The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

" Romeo anrl Julicl " xvas presented to a distinguished and ciiticai audience at the Lyceum on VVednesliay nig ht . Bro . Henry Irving has scored another brilliant success ; and whether we consider it as a scholarly interpretation of this great ideal tragedy , a powerful exhibition of d ' raniatic genius , or a gorgeous art spectacle , \ ve are equally charmed and satisfied . VVe hepe to give an extended notice in our next .

Very often the success of a piece is made simply by some excitement caused in its production , and not from its artistic merits , and though " The Squire " did raise much controversy , yet it does not require any such means to make it popular . There is in itself attractiveness , apart from the question as to xvho is the real author of it . It xvill be remembered when it was first brought out , early this year Mr . Hardy and Air . Carr jointly claimed it as theirs ,

, and charged Air . Pincro , its author , as having taken thc plot froni Air . Hardy ' s book , " l- ' ar from the Aladding Cruxvd , " . xvhich Air . " Comyns Carr had dramatised , and submitted to Bro . Hare , who declined it . Mr . Pinero slates he had not read the book xvhen he xvrote it , and that it is his own original . Certain it is , men of the stamp of Bros . Hare and Kendal xvould not have brought out at their theatre a play by one author xvhich they had already

declined fiom another under a different name . " 'The Squire " is a faithful reflex nf linglish life . There is no straining after sensational effects , no ivord torturing , nor punning , but crisp dialogue expressed in natural words . " The Squire " is a woman , Kate I ' eri / y , xvho is an orphan . Her land only y ield > her a small income . She has been secretly married fortweh-c months to Lieutenant Thomdyke ( Bro . Kendal ) . He xvishes to keen the marriage a secret , as he

is dependent on his mother for his means , excepting- his small pay as an officer . His mother xvould cast him off if she knew * he had made such a poor match . 'The squire's bailiff , Gilbert Hythe ( Air . VVenman ) , is in love xvith the squire , and being so strong xviih ardour when he declares his passion , h . ' s mistress summarily dismisses l . im . She appoints Giinnion ( Air . Alrlnlosh ) , a farm labourer , inhis place . The rector , the lie : Paul Dormer ( Bro . Hare ) , calls upon the

squire to ask for some help for a sick xvoman , and takes the opportunity of having a long talk xvith the squire . Kale Verily takes into her service Gunnioii ' s daughter Felicity , which all provokes the jealousy of Christiana ( Aliss Ada Murray ) , who has up till noxv been the only female servant . In the dead of night the rector calls , bringing a letter from the said xvoman avowing she is the wife of Lieut . Thomdyke , and thc rector urges Kali

Verity to tell him xvhat relation there are betxveen her and the officer , for it is becoming the talk of the village . The mairiage betxveen Lieut . Thomdyke and this xvoman had net turned out a happy one , and he believed her to be dead many years before he met Kale Verity . The lieutenant pays one of his nocturnal visits to the squire and overhears the letter read and the conversation which ensues . Katehas such command of herself that to the rector she

maintains an air of unconcern , but as soon as be is gone , she proceeds to burn all letters nnd documents relating to her marriage xvith the officer . Whilst she is kneeling at the tire , her husband comes into the room and tells her he has heard all . 'The scene between them is intense , as they both love each other dearly . While Thorudyie is heart brokenly asking for a kiss , " Gilbert Ily'he enters the room suddenly , ancl xvould take tiie life of Thorndyke , not knoxving

what relations are between the txvo . His anger is only turned aivay on Kale ' s avoxval that she xvas married a year ago to T / iiirnd yke . In the third act xve hax-e the villagers assembled for " the harvest home . Hythe pleads with Knle to alloxv Thomdyke to have an interviexv xvith her before leaving for India ' xvith his regiment . Her love forces her to consent . The rector arrives at the harvest homo , and informs the villagers of the forthcoming marriage

between the lieutenant and the squire . VV Inlst there the lu-xvs com-s of the dellh of the Thorndyke ' s lirst wile , and the AV , - \ P , iul Dormer whispers he xvill publicly remarry them . It noxv only remains to say a few xvorch about Ihe actors . Bro . Hare , as the rector , is a brusque batchelor . Whilst having a loving heart , lie declares himself a xvoman-hater , because in early life he had been jilted . Hro . Kendal , the lieutenant , is a line ,

truehearted man ; his acting , displays deep passion and tenderness . Old Gnmiion ' s make up is a remarkable representation of a country farm-servant . Air . VVenman , as Gilbert Hythe , is very natural . Air . R . VV . Robertson ' s l :, 'ii , a brother to Christiana , is a good type of the lazy , ne ' er-do-well people . Aliss Ada Alurray , as Christiana , is also equal tr . any of those xve have mentioned . Hut how ran xve praise Airs . Kendal enough ? Wer Kote Verily is

