The Sun. — London, England, 1854-12-27 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 27, 1854. CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES. DIZURY LANE. At length Old Drury is itself again. Last ni g ht Mr. Smith, the t a l en t e d an d en terprising lessee, com menced his managerial career under the most auspicious circumstances, and so crowded an audience it has seldom been our fortune to witness within the walls of a theatre. Long before the doors were opened a crowd was assembled at each of them, which forcibly reminded us of the palmy days of the drama, and within ten minutes after the doors were opened the theatre was crowded to suffocation in every part. It has seldom fallen to the lot of managers to continence a season with such bril liant auguries of success as those held forth last night to Mr. Smith. Great praise has for the last two seasons been awarded the lessee for the manner in which he has produced his pantomimes ; but the praise that will ' follow his present effort will far outrival all previously bestowed, and we have not the slightest doubt but that his Christmas offering this year—Jack and Gill — will bring a large and ample return to the treasury for the vast expense, the time and trouble it must have cost to have placed such a magnificent pantomime on the stage. After the performance of Lillo's lugubrious tragedy of George Barnwell, which we, as a compliment to the audi ence, who sat it out like heroes, do hope has been played for the very last time, the prompter's bell rang for the overture to the pantomime. The first few bars put an end to the discord, and the boxes, pit, and gallery rose at once to their feet, and uncovered as the band gathered into the full swell of the National Anthem. We have seldom seen a finer burst of national feeling than on this occasion. Every stanza was received with cheering and waving of hats and handkerchiefs, and a hearty encore was called for. This of itself was a favour able omen—an encore for the overture! yet such it was, and the compliment was richly merited. by the arranger, Mr. Tully ; for within our recollection, and it extends back vividly to the time of Grimaldi, we cannot call to mind a better production. The French "Partant pour la Syrie," seasonably introduced towards the end of the overture, awakened the energy of the_British Lion, and produced quite a demonstration. Tlte name of the pantomime which we have already half disclosed—is in full, Jack and Gill (or Jill), _Harlequin, King Mustard and the Four and Twenty Blackbirds baked in a Pie —. a long name, and of infinite promise to all those who are not too old to remember, or not too young to read, the time-honoured ditty of " Sing a .Song of Sixpence." Jack is in love with Jill (or Gill)—that is a matter of course. Jill, too, is in love with Jack—not so much a matter of course as the other, as too many pining and unappreciated lovers of either sex will testify. Jill's father, who is dead, has left a will, and in this testa ment it is decreed by the defunct old gentleman, doubtless a wizard, that until Jill can make a pie she shall not take a husband. Jack, in despair at this ill news, - catches " four and twenty blackbirds" and gathers " a pocket full of rye," with which ingredients he fondly hopes they may between them be enabled "to make and bake" the pie that shall entitle him to obtain the lunch-enamoured Jill as a future partner of his fortunes. But mortal calculations go for nothing, unless blessed and sanctified by "the skies ;" and Jill's ignorance of the culinary art is worse than that of a quondam cook at the " Fielding." What to do ?—thinks Jack, as, in agony, he rubs two lucky sixpences together, which, incontinent, and to his great astonishment, become a shilling—aud a magic shilling to boot, that, to his still greater astonishment, conjures up the spirit of Mrs. Glasse herself, who com forts him in his affliction and assures him of his pie and partner. What does the friendly Mrs. Glasse but—as though prophetic of that lore which since has made a Soyer—animate the fruit, preserves, Lee. ? Under the tempting shapes of female fairies, young and pretty, these delicacies, thus metamorphosed into something still more delicate, undertake the cause of Jack, and promise that Jill (or Gill) shall be his own. Jill, returning home, finds a whole army of friends in the kettle, saucepan, fryingpan, and the rest of her kitchen utensils, which, personified and en dowed with life and motion, become at once her slaves and counsellors. These teach her the various steps that lead to consummate cookery, and conduct her, moreover, to the palace of King Mustard, whose army of sauces, spices, zests, and condiments is unreservedly placed at her disposal. Now would Jill be sure to triumph but for the jealousy of Queen Vinegar, who treacherously entices her away to the abode of Chutnee, Sultan of All the Pickles, whose subjects are the natural enemies of the "sweets." The frni however, u .uui, un mindful, above ground, of Jill's welfare, or inactive in her cause. They induce Jack to upset his pail of water ; and this, by some mysterious sympathy, finds its way into the recesses of the salt mine, where dwells the pickled Sultan. The salt thus invaded melts into salt water, and disappears ; the " Temple of Salad" is discovered, where sweets and sours are cunningly united, and the pie of the " four-and twenty blackbirds" is made evident, with raised crust and other inviting paraphernalia. Such is the beauty of this scene that Mr. Smith was called upon the stage to receive the applause of the delighted audience. Jack and Jill, being now happy, are transformed into Harlequin and Columbine, King Mustard into Clown, and Queen Vinegar into Pantaloon, and a certain salt-rock into Sprite, another Columbine, or Harlequina, joining the motley throng, without rhyme or reason. M. Milano made an excellent Harlequin, and Columbine found a most graceful representative in Mdlle. Boleno ; Harry Boleno made his bow to a London audience again as Clown, after an absence of several years ; and it must have been gratifying to his old friends to observe that there was no abatement of his vigour and agility, no falling off in his exuberant animal spirits. The finest piece of all is the last scene, rightly entitled "an illuminated page in the history of England." We need not say that it refers to the glorious achievements of our countrymen in the Crimea. The scene repre sents the British, French, and Turkish standards gronped together, flanked by two medallion pictures— one of the battle of Alma and the other of that of Inkerman ; the marching in of the juvenile bands of the French and English, playing in succession " Gcd save the Queen," " Partant pour la Syrie," and " Rule Britannia ;" the performance of the first of these airs again called forth the loyal feelings of the audience ; and the gorgeous scene that fol lowed the reconciliation of all parties in the grand scenic climax was alone worth going to see ; so gorgeous was it, so resplendent with all the brilliancy that we are accustomed to associate with magic illusions. All up the sides of the stage are revolving and illu minated columns, and in the centre is a Temple of Fame, which also revolves, in the niches of which are splendidly attired allegorical females ; to all this is added various coloured lights, producing an effect that defies de ' scription. ( Prom the London Yew Price Current of yesterday.) ~SUGAR.—Since Friday shippers and home dealers have taken several parcels of East India, foreign and Mauritius by private treaty, whilst the rates obtained exceed these of this day week by is per cwt. REFINED. —Home made goods are wanted ; su a t 42p ply is less plentiful , a nd rates rule firm ; brown lumps s6d to 435, and low to fine grocery, 43s to 48s 6d. Moaesesce are much in request, and still on the advance ; prices for low to fin e West India rule from 17s 6d to 18s 6d, Cuba and Porto Rico 18s to ISs 6d. COFFEE.—There is more for Native Ceylon, and good ord cannot be obtained under 45s 6d per Plantation is wanted, and the rates obtained are rather above those LYCEUM. of Friday for better sorts. Fine Mocha wanted, and stiffer A. "New and Original Fairy Extravaganza" at the prices are obtained. The market fur foreign coffee pre- Lyceum. The announcement is sufficient to create in sents a firm aspect. rates tend up- t ease excitement among the play-going population of the Cocoa.