc "Connaught" as the "Alcazar , " and , from his long experience as manager at different places , ought to do well in the new venture , considering the lavish way he has brought out " Cinderella . " The house has been newly decorated , and is altogether an ornament to the London theatres . VVe hope Mr . Baum may find the Alcazar of more use to liim

than the same building was to its late lessees . Mr . Slnel Barry is in himself worth all the money paid for a visit , lt is to be hoped that when Miss Rozie Lowe ' s cold has left her the pantomime will go on even more smoothly than now . Mr . Fordham and Mr . Goodrich , who take female characters , are two of the mainstays of the piece . They sing some good songs , popular with the " gods , " judging from their demands for encores . VVe would rather not have

heard a verse ridiculing one of the Royal dukes , considering there is not the slightest foundation for what is raised at his expense . Like many men who act as women , they a little overdo their part , and made it at times almost vulgar . Thechorus is for the most part com posed ot the late employes at the Alhambra ; this is sufficient to make it understood

that the ballet is perfect and beautifully rendered . Miss Vance and Miss Clifton are twootherswhoadd a great deal to thc success of the pantomime . Of course there is the usual clown and pantaloon and acrobatic business . All fees are rigidly and wisely abolished . " Cinderella " is one of the pantomimes to go and see , and to take the children to . 'There are two daily performances .

Music

MUSIC

It appears from letters recentl y received by the Mayor of Liverpool from Mr . Morby , honorary secretary of the Royal College of Music , that it is intended to establish two kinds of scholarships in the said college . The Free or Open Scholarship , providing education in the

college and maintenance for one pupil in perpetuity , will necessitate the payment by the founder of £ 2500 , ai"l will be obtainable by open competition among all classes of her Majesty's subjects . The Local or Close Scholarship , which also provides education and maintenance and for which the sum of £ 3000 must be paid , is obtainable by competition restricted to the district or class preferred by the founder .

* * * The old organ in St . George ' s Chapel , Windsor , which included choir swell and great organ arrangements , is being remodelled and altered to a C instrument , the new arrangement comprising choir swell , great and solo organs , with pneumatic action , and four manuals .

# * * The Christmas programme provided by the Mohawk Minstrels in their quarters at the Agricultural Hall was of an extensive and appropriate character , and has been greatly appreciated by a succession of crowded audiences , who have testified to their enjoyment by

frequent outbursts of applause . A capital burlesque of a wellknown popular opera , and Mr . Clement Scott's new patriotic song were among the items which found most favour . In Christmas week there were three afternoon performances in addition to those which takeplace of an evening , namely , on Boxing Day , VVednesday , and Saturday . There was another on New Year's Day .

# * * - It is authoritatively announced that Gounod ' s oratorio , "The Redemption , " will be performed , with full orchestra , in Westminster Abbey , some time before Easter , the day being not yet fixed .

* * » The Mayor of New York has refused to grant a license for the production in that city of the " Passion Play . "

* * * We beg to remind our readers that Mr . Boosey ' s annua ! morning ballad concert will take place at St . James ' s Hall to-morrow ( Saturday ) afternoon , at three p . m . Madame Sophie Menter ( piano ) is announced to plav an

" etude , " by Chopin , Mendelssohn's " Fileuse , " and Liszt's " Les Patineurs , " and Madame Norman Neruda ( violin ) , Beethoven ' s " Romance " in F , and a " Fantaisie Caprice , " by Vieuxtemps . The ballad portion of the programme should prove a rich treat .

# # * The Saturday Popular Concerts at St . James ' s Hall will be resumed on Saturday next , the 13 th inst . * # # The seventy-first season of the Philharmonic Society , of which Bro . W . G . Cusins , Grand Organist , is conductor , will commence on Thursday , the 15 th inst ,

Science And Art.

SCIENCE AND ART .

Mr . Cator Woodville , who is now in Egypt making studies for battle pictures in connection with the recent campaign , has received a commission from her Majesty to paint one of the storming of Tel-el-Kebir for the Royal collection . * * * A native Japan journal announces that a porcelain maker of Kioyto , who has studied photography in Paris , has * succeeded in producing photographs 111 colours on porcelain with a perfect perspective . His works are said to have excited the admiration of foreigners .

