The Express.
London, England, 1863-12-19 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS NOVELTIES AT THE THEATRES.

The Christmas pantomime at Covent Garden is
entitled St. George and Me Dragon; or, the Seven Cham-
pions and the Beautiful Princess. It is written by Mr.
Byron, who has adhered to the most important pointa of I
the original slaty. Great attention has been bestowed
upon the scenes, some of which are said to produce re-
makable comic effect" ; and in the transformatio;e= '
called the " Hall of Chivalry," Mr. Grieve has
all his former efforts.—At Drury Lane the Christmas
piece is entitled Sinbad the Sailor; or, the Great Roc
of the Diamond Yalky, and the Seven Wonders of the
World, by Mr. E. L. Blanchard. The scenic effects have
' been designed and executed by Mr. William Bentley. The
barlequinsde will be supported by a double pantomime
company, including Messrs. Harry Boleno and 0. Lauri as
clowns, Mr. Barnes awl Mr. J. Morris as pantaloons, Mr.
Cormack and Mr. Saville as harlequin', and Mdme. Boleno
and the Misses Gunnies as columbines. King Arthur;
or, the Days and Knights of the Round Table, is the title
of the Christmas piece at the Haymarket. This extrava-
gauze, as the title implies. is founded upon the well-known
tale on the same subject. Menus. Tilbury, Compton,
Clarke, and Rogers, and Mesdames E. Romer, Louise
Seeley, F. Wright, and Lindley are announced to take the
principal characters in the piece. The Christmas piece for
the St. James's Theatre is a dramatic squib, entitled
Eighteen Hundred and Sixty Three ' • or, a Glance at
Past Sensations, and Certain Connie Revelations of Lady
Somebody's Secret. Our readers from this will tuirdand
that Lady Audit?* Secret is freely alluded to. Mr.
Toole will take the part of Lady Audley, Mr. Paul
Bedford that of Wines, and Miss Aare Josephs
that of Robert Audley. This piece is from the
pen of Mr. H. J. Byron. The music is composed and
arranged by Mr. Walleratein. At the Princess's the panto-
mime is entitled Harlequin Little Tun Teeter; or, the
Fine Lady of Banbury Cross and the Old Woman who
Lived in a Shoe, and had so many Children ate Didn't
Know What to Du. Lady Belle Belle; or, libellant, and
his Sertn Magic Men, is the title of Mr. H. J. Byron's new
version of the Countess Maori celebrated fairy tsle' which
is to be produced at the idelphi on Boxing-night. In this
piece Mr. Clarke, the old favourite at the Strand
Theatre, will make his a ce. The scenery and
dresses have been preps with great ave. At the
Olympia the piece for Christmas is entitled Sense and
Sensation; or, the Seven Sisters of Thule. At fiadler's
Wells the Christmas opening is entitled The Prince of
' the Peaceful Islands; or, Harlequin, the Magic Pearl.
the Centaur, and the Fairy Amason, the burlesque
opening being written by Mr. F. G. Cheatham. At the
Strand Mr. Byron has chosen the story of Orpheus and
Eurydice; or, the Young (Milkman who Charmed the
, Rocks, as the subject for a Christmas extravaganza. At the
New Royalty, an extravagance by Mr. F. C. Bummed will
be produced, entitled Madame Bartlot's Ball ; or, The
Chalet in the Valley. At Astley's the pantomime, which is
by Mr. Frost, is entitled Harlequin and Prier Bacon ; or,
Great Grim John of Gaunt, and the Enchanted Lance of
Robin Goodfellow. This piece refers to the love adventures
of Geoffrey Chaucer, and military exploit, of John of Gaunt,
Duke of Lancaster. At the Lyceum there will be &either
pantomime nor burlesque. Bel Deninniu continues to excite
sullicient attraction.—Press.