—There are several buy ers, and sorts of West India. me t ro polis, and, we will add, of the district contained wa rds for fine Tisa.—Public sales are declared, and ther e is a reluc- within a circle of at least a fifty mile radius. Who is tance to operate , w hilst at the terms of last week holders there with money in his pocket and leisure time at his are desirous to realise. Stock keeps getting larger, and. at all the ports is 1-3,0013,M pounds over the former year. disposal that will trust to any information he may re- RlClL—Rates rule for low to fine white Bengal at 14s 6d ceive as to the splendour of the scenery, the brilliancy to 16s 9d, Madras good pinky 14s to 14s 6d per cwt. of the dialogue, the appropriate costumes, or the perfec- FRUIT--The demand continues animated for Black . Smyrna Raisins, and there is an advance, in any an 22s to 28s being tion of the machinery ? The public know that d obtained. Iu other sorts little is doing and sellers are wil- ev ery of these matters there " will be," for the enter ling to accept 3ss to 42s for new, and 303 to 35, for old. •• a lessee has determined that there "shall be," ne ' Fine currants are held for full terms, supply not exceeding Pri stn a d e mand ; the market is, however , dull for lower ki n d s, m i sta ke. Time, trouble , expense, are alike disrega r d e d. with sellers at some decline. A short supply of Muscatels, and fine kinds are greatly wanted. The demand for Turkey No exertion is thought too great, no outlay4oo costly, figs keeps active. Almonds are held for . an advance. in order to maintain, and, if possible, exceed, the well lerraeo.—The better sorts of East India are dealt in with established reputation of " Shadoukiam," the true metro more freedom, and last rates are well supported. COCHINEAL is wanted, and the rates paid are rather polio of Jinnistan, the Fairy kingdom, known to mere mortals as "The Lyceum. above last week. sod demand , low to fine Cal- It i s b u t j us ti c e to the vario us p erformers to state that SALTPETRE. — Th ere is a g cotta selling at 2le to 30s, and British Refined 30s to 3i s topercwt. A free sale exists for Nitrate of Soda at 18s the! felt the magnitude of the trust reposed in them, t 18s 6d, and the market presents a firm aspect. d that each and all in their respective parts proved SPIRITS.—Rum is wanted , and rates rule firm ; proof themselves worthy of the occasion—as firmly determined Leewards at 3s 4d to 3s 6d, East India 3s 3da strong De- to do their duty as the heroes of Ahna and Inkerman. merara 4s lld to 5s 2d, and low to fine Jamaica 5s 3d to The 6s 6d. In Brandy there are larger sales, and some holders great success of the piece may be attributed to the will not accept former price s. zeal and efficiency of the subordinates ; for no exertions Woose—British is offering rather under former rates, I o f the leaders can compensate for negligence on the part there being a plentiful supply, with few buyers. In cobs- of their humble associates. This completeness and dove • nial or foreign little is doing, and late prices cannot be ob- ~. . tamed. tailing in all the parts is one of the leadinci features of METALS.—in pig iron there are l arg er opera ti on s, an d "The Ly ce um," and never was it more strikingly dis plaAy esdustuhaaln, the et subject j h e t c . 65s 6d paid for Scotch mixed numbers. A more active t was selected from the repertoire demand for manufactured iron, at last week's rates. Hoes.—There are few buyers, and rather lower rates are accepted for ord sorts, but better qualities are held of the inexhaustible Countess D. A„i s• history of Prince Prettypet and the it firmly. ,w g e o b r e g l e ie o v u e s , s b p y ec th ta e cl w e TURPENTINE.—Tbere is an increased demand for spirits, foundation of the lessee,f o r m e d a t n h d e and the rates obtained are rather above last Friday. Rough Brough, assisted is wanted, and cannot be obtained at former terms. TALLOW.—There is a firm market, with a good demand, Mr. W. Beverley, undertook the task of adaptation. Never has the laureate of the "Enchanted Island" more and rates rule for new P.Y.C. at 645 to 64s 6il on the spot and for delivery. utne;er:Thayynhde veracious history OILS. — An active demand exists for Linseed Oil, and ably discharged his duty. Every line was redolent of rates tend upwards, ruling at 38s to 3-'s 3d for present de- tun in all its varieties. The happiest hits were made in livery. In rape little passing, pale is offered at 545, ar d the most felicitous terms. The shade brown 521. There is a firm market for fish oils, with might have had its repose disturbed by a shad e o e many buyers; pale seal realised 11/. to 471. lOs ; other at the paranomasiac triumphs of his gifted eucceeso sorts 431. to 40/. ; and Southern 451. to 471. The success of the pantomime was never for a moment in doubt—it is one of the best we have seen for many years, and will, we are convinced, enjoy a long run, and well repay the expenditure, lavish as it evidently has been. The house was filled in every part, and the ap plause and laughter were incessant. Yes, William Brough, who had previously achieved a high rank in the realms of grotesque rhyme, has by his recent exertion attained an eminence equalled by few, surpassed by none. The difficulty of the exploit may be estimated from the fact that he followed the veteran PlanclA in a field which he bad nearly monopolised. Of Beverley, too, we must say that he surpassed Beverley—the highest praise that can be awarded. Never have we witnessed more striking scenes than the "Crystalline Haunt of the Butterflies," and "Butter fly-ball," and " The Throne of the Butterfly Queen." The last was indeed dazzlingly, almost painfully, beautiful. The eye could scarcely bear the radiant brilliancy of the accumulated lights. It must be wit nessed before the slightest conception can be formed of the, general effect. It may appear a work of supererogation even to hint at the plot; for, of course, every person who has the means of so doing will resolve upon " judging for him self." The very children would rise in rebellion against the hard-hearted parents who refused them the oppor tunity of beholding the exploits of the brave Prince Prettypet, or the manner in which he, the spoiled child, vanquished the "Scaly Scarabceus," and gained the band and heart of the incomparable Papillonetta, the captive princess of fairyland. In pity, how ever, to the rising generation, we shall lift a corner of the curtain, that a slight glimpse may be afforded of the rich treat in store. Prince Prettypet, the spoiled child of the renowned King Coccalorum, is tired of his nursery chains, and, to get fully rid of them, is disposed to marry anybody. So indifferent is he to his fate that he casts a paper into a vase with a handful of blanks, leaving, it to any of the representatives of the neighbouring princesses' suitors for his hand to select the right one. But Alilleflora, the queen mother of a buttes fly, who has got into the clutches of that terrible beetle, King Scarabceus, sends a winged messenger, who seizes the paper, and so piques the curiosity of Pretty pet that he fellows the insect wheresoever it may lead him. He presently finds himself in the presence of the Queen, who has but little difficulty in persuading the youth, already dying for some agreeable excitement, to attempt the rescue of her daughter, This he accom plishes by cutting off the horns of his majesty the black beetle ; and straightway he marries the gentle Papillo netta, whom he has won, and so well deserves to wear. He retires to a "cottage near a wood" with his bride, where he enjoys perfect felicity until the arrival of Sea rabceus, who, denuded of his power—of everything, in short, save his malignity—compasses, in the disguise of a weary wayfarer, the destruction of his unsuspectieg entertainers. The mysterious guest soon alienates the husband from his wife by specious innuendoes touching her volatile propensities. The latter is heartbroken ac cordingly, and consents to resign her wings, as Undine consented to resign her immortality, for the sake of her beloved. Such heroism as this has its reward. The mask is taken from the eyes of Prettypet by the Butter fly Queen. He sees that his tempter has been his old entomological enemy, and bis love returns with tenfold vehemence. We cannot conclude without noticing the exertions of some of those who so ably embodied the conceptions of the author. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Matthews enacted the worthy " Cocealorum" and his strong-minded spouse Peccapeppa, while James Bland strutted his horse as the dark-eyed and gloomy Sovereign of the Beetles, and Mis■ M. Oliver made the most fascinating of fairy queens. Need we add a single word to show that royalty was suitably represented. Miss Harriett Gordon, the hero of the piece, admirably performed the part of the spoiled but valiant and sound-hearted Pretty pet, who never loved woman. In Miss Fanny Ternan the Lyceum has received a decided acqui sition. We went prepared to admire. The recollections of her gifted mother flowed rapidly en our minds when we asked ourselves would Miss Ternan be anything • _ like the Miss Jarman of our juvenile days, who could take any part in tragedy, comedy, opera, or farce, and who excelled in all. A few minutes convinced us that the fair, aye, very fair, and handsome debutante required no borrowed light—that she possessed intrinsic excellence sufficient to insure unequivocal- success. She has a clear, melodious, and thoroughly cultivated voice, which enables her to execute with facility the most difficult passages. She was three times rapturously encored in duets with Miss IlarriettGordon, who obtained a similar tribute of approbation in a solo. It is needless to add that the piece was completely— we may add, pre-eminently—successful ; the shouts for the different performers, who greatly distinguished them selves, for the author, scenist, and others enraved in getting up we piece, were protracted to a late hour; and Miss Ternan—the great triumph of the evening—Miss Gordon, Miss Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Matthews, Mr. N. Brough, and Mr.W. Beverley received the most cheering and enthusiastic reception. We need only Add that the audience were worthy of the dainty dish pre pared for its delectation, for the house was crowded in all parts. who are afterwards to be harlequins. The last scene, so affecting in the original, is somewhat condensed. Sister Anne only once reports on the state of the land sclpe and on the probability of succour arriving. The tower of the castle then suddenly falls down, and dis plays agorgeous fairy throne, whereon is seated the good genius of Fatima, surrounded by a guard of super-celes tialised Pallases. This is really a beautiful scene, and was much and deservedly •applauded. The good Fairy departs from the established usage in such cases made and provided ; for like Jove she effects the transfor mations with a rod, instead of the time-honoured acco lade which has hitherto beea employed for that purpose. Of the harlequinade little need be said. It was on the whole, perhaps, less hackneyed than usual, but there was little in it to call for special mention. The subjects arising out of the war were of course alluded to, but not to any extravagant extent. A burlesque of the Spanish Dancers, executed by the clown and pantaloon, and re warded by two huge cabbages, thrown to them by way of bouquets, excited much laughter. The theatre was well attended. HAYMARKET. Mr. Buckstone having succeeded last year in produc ing a pantomime peculiarly suited to the refined audi ences of this theatre, has judiciously followed up his resolution by another pantomime, we may say of equal grace, and smartness, and interest. Miss Lydia Thomp son, one of the most charming of dancers, because so simple and elegant, is again the representer of the open ing heroine, and most charmingly she enacts it. The foundation of the story is the brief nursery legend of " Little 80-Peep who lest her Sheep." A presiding fairy, of course, watches over Little 80-Peep, who is in clined to be lazy, and let her sheep stray, and evil genius, Wolf, taking advantage of the little shepherdess's list lessness, steals the sheep, and, cutting off their tails, hangs them on trees. A beautiful vision of careful shep herds and happy flocks is shown to 80-Peep in her dreams and she ultimately recovers her sheep, who do not bring their tails behind them, but she contrives to get them all tacked on by her fellow shepherdesses ; and invincible in her love of dozing and idling she gets her lover, Colin, to watch whilst she goes to sleep. Wolf, enamoured of her, attacks her in spite of her quadruped guardians, the watch-dog and an old black ram, and is near succeeding when the good genius appears, and saves her protegee by a grand transformation into Harlequin and Columbine, and Clown andPantaleon. The opening portion is painted by Mr. Callcott, and shows all that imagination and truthfulness which characterised the scenery last year. A. scene of the Wolf's cave is fanciful, and that of the Mountains in Arcadia by Sunrise truly picturesque ; the vision of little 80-Peep is very tastefully managed ; and the transformation scene, a Fairy Conservatory, though crowded with theatrical guads, is so tastefully managed, that it subdues the glare, and it is novel and pleasing, as well as gorgeous. It is one of the prettiest things of the kind we have seen. The Harlequinade is conducted by M. Chapino, as Harlequin ; Clown, Mr. Appleby ; Pantaloon, Mr. A. Barnes ; Columbine, Miss Mary Brown. M. Chapino is a good Harlequin. Mr. Appleby is a new importa tion from Liverpool. He is facetious and larcenious, but in no way remarkable. Miss Mary Brown is a handsome Columbine, and Mr. A. Barnes is an old favourite, and certainly one of the best representatives of the traditionary old simpleton. The scenery, espe cially of the opening, as we have said, is beautiful ; and that of the Harlequinade is clever and striking, by Messrs. O'Connor and Morris, particularly the scenes at the Sydenham Palace—a grand saloon, and the closing one of the Patriotic Temple. The chief allu sions to the war are compliments to our Allies, asd a band of Lilliputian Guides, but, very wisely, this sub ject is but slightly touched upon. The tricks and trans formations are numerous and good, especially the rapid change of the sofas of a saloon into a coach and pair, and a plum pudding into Harlequin. The baby show is the subject of great mirth, and gives ample room for the barbarities of the Clown and Pantaloon. The pan tomime was well received by the audience, and will, doubtless, have the usual run of Mr. Buckstone's well concocted pieces. generally attributed to the veritable Nicholas, and suffers all the disappointments and losses which we are led to believe will result to that potentate from the frustration of his ambitious designs. In this case, however, his object is not exactly to seize upon kingdoms, but merely to carve a " Turkey " for his luncheon, and to obtain a handsome wife in the person of Little Two Eyes, a subject of a neighbouring sove reign, who hears the somewhat questionable and certainly difficult name of Unioneeyerumifustibustiboo, but whose white uniform and the appearance of whose court would lead one to guess what was intended to represent no less a personage than the emperor of Austria. Of course the two emperors agree, in the first instance, to aid each other, and, equally, of course, the emperor of the beasts being thwarted in all his designs by the fairy island queen, is left in the lurch by his quondam ally. Little Two Eyes becomes the legitimate possessor of a less distinguished but a more agreeable lover, in the person of a miller's son, who, with the Man-in-the-Moon, a host of fairies, our old friend and contemporary the veritable Punch, and a certain other and somewhat older Nicho las than even the great Czar himself, whose jealousy seems to have been roused by the superior atrocity of his namesake, contribute to the discomfiture of the Au tocrat. In the harlequinade the Bing of the Queerib leanfunileeris (Austria) becomes clown, the Emperor of the Beasts, sprite, the miller's son, harlequin, and Two Little Eyes, columbine, which characters were very effectively filled in the introduction by Mr. Butler, Mr. G. Yarnold, Mr. M. Sanders, and Miss Douglas ; and in the pantomimic part by Mr. Buck, Mr. Longo, Mr. H. Sanders, and Miss E. Guinness. Pantaloon was well repre sented by Mr. Bradbury, a second sprite, by Signor C. Longo, and Harlequina by Miss Guinness. The tricks were of the usual order, but were worked with less of the difficulty than is generally experienced. The scenery is painted by Mr. Dalby, and does him great credit. "The Satin Boudoir of the Island Queen," and "The Palace of Beauty," are beautiful specimens of scenic effect, and were so highly appreciated by the audience that they in sisted upon the manager's appearance and re-appearance on the stage