* # » Professor Tyndall gave the first of his series of six lectures , adapled to a juvenile audience , on " Light and the Eye , " at the Royal Institution , Albcinarle-street , on Thursday week . Fifty-five years have passed since Faraday gave his first series of juvenile lectures in that institution , and they have been continued up to the present time .

1 he professor said that , though no one could tell when tire was first discovered , it must have been discovered long before history began to be written ; it was probably used in the first instance as a means of heating and then for lighting purposes . Thus there was the common rushlight still in use in some parts of Ireland and Scotland , and thence they passed on to lamps , and now an idea prevailed that

electricity could be turned to account in lighting our streets and houses . For three quarters of a century electric currents had been sent through platinum wires and rendering them incandescent , but now it had become necessary to find something that could be heated more intensely than

platinum without fusing ; and Mr . Swann bad given him some fibres of carbon which could be heated so as to give a far greater amount of light than platinum wire , as shown then and there by his incandescent electric light . Dr . Tyndall brought his lecture to a close by a number of experiments illustrating thc electric light . #

* * On Saturday afternoon last Professor Tyndall gave the second lecture of the course . After informing his young audience that light travelled at the rate ot * iS 6 , ooo miles a second , emphasising the fact b y the comparative statement thata train travelling thirty miles an hour would require 25 S days eight hours to accomplish the same

distance , Professsor Tyndall went on to the subject of refraction , confirming the theory by a number of varied and beautiful experiments . The effect of converging and diverging lenses was explained and shown , and some beautiful magic lantern views were exhibited from photographs of Niagara , icebergs , and Alpine scenerv . The

last experiments were performed with sensitive flame , it being proved that sound waves could be converged and diverged . This experiment was to prepare the minds of the juvenile company for the theory to be dealt with in the next lecture—that light as well as sound might lie wave motion . * * *

It appears that one of the results of the observations made during eleven years off the coast between Chesapeake Bay and Labrador , by the United States Fish Commission , as described by Professor Verrill at the recent annual meeting of the United States National Academy of Sciences , is that in maps and charts the warm belt or Gulfstream is placed too far from the shore by thirty or forty

miles . Hitherto the hundred-fathom line has been taken to mark the border of the Gulf-stream , but it would be more correct to say the sixty-five or seventy-fathom line . Further , the Professor holds that though there is some variation in the surface water of the stream in summer and winter , there is none in the body of the stream , as has been

supposed , the proof lying in the distinct line of separation of the two kinds of life in the bottom , while , [ ii there were variation the sub-tropical life with which the botton of the Gulf-stream teems would be destroyed . From these and other facts which have come to li g ht , Professor Verrill has been led to doubt the negative evidence in geology .

* « * The Ferranti Dynamo Machine , a combination of _ the inventions of Sir W . Thomson and M . Ferranti , has at length been made public , and bids fair to far outstrip anything yet produced for incandescent lighting . All the details are not yet available however , but the proprietors consider their patents will be secure in about a month , when we shall be able to give a description of the

new dynamo . Whilst on the subject of electric lighting , we may add that during the recent extraordinary fog , the Edison Electric Light Company maintained their dynamos at Holborn-viaduct in continuous action from three o'clock on Saturday afternoon , the gth ult ., till eight o ' clock on the following Tuesday morning , a run , we believe , hitherto unprecedented . The current was supplied alternately from two large dynamos , the change being made without any perceptible interruption in the lighting . it & iii

Mr . Macfarlane , M . P ., has been elected a Vice-President of the Federation of Celtic Societies of Glasgow , ancl will shortly address meetings ih Glasgow on the depopulation of the Highlands ., # # « An object of considerable interest—a bronze doorstep from the great temple of E-Saggil at Borsippa , a

suburb or division of Babylon—has recentl y been placed in the Egyptian and Assyrian Gallery at the British Museum . It not only has inscribed on it the name of Nebuchadnezzar , but also mentions his health or restoration to health . The temple of E-Saggil , to which the doorstep pertained , was a famous seat of Babylonian idolatry , and remained such till the time of Nabonidas , the last Babylonian king .

During the year just closed there were reported twenty-eight mining explosions , fifteen of which were fatal , the number of deaths reaching 241 , exactly the average for the past thirty-two years . Of thirty-two warnings

issued nineteen were justified by subsequent events , twelve were followed within three days by the loss of 139 lives in fifteen explosions , and sixty-six lives were lost on the fifth and sixth days after the issue of warnings . In each case these warnings denoted a continuance of dangerous changes ,