'ox-cable and loving , amlnffwds ber full scope for her remarkable poxver of dclineat ing gaiety , vivacity , grief , and sadness with which she is endowed , iler unforced laugh changes in a moment to a cry , her smile becomes a't ar , affecting to her musical voice the true ring of affection and sorrow . Many persons xvill be gild to keep the beautiful acting hefnretheir mind , and can do it by possessing themselves of a picture . Perhaps tlie best , at least the most striking ,

is lhat of the scene in which Kate Verity pleads that Lieutenant ' I'hormlvke shall allow it to be kiioxvn that they are man and wife , so that the village shall not gossip about Ins frequent visits to her . Bro . lidxvards has done justice to a somewhat dillicult task . Alost photographs are taken of the individual actors , but these are done as if in the act

of playing . Wc ought to add that Hro . Steedman ' s choir is called into requisition during the third act , to sing the carol for the Harvest Home . Bros . Hare and Kendal are determined to maintain the position they have acquired , and carry out to the detail everything necessary in putting a comed y on the St . James's stage . y , {< ,

. At Ihe Queen ' s Theatre , Manchester , on the 3 rd mst ., and during the last performance but one of the highly successful pantomime "Aladdin , " Mr . Charles Stevens , on behalf of Aliss Lizzie Watson , presented Air . Williams , the musical conductor , wilh an ebony baton , handsomely mounted in silver xvith turquoise bands , on one of which was the folloxving inscription : — " Edward Williams , from Lizzie Watson , February , 1 SS 2 . " Miss Grace Huntley xvas

The Theatres.

also the recipient from the same lady ot a handsome half suite of Invoch and earrings , set with diamonds , liach presentation was hailed by the audience xvith repeated cheering , and acknowledged by each recipient xvith every manifestation of pleasure . The evening had been set apart for a farewell benefit to Air . Charles Stevens , xvho is engaged to appear next Christmas at the Alexandra Theatre , Liverpool .

On lhc Tuesday previous , liro . J . ( ... linicrsoii , the courteous ancl energetic manager of the above theatre , took his annual benejit , ancl xvas rexvarded by a full bouse . The musical cffiisioii . entitled " Gentle Gertrude , " xvas lo have been played , but in consequence of the sudden indisposition of Airs . Saker at the last moment it xvas withdrawn .

Hoxvex'cr , through the kindness of Captain Hainbridgc , of the " Royal , " and Air . Chas . Bernard , of thc " Prince's , " the ladies and gentlemen engaged at their respective theatres contributed their valuable services on behalf of Bro . limerson , xvith a very satisfactory result . Bro . limerson publicly thanked Captain Hainbridgc and Mr . Chas . Bernard for their prompt response to his appeal .

Music.

Music .

Mr . Bach ' s concert at St . James ' s Hall on Thursday evening last consisted wholly of works by Liszt , all of xvhich had been presented before , and on that account proved less attractive than might otherxvise have been the case . It is hardly necessary to add that the programme , xvhich included the " Mephisto Walzer " and the " Faust Symphony " was carried out in a most meritorious manner . * * *

Mr . and Mrs . ( ie'rinan Reed ' s entertainment at the St . George ' s llall , l . angham-place , has lately had some material alterations made in its programme , in the shape of a draiving-room operetta , entitled "The Head of the Poll , " and a nexv musical sketch by Air . Corney Grain , called " Not at I lome , " which latter xxas given for the first time on Saturday last . 'The operetta , which is xvritten by

Air . Arthur Law-, is distinguished by some very tuneful music by Air . liaton Failing , and represents in a very humorous light the embarrassments xvhich a certain wealthy man ol low * origin and great ambition , Air . Jeremiah Upshot tc , experiences , after he has spent his money in securing a seat in Parliament . 'The part xvas admirably played by

Air . Alfred Reed , xvhile Mr . Corney Grain as Colonel Dee / ileik , an artful fortune-hunter , Aliss F ' anny Holland , as Mrs . Lovell , xvho unmasks the schemes of ihe adventurer , Aladame Alice B . irth and Air . North Home very materially contribute to the success of the performance . Air . Corney Grain ' s sketch is distinguished by a happy combination of refined humour and artistic skill .