to receive their congratulations. In the course of the production a ballet divertissement was in troduced, in which the Misses Guinness executed some pleasing pas with much grace. CITY OF LONDON. "Boxing night" still continues to be a night of in tense excitement with the East-enders. From an early hour in the evening the doors of the theatres are be sieged, and the " City," under the able management of Messrs. Johnson and Nelson Lee, having long main tained its celebrity for pantomime, comes in for a large share of patronage. The pantomime of this season is entitled Natural History; or, Harlequin. Birds, Beasts, and Fishes, of which it is needless to say Mr. Nelson Lee is the author. The first scene is placed amongst the Signs of the Zodiac, where a number of birds, beasts, and fishes are assembled. Dame Nature ar rives, and afterwards the Fairy Truth, who informs them that Surly Bear is working under water to obtain the hand of the daughter of Old Cock Sal mon. Goldfish explains the treachery of the Bear, and begs the aid of Nature and Truth to defeat his de sign. The Fairy tells him that Goldfinch, the Prince of Fairyland, has resolved to assist their cause, and has despatched King Lion and his friend, the French Eagle, to punish the Bear. The assembly breaks up, and the scene changes to Feather Island, the Paradise of Fairy land where we have a fairy dance, a feast of flowers, and other festive amusements. The prince here announces his intention of aiding Truth and Nature against the Bear. The scene then changes to the Grand Marine Palace of King Lion. Jackal], the Lion's provider, arrives with a tray of shins of beef, and the Young Tiger is sent for Jackass, the village barber, to shave his Majesty. The young prince arrives, attended by his troop of lion guards, and his Majesty King Lion and his staff of English and French officers enter. The guards receive him with a loyal roar ; intelligence is now brought from Fairyland informing the King of the hostile intentions of the Bear. His Majesty orders the city to be besieged, and departs to slaughter a fat bear. This brings us to the Crystallised Grot of Old Cock Sal mon, beneath the waters. Troutina, daughter of Old Cock Salmon, enters terribly distressed, owing to the persecution of the Bear, who follows her about, wanting to hug her. Her father resolves to send her off to a dis tant trout stream that night. She departs with her papa to make preparations for her journey, when the Bear pops in and discloses his intention of seizing Trou tina and clapping his paw upon her father's land. On Troutina's return the Bear springs on her, and is about to carry her off, when the British Lion, accompanied by the French Eagle, suddenly stopshim. A bombardment by the fleet at the back causes an explosion and a break, which brings to view the Boweref Sparkling Gems in the Palace of Prince Goldfinch, who changes the characters. The young Prince (Mr. A. F. Forest) becomes Harle quin, Troutina (Miss Emma Sanger) Columbine, Old Cock Salmon (Mr. R. Lees) Pantaloon, and the Clowns are Mr. R. Stilt and our old friend Paul Herring. The Pantomime of this season may fairly be said to be one of Mr. Nelson Lee's best productions, and nothing has been omitted—scenery and machinery—to give effect to the performance. The house was crowded, and the morning performance was equally well attended. a visi Walbourn and Mr. Tanneri, Clowns ; and Miss Maria scene, suggestive of a world of thought —a scene for a Charles, Colum`)ine. From this point the pantomime poet to dwell upon. The Colosseum appears to be well was of th e average class, the tricks being tolerably nu- attended now ; the improvement we suggest will, we merou', and going very well for a first night, the general venture to say, increase its popularity. bustle on the stage being well maintained. BURFORD'S PANORAMAS.--THE BATTLE Or ALMA..— This very attractive picture, of which we gave lately some account, is making way in public favour. Its ful ness of representation is not seized at once, but succes sive visits are rewarded by the discovery of now points of interest. Among the various incidents of a moving nature here represented in connection with this Bangui nary battle is one affording an illustration of the never failing fidelity of the dog. A Russian lies extended upon his back, his musket by his side ; his faithful four-footed companion, crouching through fear, its forepaws gently pressing the dead man's chest, is prying into the lifeless countenance of his departed friend. 'We were not sir prised to find the public crowding to this well-executed panorama, the interest pertaining to which will no doubt suggest to many persons the desire of inspecting it. sabre than once. The panoramas of " Berlin" and the " Bernese Alps," though for the moment yielding in in erest to the above-mentioned work, are well worthy of ORIENTAL AND TURKISH MITSEIJIL — When this Ex hibition fir„t opened it did so under the disadvantage of appealing te the London public in the month of August, its locality being Hyde - park-corner. Its obvious fitness to the present time, and its real merit, have caused it to make its way during the winter, and it stood high among the well-visited exhibitions yesterday. The stayers at home can see more of the Turkey o f history at St. George's Gallery tha n Lord Stratfor d himself. English men Turkish now at Constantin o p le ma y see baths, bazaars, hamals, arabas, kabobs, &c. ; but w il l any of them see a Janissary in his habit as he lived ? Will they have seen Sultan Mahmoud in his ancient in aper i a robes, seated in full divan Will they have seen a baker with his ear nailed to his door-post ? Above all, w i ll they have penetrated into the interior of a harem—into the very boudoir and bedroom of a sultana I All these things and more may be seen at the Turkish Museum any day for a shilling. As a whole nothing can exce the getting-up of this museum. This has been said be fore, no doubt, but just now, when sight-seers are obliged for having good things pointed out to them, it is as well to repeat that there is nothing better, and scarcely any so good, among exhibitions as the Turkish Museum. WYLD'S GLOM—The operations of the last campaign, spreading, as they have done, over so wide an extent, render this exhibition particularly interesting at the present moment. The proprietor has added to the ordi nary attractions a model of Sebastopol and the sur rounding country. At intervals during the day a lec turer pointed out the various spots that have lately be come famous. The scene of the wondrous gallantry of the light brigade, the sandbag redoubt so gloriously de fended by the Guards on the sth of November, and the Ovens, the scene of the late gallant exploit of a party of the Rifle Brigade. The great globe itself appeared to have lost none of its attractions, and during the day se veral interesting lectures were delivered. ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.—The exertions of the new management of this institution to provide for the amusement and instruction of the holiday folks ap pear to have been fully appreciated, for during the entire day every portion of the building was crowded, and the spacious theatre could scarcely accommodate the num bers that flocked to the lecttires and exhibitions of the dissolving views. MADAME TUSSAUD'S EXHIBITION maintains its popu larity among the holiday sight-seers, and was yesterday visited by very many. Among the groups which seemed to attract the greater share of public attention was the one in which the Sultan, Omer Pacha, and the Emperor of Russia were the prominent personages represented. PRINCESS'S. Mr. Charles Kean has selected for his Christmas piece the venerable subject of Blue Beard, whose history is treated by 7.11 r. Morton (the author of the pantomime) with such fidelity to the received version as to render description superfluous. Still, the reader may perhaps be interested by the information that Fatima's escape from the tragic fate of her predecessors was really due to supernatural influences. It seems, from what we saw last night, that there was a kind of used-up wizard, of the name of Rusti-Fusti, who had once upon a time to complain of the decay of pantomime. In fact, his spells (which somehow appear to have derived their potency from that favourite domain of the marvellous) had utterly failed ; and,f in despair, be summoned to his aid his " faithful witches." The witches, however, turned out not to be faithful after all, for