The Express.
London, England, 1850-12-27 00:00:00

ADELPHL

Pantomime has been eschewed this season at the
Adelphi, and its place supplied by one of them spectacles or
burleslues with which the stage his been inundsted of late
years. The piece is called Lo Tarantula, or the Spider
KM?, sad is described u "an entirely new extravaganza
male up Into an English dress from the best French math
nes." The authorship is ascribed to Mr. Albert Smith and
• gentlest's who has already played an ambitious part in
tile realms of theatrical burluque. To form a correct esti-
mate of this production, it is only necessary to bear in mind
the peculiarities which distinguish all and similar dramatic
entertainments, and at the same time imagine a series of
parodies on some of the more popular songs of the day.
Where brilliancy of dialogue or cleverness r t dramatic con-
✓ruction are not expected, criticism would be supeetinous ;
and as such pieces are desigeed rather please the eye
than to gratify the taste, the object is gained
if the audience are satisfied. In the present ease everybody
seemed resolved to be rimed, and all the jokes (end the
majority of item were of "high antiquity ") produced their
due effect. The great merit however of the plea coached
in the scenic display and in the artistic groupings, the
costumes being for the most pert of Spanish growth. The
principal characters are Mephistopheles (Mr. 0. Smith);
Luidgi. • young chauffeur (Miss Woolgu); Boekigetti, a
bandit (Mr. P. Bed lord) ; Saeguineo, another bandit (Mr.
0. Honey) ; Loretto, a village dancing girl (Madame
Celeste); Omeopatico, a quack doctor (Mr. Wright); Colo.
minis, • " mourning consort'. (Miss Kathleen Fitswilliam);
and though last not the least important, the Tarantula,
described "as the destroyer g I of the peace of families."
To describe the various scenes lo which these members of the
dramatis persona perform their eccentricities would occupy
mete spassethan could possibly be devoted to one theatre
ee ea occasion like the present. Sumas It to say that the
Tumults well preserves the reputation which that lively in-
meet has always enjoyed—that the Mediu perform their ex-
ploits in the true Diavolo fashion—that Madams Celeste
dance' much more agreeably than she speaks—that the
young ladies who " dance attendance" upon her are suffi-
ciently facieating to make emends for certain defects in the
dialogue, sad that every scents was mounted la the mast
ettraetthe style, and " quite repardlsse of expense." The
moat telling thing in the performing, was a parody of King
Lamed. the Thild's wooing scene with Lady Ann, in which
Mr. Horsy, as an amiable bandit, gives a very clever imita
*mot Mr. Charles Kean. Many of the songs were poistedly
written, and coalateed some sharp hits at the prevailing topics
of the day. Vas yeasie artvgemeute were is may respect
ersmnast, sad the pietteremmaese et the Splash costumes
geve • peculiar " ehareeter"to the piece, which distinguished
it in some measure from ether produtiens of the same
description. The "last masse of all, which is called the
" Miele Lake," is use of the most Mindful epeeists@ of
pietorlal effect that have ever beet exhibited at this or any
other theatre. The pietas was esimpletely stieenefel, sad
the result was not marred by any uproarious °endue& on the
pert of the " gods," who behaved with exemplary patience
throughout. The shrill whistle, or those well known
wads," throw him ever," sever mu being heard during the
evening.