All excellent programme for the still current xveek xvill bring the season of the Carl Rosa Opera Company to a close , this day ( Saturday ) , xvith a performance at txx-o p . m ., of " F ' aust , " and in the evening of " 'The Flying Dutchman . " Monday witnessed thc one and only performance of Wagner ' s " Rienzi , " xvith the folloxving excellent cast : Aladame Valleria as Irene , I lerr A Schott , as

Cola Kiensi , Air . Leslie Crolty , as S / e /' iiuo Co / onna , and Aliss Josephine Yorke , as Adriauo , with Alessrs . Walter Bolton , I lenry Pope , Dudley 'Thomas , and Snazelle , as Paolo Drsini , I'aimoudo , Barouee / li , and Ceeeo de ! Veeehin respectivel y . There xvas a crowded audience , by whom the admirable and highly successful efforts of the several artistes , and notably those of . Madame Valleria as

the devoted wife of the great tribune , and Heir Schott as Bieusi himself , xvere heartily and deservedly applauded . "Carmen" and the "Bohemian Girl" xvere played on Tuesday and 'Thursday , xvhile " Tannliaiiser , " xvhich xvas given oil Wednesday , xvas to be repeated yesterday ( Fiiday ) . Bro . Carl Rosa is to be congratulated on the success xvhich has attended him throughout the season of 1 SS 2 . Manysignal triumphs have been achieved by the leading artistes

of his company , the most conspicuous being those of Aladame Valleria , Aliss Georgina Burns , Aliss Julia Gaylord , Aliss Lilian La Rue , Mr . Leslie Clotty , andBro . Barton APGuckin . The orchestra , under the conduct of Herr Randegger , has given every satisfaction , and the same must be said of the chorus ; xvhile the splendid manner iu xvhich the different operas , and particularly " Tannliaiiser , " xvere mounted rellect the greatest credit on Bro . Rosa .

Yesterday ( Friday ) xvas ( ixed for the performance h y the Sacred Harmonic Society , at St . James ' s Hall , of Haydn's "Creation . " AI . Sainton , in the continued absence of Sir Michael Costa , wielding the baton , xvith Aliss Alary Davies , Air . Edward Lloyd , and Signor Foli as principal vocalists , and Bro . C li . Willing , P . G . O ., presiding at the organ . By the x .-ay , it seems more than probable

this long established choral society fwtll cease to exist at the end of the present season . The directors have already determined it shall be then dissolved , and it only now remains for this decision to be confirmed by the general body of subscribers , and the Sacred Harmonic Society xvill cease to be anything but an agreeable and instructive memory of much solid and valuable xvork accomplished in promoting a taste for sacred muse of the highest order . And this in

the year xvhen , had the support it received been commensurate xvith its merits , it xvould , in the ordinary course of things , have been celebrating xvith all possible Mat its jubilee . 'This , too , at the very time the public is all eagerness to establish a national school of music , such as other countries have long had in their midst . This , it xvill he confessed , is not a handsome xvay of treating a society like this , xvhich has so loyally assisted in developing , or , at all events , extending , a public taste for music .

A Grand Irish Festival will be given on Friday next , St . Patrick ' s Day , at the Royal Albert Hall , South Kensington . Among the vocalists announced are Aladame Alarie Koze , Aliss Mary Davis , Aladame Alary Cummings , Madame Fassett , Mr . Vernon Rigby , Air . Patrick Hayes , and Signor l- ' oli . Mr . William Carter ' s choir and the band of the Scots' Guards xvill contribute to the entertainment , and Mr , Edxvin Bending will preside at the organ .

Music.

i he Annual Irish Ballad Concert in honour of ( lie same occasion xvill take place tho same evening at St . James ' s Hall , xvhen among oilier artistes , xvill anpeai-Alesdames Patey and Antoinette Sterling , Air . Sims Reeves , Mr . Iidxvard Lloyd , and Bro . Santley . '

At Mr . Walter Mairfarrcn ' s Orchestral Concert at St . James ' s llall , this day ( Saturday ) , the programme xvill include Beethoven ' s overture " Leonora ; " Alendelssohn ' s overture . Scherzo , Notturno , ancl Wedding Alaicii . "Midsummer Night ' s Dream ; " Air . Alacfarrcn ' s nexv Symphony in B ilat , ancl Pastoral Overture ; Sterndale Bennett ' s Concerto in C minor ; and Signor Piatti ' s F ' antasia Romantica , which last will be given for the lirst tir .-. e 111 London .