they suddenly revolted ; and the case of Blue Beard being mentioned the Wizard and his rebellious familiars took opposite sides. Here upon the witches, in a scene of surpassing splendour, develop ethernselves after the Lancashire manner, and promised to assist Fatima. In the following scenes we are introduced to the menage of Blue Beard, which, to say the truth, seeps to have been odd enough. The Bashaw of the three appendages "goes iu " for love making much after the ordinary fashion of predestinated clowns ; and even the wooing of Selim has more of brusque/le in it than is found in young gentlemen ASTLEY'S. The Battle of Alma having been fought over again with the same successful results which have hitherto invariably attended it at A.stley's, an equestrian pantomime was produced last night, in the concoction of which the au thor has mixed the fiction of " Gulliver's Travels " with the reality of the aggression by the Russian upon the Turk—its name is Gulliver's Travels th,rough, Lilliput, Horse Island, and Brobdignag; or, Harlequin Britannia. The spectator first gets a view of a cloudy scene, where there is a meeting of Old Boreas and the Four Winds, who sepa rate to brew a storm. The clouds clear away, and Queen Britannia appears in her car, among Fairies. Britannia declares her intention to take Gulliver under her protec tion. Gulliver, who allegorically represents France and England, is cast on the island of Lilliput, and the Lilli putians (the Turks) are marching to relieve guard, when a messenger arrives, and announces that he has seen a man-mountain, "his height being so great 'tis far beyond his counting." The officer has his doubts, and resolves to judge for himself. The Lilliputians approach Gul liver, and while he is asleep fasten him to the ground. Suddenly he awakes and strikes terror into them, and breaks his ligatures, but subsequently he enters into a treaty with them and agrees to defend them against their enemy Blefuscn (Russia). We are then introduced to Blefuscu's stronghold, a fortress in a harbour, with ships of war to defend it. Gulliver swims to them, and, taking a line in his mouth, draws them all away. We are then introduced to the Island of Honyhnhnms, and to the Royal Mews. The horses are sitting at table, and Gulliver enters into a conversation with them, the admirable training of the horses to this part of the per formance being really wonderful. The next scene is the Island of Brobdignag, where Gulliver releases the pri soners of Giant Gobbl'em, and cuts off the giant's head. The transformation then takes place, and the fun com mences. Of course the Russian bear came in for a good share of hits. The piece was well received throughout by a house crowded to the ceiling. STRAND. The pontimime here is performed entirely by juveniles. It is from the pen of the renowned Peter Parley, and is entitled, Taffy was a Welshman; or, Harlequin and the Manic Marrowbonse,andewasperfe persons, ctlysucne and, qfiil what The characters are all u vunu u young is moat singular, the arduous role of clown is performed by a young lady, Miss Rose Edouin, a remarkably clever child, who, it is said, has already achieved quite a triumph in the part. Harlequin is played by Master John Edouin, Pantaloon by Master Willie Edouin, Columbine by Miss Eliza Edouin, Sprite by Master Stilt, and Lover by Master Sullivan. The piece is founded on the legendary ballad of " Taffy was a Welsh man, Taffy was a thief," and presents a very amusing epitome of the adventures of that well known cupboard ranger. The first scene represents the midnight court of the Lilliputian lays in the Realms of Moonlight, and introduces us to the Queen of the Fairies, promising to get up some royal theatricals for the amusement of her court, and asking their decision as to whether it shall be tragedy or comedy. A pantomime is of course demanded, and her Majesty invokes the aid of Punch in the selec tion of a subject. He declines the office in favour of Peter Parley, who informs her Majesty that he has a pantomime already in rehearsal. The scene then changes to the mountains of Wales ; and the audi ence are amused by the audacity of " Taffy the Welsh man," and his abduction of the celebrated piece of beef. The difficulties in which he is involved create much fun and merriment ; he is finally punished by the magic marrowbone, and an unexceptioL. able moral is thus conveyed. Repentance ensues ; and justice, somewhat abating its severity, sentences the de linquent and his friends to undergo the usual panto mimic transformation. The harlequinade then com mences, and is kept up with unabated merriment. The juvenile troop sustained their several parts most admir ably. The house was well filled. SADLER'S WELLS. The piece specially in honour of Christmas was the pantomime of Harlequin Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves ; or, Morgiana. In the introductory part the demons Gloom, Care, Dulness, and Despondency are appropriately dispelled by the want of amusement. Pic torial illustrations of the Arabian Nights pass before the spectacle, and these are followed by an extravaganza representation of the tale which forms the title of the whole, including sufficient fun and frolic to pass for a pantomime of itself. When the famous forty have been extinguished with their leader, a transformation is effected in the " realms of fancy," which presents the following cast of characters ;—" Harlequin, Mr. C. Fenton ; Columbine, Madlle. Nathalie ; Pantaloon, Mr. Naylor ; Sprites, Masters William, Nicholas, and Alexander Deulin ; Clown, Mr. Nicolo Deulin. The tricks and hits generally were at least of an average de gree of merit, and, with one or two exceptions, the whole performance went off well, the sprites playing a con spicuous part with their tumbling. The attendance was as large as the capacity of the building would allow, and, !save the little customary interludes before men tioned, the audience was extremely good-humoured. MARYLEBONE. The entertainments at this theatre last night com menced—a few preliminary scuffles in the pit excepted— with the Lady and the Devil, which was transformed into a preliminary species of pantomime, not one word reaching the foot-lights. This finished, " the" panto mime, which is from the pen of Mr. Nelson Lee, fol lowed. Its title is, Young Norval on the Grampian Hilts ; or, harlequin Lord Ullin'o-Daughter. The pan tomime opened in the retreat of Barbarism —by which we do not mean to say that it commenced in the pit— who resolved in council to stay the progress of Civilisa tion. The council having broken up, there next ap peared the abode of Civilisation, who, in order to foil the resolve of Barbarism, proposed, what did not at first sight appear to be well calculated to the end in view _a pantomime. To settle so grave a matter, of course there must be a dance, which ended, as that style of deliberation invariably does, in the ¶uestion being car ried 91011ine contradicente. We were then conducted to the abode of Old Norval, and find the son of that " fru gal swain" amusing himself with a gigantic book of battles, instead of attending to the parental concerns. Robbers arrived, and, after a fight, in which some ad mirably burlesqued fencing was introduced, Young Nor val obtained a decisive ♦ictory over them. After this there followed a scene in which a fete given by LordUllin is introduced, and here the Scottish fetes at Lord Hol land's Park were done into extreme extravaganza. Norval carried off all the prizes at the fete, and the papa not viewing his advances with favour, finished by carrying off Lord Olin's daughter also. In their flight they come to Lochgyle, where the catastrophe of the intro ductory portion of the pantomime took place, the lovers being wrecked. Upon this tho scene changed to the Tricolour Palaces, and Civilisation came forward in her golden car with a celerity which puts her slower progress out of doors decidedly to shame. The transformations then took place—Mr, Hasbury being Harlequin ; Ur, GARRICK. This entirely new house, which is situate in Leman- street, was last night opened for the first time, and ap parently in a somewhat unfinished state, as far as the drop-scene and some of the scenery were concerned ; but " boxing night" was too tempting a eight for its inauguration ; and accordingly the curtain drew up upon Home's well-known tragedy of Douglas, under the title , of the Noble Shepherd, or, the Heir of Douglas, which was followed by a pantomime with the still more ancient and venerable name of Alfred the Great of England. Taking into consideration that the house, the scenery, the machinery, and the company, were all new and untied, so far as acting together was concerned, the Garrick made a very respectable debut. It is a compact, neat theatre, very neatly fitted up, taste fully decorated, and well lighted. One of its peculiar arrangements is, that the stage can be hoisted up to the flies, and leave in its place an arena, in which it is the intention of the manager to give equestrian peformances, and which will be a novelty in this part of the metro polis. Hope changes Alfred into Harlequin (Mr. Lewis Le Vite), Ethelswitha, his beloved princess, into Colutn bine (Miss Annie Metriton) ; Despair supplies a troop nr n ur-,,,.r0 ;- -1, --" 1 -- -- (."-- r—lffiths\. an d t wo Clowns (Messrs. 'Knight and Morgan) ; Hope adds a couple of Sprites ; and the Garrick opens its budget of fun, which seemed to be relished greatly by an audience full of the spirit of the season, although somewhat noisy in their demonstrations of it. STANDARD. The pantomime here is entitled Fire, Fire, Burn Stick, Stick won't Beat Pig ; or, harlequin Dante Crump and the Silver Penny. The celebrated Tom ➢iathews appears as Clown, Mr. Hemmings as Harlequin, Mr. Bird as Pantaloon, and Madlle. Pauline as Columbine. From this point to the conclusion " the fun waxed fierce and furious," and the audience entered heartily into the enjoyment of all the jokes. The piece is got up with great care, and the concluding scene is really much beyond what could be expected at a theatre east of Temple-bar. PAVILION. The pantomime here is supplied by Mr. F. Neale, one of the lessees of the Garrick, and is calledl.fack and Jill ; or, Harlequin and the Feur-Lcared Shamrock. The scene in which the transformation takes place—" the Stalactite retreat of Queen Hibernia"—was greatly applauded. Jack and Jill became Harlequin (Sig. Bologna) and Columbine (Paddle. Annette). A pair of Clowns (Messrs. H. Caries and F. Safferini) join in the pursuit, accompanied by an equal number of Pantaloons (W. Lynch and W. Lacy). Of sprites there are three, the Brothers Nelson, and one bearing the spritely name of Young Flibberbgibbid. With such a force of merry makers the stage is kept all alive and bustling ; and the fun is of that striking and practical character which finds ready acceptance with the audiences in the far east. The house was crowded. QUEEN'S. The pantomime produced at this theatre is entitled Harlequin Hop o'my Thumb ; or, The Giant Ogre and his s„. eil .L eag ue Boots. Paul Kelino is the Clown, Mr. Crosby the Pantaloon, Mr. Fortune the Harlequin, and Miss Julia Weston Colombine. The scenery, dresses, properties, and machinery, reflected great credit on the several artistes from whose taste and skill they emanated, and the whole gave unmixed satisfaction to a numerous auditory. VICTORIA. This theatre, as usual, was densely crowded, nor did its audience omit any of that din, clamour, and hearty merriment for which it has been so long characterised. The pantomime is called Prince Fortune and Prince Fatal; or, Queen Silverwing of the _Butterfly Bower of Brilliants, and Harlequin King Stoney Batter! The piece was received with great applause. MISCELLANEOUS. THE CRYSTAL PALACR.—A great number of the holiday seekers made their way to the Crystal Palace yesterday, when a selection of music appropriate to the season was played by the company's band. The Christmas Tree was a great attraction, and will be no doubt more so to-day, when a grand military concert, in which several bands will take part, is to be added to the ordinary bill of fare. Although the state of the lower part of the grounds was as heretofore a sea of mud, yet a large number of people visited the " Extinct Animals," while Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, their able restorer, was giving hie annual dinner to his staff in the workshops, where opportunity was presented of seeing that gentleman's designs for keeping up the educational pretensions so valiantly put forth by the Crystal Palace Company, and which at least in this department do net seem likely to fall short of the truly original ideas with which they were com menced. THE COLOSSEUM, REGENT'S-PAM—The Panorama of London is iaot a work to look at hastily ; it is exe cuted with so much fidelity and minuteness of detail, as not only to challenge attention to even the most distant features—the domes of Greenwich Hospital, for instance —but it is calculated to afford a thorough conception of the topography of this immense capital. The more con spicuous features, amongst which are the towers and spires of Sir Christopher Wren's churches, are admirably represented. 'The Swiss Cottage and Scenery," the well-arranged "Architectural Ruins," the " Conserva• tories," "Caverns," &c., are so naturally represented, and offer so much matter for observation, that the thoughtful visitor lingers with pleasure in the midst of these artificial scenes. Howsoever forbidding the entrance to the "Caverns" may be, the visitor whe is bold enough to enter will find himself repaid in what he sees and hears concerning those wondrous architectural creations, the " Caverns of Adelsberg." A v iew of London by Daylight having been painted, it was a happy thought to represent the mighty city as seen by night. The manner in which this idea has been carried into execution is beyond all praise. London presented under this dusky mysterious effect offers a marvellous COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, DEC. 26. The dinner party yesterday included her Royal High ness the Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Newcastle, the Dowager Marchioness of Downshire, Viscount Canning, Lady Fanny Howard, Lady Frances Brace, Lady Ca roline Barrington, the Baroness de Speth, Major-Gene• ral the Hon. C. and Mrs. Grey, Colonel the Hon. C. B. and Mrs. Phipps, Colonel the Hon. N. and Lady Mary Hood, Colonel and Lady Emily Seymour, and lir. Glover. The following had the honour to receive invitations after dinner :—Mrs. and Miss Bathurst, Miss Phipps, Miss Barrrington, and Mr. Gibbs. The Queen, with the Princesses Helena and Louisa, walked in the Home-park this morning. r, • -.--. j _I irr. o l 1 - 1- • Alt__, .......--, --,- -1 1, Viscount Canning, went out shooting. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle left by an early trah to-day. The Right Hon. Sir James Graham and Vice-Admi ral Sir Charles Napier have been invited, and are ex pected in the afternoon. MARKET NEIVS-(THIS DAY.) CORN EXCHANGE. The show of English wheat on sale here to-day was very moderate. As the attendance of millers was small, the business doing was limited, yet the trade was considered firm, at fully last week's currency. We were fairly supplied with foreign wheat. The demand was far from active, nevertheless prices were well supported. Floating cargoes were firm. There was a moderato inquiry for barley, at full quota tions. In malt very little was passing. The oat trade was steady, at very full prices. Beaus and peas were exceedingly dull. In the value of flour no change took place. English .. Irish •• •• Foreign .. MONEY MARKET COMM NB CIAL INT;' , II.LNIEY:.'E TW O o'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at from 5,000 to 6,000 bales, all to the trade:----The market was steady at previous rates. The sales comprised 130 Pernain and Maranham, at Sad. to 60., 30 Bahia at 6d., 30 Egyptian at 7/d., 500 Surat at 31d. to 31d., and 100 Sea Islands at 10d. to is. 9d. per lb. Railway shares were dull. Great dulness still prevails in the freight market, and according to the General Week' 1g Shipping List the rates are lower than for a considerable time past. It appears even that to Australia large amounts of merchandise have been taken as cheap as 40s. to 455. per ton, which is under anything paid since the gold discoveries. Although ship owners may be supposed to suffer by this, there are various reasons for concluding that they will not iu reality lose so much as would appear, owing to the moderated wages and other expenses, to say nothing of the risk of desertion in Australia having diminished. On the other hand, our merchants, who were shorn of nearly all their profit by the expenses of the transit, may resume shipments with some prospect of a profitable return. It is a good symptom that at present the quantity of merchandise in course of exportation to the Colonies is exceedingly moderate. The French