1 lie p 10 . 0 ranimc of the fifth season of the Richter Conceits at St . James ' s llall , under the direction of Herr Hermann Franke , is announced . There xvill be eight concerts in all , the first being fixed for the 5 th of Alay and the last for the 20 th of June . Herr Kiciitcr will be the conductor .

According to the Times , Mr . George Grove xvill be appointed to the important position of " Director " ol the Koyal College of Music .

Science And Art.

SCIENCE AND ART .

On Saturday last in the Lower llall , lixclei * Hall , Bro . Dr . li . VV . Richardson commenced . 1 course of nine lectures on the highly important subject of " Domestic Sanitation , " given in concert with the Ladies' Sanitary Association . At the end of the scries an examination will

be held , at which both ladies ancl gentlemen will be admitte I , to compete for certain prizes , the piincipal being 0112 of ten guineas , given by Air . F . dwin Chadwick-, C . B . ; one of live guineas , by Air . George Leon ; and one of three guineas , by Aliss Alarshall . 'Three others of lesser value will also be awarded .

Mi * . J . 1 * .. Millais , U . A ., was on Saturday elected a foreign associate of the Academy of Fine Ails , Paris , in place of the late Air . Dupiv , sculptor , who died lately at Florence . AI . Gnillaume Gcefs , the Belgian -culptor , and the Abbe' Liszt , the xvell-knoxvn musical composer , xvere also nominated , but at the very lirst ballot Air . Millais obtained twenty-one votes , and xvas elected , Al . Geefs obtaining but thirteen , and AL Liszt only one vote .

One of the host conducted , as well as one of the most useful places of public entertainment xxas , till quite recently , the Royal Polytechnic Institution , but either because the class of entertainments was too old-fashiuicd and slow for the present generation , or for other reasons , which may be more easily imagined than describedit has

, not of late years met with that just incisure of support it deserved . Ihe diuclors , then fore , have bad to close it , and on Friday last the sale of the chattels on the premises xvas concluded , the stun realised being over £ 25110 . Sic transit gloria . ' e . -t 'v

It is announced thai Sir lidxvin VX ' atkin , M . P ., will deliver a lecture on the subject of the Channel 'Tunnel before the Society of Arts . I he date is not yet fixed , but it is probable the lecture will lie given shortly after Easter . * o » :. A nexv picture h y Airs . Butler (¦; , ' , ¦ Thompson )

, entitled " Scotland lor liver , " and dc pitting the iHcmoiablc charge of the Scot . Greys al Wateiloo , is noxv on view at the Giacethurcli-street Gallery , 7 , Grace-church-street , having been viewed privately on Alonday , and opened to the public the day following .

Ixvo art exhibitions that have been open during the winter will be closed to-day ( Saturday ) , namely , that of Ihe Old Alasters at the Royal Academy , and the Winter I ' . xhibition of the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours .

_ A meeting of the governors of the City and Guilds of Lyndon Institute for the Advancement ol 'Technical Education will beheld at Mercers' llall , on Alonday next , on which occasion the chair will be taken by His Koyal Highness the Piince of Wales , who is President of the Society .

Bro . Fall , of Baker-street , has just published several excellent photograph , of the Right lion , the n - ° " i- ' -, Mrs ' ' 1 : u ! st ''"'' - !» one the Right lion . \ V . ]• .. Gladstone is silting with a grandson on his knee , a child ol the head master of Wallington College , xvho is married to one of Air . Gladstone's ( laughters . Mrs . Gladstone is photographed with her granddaughter bher side

y , and showing her a picture book . In both of these Air . and Airs . Gladstone are peihaps taken at their best , for it is in social life they are happiest . Having ourselves visited them in their home at Hawarden , we can corroborate xvhat one of his sons said in showing us the Prime Minister's library' In this my father ' s happiest hours are spent . " In the beautiful photographs to which we allude there

is not that worn look xvhich one sees on the Premier's face in the House of Commons or elscxvhere in London , but a countenance beaming xvith pleasure in looking at Ins grandchild . Other equally good photographs are published by the same operator of the children ( Wickham ) , "A Christmas Hamper , " and the

eldest boy anil girl playing class . Of the latter there are txvo , in one the sister has just made a move , and is looking with delight into the face of her little brother , xvho is puzzled xvhat to do . Another carte represents him as having ventured to move , and the txx-o equally puzzled as to how to proceed . Many persons xvill be glad to add to their albums such pretty and interesting photos .

Bro . J . Edwards , of H yde Park Corner , has just issued a set of excellent photographs of Bro . and Mrs . Kendal in the "Squire . "