Government, at the requisition of the ironmastev, has resolved not to grant the re quest of the Northern Railway Company for the introduction of the 45,000 tons of rails which it requires to complete its line, but it permits 8,000 tons of English iron to be brought in at the reduced duty of 5i francs. This has been done, we are told, because one of the contractors has failed to supply the quantities engaged for. To the Southern Company the same permission has been granted. Accountsfromllamburg state that comparatively large shipments of wheat had been made to Eng land, and of potatoes to France, from which it inferred that our wants were greater than had been represented. The ability of Germany, however, to furnish us so soon must be accepted under the cir cumstances as satisfactory. Advices from Belgium mention that there had been great floods in various parts, and especially in Luxembourg, where the snow in some places had been as much as 10 feet deep. The English Stock market has been depressed this morning without any large amount of sales, the decline in the rates of exchangeyesterday afternoon as well as the lower quotations from America being calculated to impart a heavy tone, and the an nounced loan in France likewise operating. It is probable that although the loan is to be opened to the nation at large, as upon the former occa sion, our capitalists will participate by means of their agents in Paris, and hence the brisk demand yesterday for bills upon that city. The subscrip tions thus indirectly made may affect our exchanges fora short period, but will by no means have the same influence as a direct loan of some millions sterling. Concerning the amount there is no de finite information as yet, but twenty millions ster ling has been named. Whatever may be the effect of borrowing in any shape, the Speech of the Em peror, Louis Napoleon, has, from its vigorous and loyatone, obtained such unmingled approbation that already a good effect is observable upon the value of public securities. Consols opened at 91 to 1, and are now 911 The New 3 per Cents. have been at 91 to 914, and the Reduced at 904 to 91. Bank Stock is heavy at 2071. Exchequer Bills remain at 4s. to 75., and India Bonds at 9s. to 12s. premium. Foreign stocks are heavier. Mexican bring 21, Spanish Threes are 38k and the New Deferred 18g. Turkish Bonds are 741 to b. Dutch 4 per Cents. realise 911. The following are the nominal prices of foreign stocks :—Grenada Deferred Bonds, 5 to 6 ; Mexi can 201 to 211 ; Peruvian, 69 to 71 ; Ditto 3 per Cents., 48 to 50 ; Portuguese 4 per Cents., 41 to 43 ; Russian 5 per Cents. 97 to 99 ; Ditto 41 per Cents., 87 to 89 ; Spanish New Deferred, 18k to 18/ ; Ditto 3 per Cents., 38 to 39 ' • Ditto Certifi cates 5 to 51 • Ditto Passive, 4R too 48. This is " making-up" day in the Railway Share Market, and the rates for " carrying over" are com paratively moderate, ranging from 3-16ths to 5-16ths upon some of the principal lines. There have been transactions in the Great Western at rather lower rates. North-Western have been also heavy, and the other lines were flatter at the open ing owing to the heaviness of Consols. They have, however, since rallied a little. The foreign lines are lower—Paris and Lyons about 18s. The Mining Market has been dull, but St. John's del Rey and Cobre Copper are both firm. In the Joint-Stock Bank and Miscellaneous Shares there has been scarcely anything doing. BRITISH FUNDS Tlll5 DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. (From the OtEcial List.) Bu•iness done Bank Stock 207; 3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities... 9oi 1 New 3 per Cent. Annuities; India Bonds, 1:1000 . — Ditto, under 21000 9 12 Consols for Account, 10th January Exchequer Bills, 24d. 2,1000 Exchequer Bonds 1858, 3:1 per Cent. — Ditto 1859, „ PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK. "lexicon 3 per Cent. Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 384 Ditto New Deferred, 3 per Cent 18;1 Turkish Scrip, paid up in full Ditto for the Account 74 Dividends on the above payable in London. French Routes, 44 per Cent. Ditto 3 per Cent Dutch Exchange, 21 per Cent. 12 Cull ..... Ditto 4 Der Cont. Certificates...... HALF-PAST TWO. .9141 67f 50c Ex. 25f Consols .... RACING FIXTURES FOR 1855. MARCH. Coventry Salisbury 22 Doncaster II3 Northampton 27 Thirsk 15 Croxton Park 29 APRIL. 9 Mallon l9 1 11 Newmarket F S 23 Newmarket C Cat teriek Bridge York Spring MAY. Chester Spring 1 Bath l5 Newmarket S S 8 Epsom 22 *Shrewsbury 10 * M anchester 30 Ascot Hampton Bibury _ .. 5 ..13 ..20 Stockbridge 2l Winchester 22 Newcastle 26 MARKET INTELLIGENCE. ADELFHI. The Christmas fare provided at this theatre consisted of the drama of Pierre the Foundling, followed by a new eccentric extravaganza, entitled Zigzag Travels of Marrs. Danube and Pruth, With numerous cuts. The first scene introduced the audience to the bed of the Danube, with the spirit of that river (Miss Woolgar) reposing amid her attendant naiads and elves, Rumours of war, however, destroy the quiet of this submarine retreat, au the spirit of the Pruth (Mrs. Keeley) next ap pears, having been driven from her river residence by the approach of the Russians. The spirits of the Baltic and the Black Seas (Miss Keeley and Miss Wynd ham) soon join in the wailing chorus. Civilisation de scends in A diving bell and acquaints the assembled spirits that two mighty nations, England add France, have taken up arms in her defence, and invites the dis lodged spirits to ascend to earth to witness the gallant seeds of the Allies. The suggestion is accepted, and the Danube assumes the garb of a Quaker, while the Pruth adopts the dress of a Polish Prince. Thus, with the two seas in company, they commence their travels, and the first adventure bangs them to a Wallachian village, where the inhabitants are compelled to con tribute to a voluntary loan first their money, then their clothes, and, finally, are themselves draughted into the Russian army. This cruelty is revenged in the next scene by the women of the Village, who unite and beat the Cossacks left to protect them, which scene termi nates the first act. The next gives us the assumed mode of manufacturing Russian despatches, by converting defeats into victories—a process which the wandering rivers are engaged in admiring when the Russian gene ral, at a loss fer proofs of the success of which he is boasting, orders them into custody as foreigners, and forwards them as prisoners of war to St. Petersburg, whither they arrive in the character of a Chasseur de Vincennes and a Scotch Highlander. The next scene is laid in the Aland Islands, showing the fraternisation of the allied armies, which is followed by an attack upon, and, of course, defeat of, the Russian force. Thence we proceed to the Black Sea, where a novel chorographio performance takes place, a na val combat, minus the firing, being depicted by means of ballet, each ballerina bearing as headdress the model of a man-of-war, with which they go through the evolutions of a sea fight. The piece concluded with the return of the wandering streams to their proper element, and the curtain falls upon a well-arranged tableau, representing the union of the two great Wes tern nations in the cause of the world. The extrava ganza was quite successful, but we think it will be greatly improved by curtailment, the performance of the two acts last night occupying no less than three hours. We must not omit to mention some really ex cellent dancing, especially by Mademoiselle Maraquita, of the Th6atre do l'Opera, Paris, who made her debut in this country last night, and whose performance elicited the warmest applause of the audience. The scenery was very good, as were the dresses, and, upon the whole, the piece was admirably mounted. A. new act drop, repre senting the statues of the Duke of Wellington and the Emperor Napoleon I. saluting each other, was very warmly received. The house, of course, was crowded to suffocation. ST. JAMES'S. The Christmas piece at this theatre is entitled Abon Hassan; or, the Hunt after Happiness. As may be readily inferred from the name, it has it- -- 4 .4^ in the far East, and the costume and extravagance of the dialogue must be acknowledged to maintain throughout a remote resemblance to " the country of childhood," as the East has been not inappropriately designated. How far very distinct reference to the question of " material gua rantees" may interfere with the desirable unities of time, as recommended by Aristotle, is not perhaps a very material question ti Christmas critics. Provided the roast beef and plum pudding be satisfactorily mixed, the evening audience of Boxing-night will not very ener getically inquire about the mixture of tho Czar Nicholas and Haroun-al-Raschid in the same piece. " The Sleeper Awakened," a well-known tale, has furnished the " ground idea " of the present extravaganza. The first scene introduces the audience to the Fairy Court of Quarter Sessions, and the night cases on " the sheet " having been disposed of, Miss Equanocta, or Nightmare, is commissioned to execute a fairy assault upon the rest of Abon Hassan, who thereupon conceives such " cha teaux en Espagne " as one would suppose utterly incon • ceivable in the case of a person in such reduced circum stances. Equanocta is relegated, like a fallen angel, from her place in Fairyland, till she has undone the evil she has brought upon the poor merchant. In order to accomplish her task she puts the caliph and vizier in motion. These most respectable people visit the house of Abon Hassan, and to them he discloses his ardent de sire for better company than his own domestic circle and his wife Gulnare can afford him. The great ministers wish to gratify the desire of the poor merchant, and to this end they give hiin a sleeping potion, during the effects of which he is borne off to the palace, and clothed in ail the paraphernalia of vizirdom. In accordance with the maxim that "familiarity begets contempt," our dreamer becomes supremely disgusted with power and his new wife, the viziress, who, however, is no other than our merchant's wife, Gulnare, effectually disguised. He is so pestered with petitions of the most contradictory nature, that he is willing to find any outlet from the pre miership to privacy. He would, however, wish to try the caliphate before resigning his power. His wish is gratified, and again he repents of his choice, convinced at last that in contentment alone is true happiness to be found ; upon which discovery Equanocta again returns to her sisters in Fairyland. The piece was interspersed with the allusions appropriate to the passing time, and Miss Marshall, wh o played the principal part (Abon Hassan), was ext reme l y ef f ect i ve i n h er p ar t. The ex ,ravaganza was completely successful. OLYMPIC. The piece produced at this theatre last night bore the title of the Yellow Dwarf. The very rising of the cur tain was ominous of success—a beautiful scene elicited a burst of applause ; and the dialogue at once began to sparkle, and never flagged all through the piece. No two lines could pass without a pun, a play on words, a quip, or jest, each nicely balanced, and growing natu rally out of the situation of the moment. The " quality of joking was not strained," but all was fitness and genial humour. Th• house went along with the author heartily; not a point was missed. The players seemed as if they knew they had got hold of a good thing, and were determined to do it justice. Mrs. Fitzallan, as a cony intional Queen of Burlesque, Miss St. George (who was dressed "a merveille"), and Miss Ormonde, were the parties principally concerned. Mr. Robson made himself up like one of Iruseli's most grotesque elves, and his spiteful bursts and amorous maunderings brought him as near to the demon dwarf of one's imagination as flesh and blood and paint could come. There was not a check or a mistake in acting or scenery; all was satisfactory. For the story, of course one can only refer to the fairy-books ; and as to the humour of the piece as played, it was so closely woven and flowed in so perfect a sequence, that selections could but fall flat. A " tag," adapted to Mr. Robson's " Villikins' " peculiarities, brought to a close, in every sense, the most complete and deservedly successful bur lesque that has been produced for some time. It ought to have a run. SURREY. Harlequin and Little One Eye, Little Two Eyes, and Little Three Eyes, or Beasts and Beauties, is the title of the pantomime, which according to almost immemorial custom ushers in the Christmas season at this theatre. It is fully as extravagant as the most inveterate admirer of this species of the burlesque could desire—and if there be in some respects a dearth of wit the deficiency is more than compensated (at least in the opinion of the habitues of the Surrey) by the patriotism of the senti ment, which seems to form the basis of the introductory action, and by some of the most gorgeous scenery which has probably ever been put upon the stage. The extra vaganza which precedes the harlequinade introduces us to King Ursaworsagrowlalouda, Emperor of all the beasts, and of course "of all the Russias," who per forms all the feats of absurd tyranny which al.@ ♦RRIVALS THIN WINK. Wheat. Barley. malt. (Mts. i Fl our. 1,630 120 2, 630 810 1 450 -- -- -- 1,650 ; -- 1,15, - 7,500 I 6/Bk4. 2600 brie. WHITECHAPEL. Ths general demand was in a sluggish state, as follows : —Beef, 3s 4d to 4s 6d ; mutton, 3s 4d to 4s 8d ; veal, 4s 01 to 5s 01; pork, 3s 01 to 4s 8d per Sibs. by the carcase. BOROUGH HOP. Our market is heavy, and the quotations are almost nominal. COLONIAL. There being no further sales of sugar, coffee, and other principal staples until the 2d January, privately there have been a few transactions in East India and foreign sugars at full rates. Plantation Ceylon coffee has also been in some request at steady prices. Mocha has been smaller. ga l dearer, and foreign maintains its p rice. Native Ce y lon has been 45s 6d per cwt. otschetodfienlievelrvihesiteaßenre rice Public Te saleshas haerea: declarer, et and Li is at 14s 6d to 165 93 p cwt. Saltpetre tends upwards. Low to fine Calcutta has been sold at 24s to 30s. Rum is at 3s 4d to 3s 61 per gallon for proof leewarsls. Tallow, P.Y.C., is quoted 64s 9d per cwt for new on th• snot, and 64s for old. • LLOYD'S SHIPPING-(THIS DAY.) NOTICE TO MARINERS. NEW LIGHTHOUSE ON CAPE SAN ANTONIO, COAST OF SPAIN. The Spanish Government has given notice that from the Ist of January, 1855, a new lighthouse, erected on the Old Tower of Cape San Antonio will be lighted every night from sunset to sunrise. The light, which is of the second catadioptical •rder, eclipsed every half minute, is at as elevation above the level of the sea of 625.4 feet, and its average range will be about 19 miles. LONDON, Dec. 27.—Wind this day at Noon, W.S.W. ; moderate breeze, with fine weather. PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 26.—Wind, W. Arrived—Speedy, from Loudon, for New South Wales, aid sailed for South ampton ; Canda London, for Jamaica. PLYMOUTH, Dec.' 26.—Wind, W. Arrived—Else, from Newcastle, for Rio Janeiro. Sailed—Bermondsey, for Australia. FALMOUTH, Dec. 2G.—Wind, W.N.W. Arrived — Simon Magnus, from Port Lagos. SWANSDA, Dec. 2G.—Wind, N.W. Arrived—Com• riodore, from Cuba. (PER ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) LIVERPOOL, Wednoeday M•Tning• Sharp, Que b ec ; C•litsa. Wind, N.N.W. Arrived—Astarte, from Cella° ; Windermere. N e w Orleans ; Bossy, Kiramichi ; tine, do. ; C. R. C., Naples ; Alcyone, Qosibec. Off Port —Allaor. DUBLIN, Dec. 26. Wind, W.S.W. Arrived —Industry, f r om Quebec ; Thetis, Miramiolii. KINGSTOWN, Deo. 26. Wind, W.N.W. Arrived—St. Peter, f ro m St. John's ; Emma, c&dize -- (BY 6013)1ARINS AND BRITISH TELEGRAPH.) GRAVESEND, Wednesday, 9.65 a.m. wind, ws.vir, ; tide, two hours' elob ; weather, fre" and fie. Arrinved, 2Gth—Rhine, from New York ; (Tames , Dome' Sailed, 27 th — Seine (s), for B ou l ogae . ra ra ; Dauebrog , Aalborg ; Duke of Portland, Colom bo. Wind, W.N.W. ; strong, and fine. Passed—Cassandra, from Patras, for London ; Water.. sprite, Quebec, for Newcastle. The letters from Rouen mention that the market for manufactures was rather better, the attendance of foreign buyers being slightly increased. Mr. Bagshawe, of the Chancery bar, has been ap pointed one of her Majesty's counsel. The learned gen tleman was sworn in on Saturday last before the Lord Chancellor, at his Lordship's private room in the House of Lords. Loss OF A THOROIIGLIFIRE.—The Builder of Saturday calls attention to the gates now being built at the Buck ingham Palace end of Birdcage-walk, and the shutting up of the thoroughfare that communicated from Ceinsti tution-hill and St. James's Palace-road with Birdcage walk, leading to the Courts at Westminster and Houses of Parliament. The gates which were open to pedestrians and equestrians hare been removed : and the iron railing continued to the keeper'_s7loclgs.