The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-12-27 00:00:00

CLAYTON HALL.

Our friend Mr. Thomas, with the fine discriminating
taste which has characterised his management of this truly
handsome and comfortable house, hs provided a real holi-
day treat fur his numerous and respectable patrons. The
programme of " Home and Foreign Lyrics," by Miss Julia
St. George created much expectation, and although the
town was literally full of all sorts of entertainments, yet
we aro glad to find that the hall did not lack an ample
attendance ; and certainly the audience bestowed duo praise
on the gifted lady. The entertainment is novel and inter-
esting, and when we say that Miss St. George is an able
delineator of character, we only echo the opinion formed of
her powers last evening by all who had the pleasure of
hearing her. It is a difficult task for a lady to undertake,
and hit off national character, not only those be-
longing to Europe, but to America, India, and
E intern countries. Miss St George undertaken to do
this, and what's more, she performs it well. Near home
there a few slight defects, but we must make allowance for
a first night, as no doubt this will speedily be remedied.
The songs are well chosen, and as a singer, the lady is
sweet and pleasing, and is sure to command the attention of
the votaries of vocal performances. On the whole, we may
congratulate Mr. Thomas for affording. the public a good
treat, and in return, no doubt the public will duly appre-
ciate his exertions,
ALLSOPS NEW CRYSTAL PALACE.
In our last visit to this really improved, and now delight-
ful palace we had no more time than to glance hastily
through it. A second visit confirmed our opinion, and we
can safely say, that as an exhibition of art in its peculiar
line, nothing has been seen in Liverpool like it. In the
wax work department, the figures may be almost said to
breathe, and so life like that you really imagine, for a short
time, that you are in a throng of animated sovereigns,
prince; and nobles, who have filled the world with their
fame. The figures that (amongst even perfection) are most
perfect, may be mentioned, those of the Duchess of
Sutherland, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Palmerston'
Lord John Russell, the Queen, Prince Frederick,
and Prince Albert. It may be asked why our
attention has been drawn to these amongst so many gems ?
(for all are gems in their way). Because we happen to
have seen them all, and therefore can vouch for their
fidelity. Scutt, we saw, when he were a " winsom wee
thing," but his face is just before us as we then looked on it
with admiration, and we had nearly stretched out our hand
to grasp his ! Alas, alas! that it was not so. But above,
and before, and surpassing all in this gorgeous royal de-
partment, is the Duchess at Sutherland

Grace in her step, and heaven in her eye,
In all her action dignity and love I
There is nothing of earth, earthly, to surpass this figure,
and perhaps there never will—it takes not a little to
actually persuade you that it is not real flesh and blood,
bone and sinew, that you are gazing on ! On enviry we
fonnd that the figures mentioned are the work of one artist,
Mr. Gerard, of Pimlico, London. We do not know the
gentleman, but we think from what have been seen of his
works, that the world will soon know him—he cannot
remain long without a universal reputation. There are a
few figures (beautiful though they be in moulding) that do
not come up to our notion of the originals—we allude to
Shakspeare, Byron, and Mary Queen of Scotts, with her
cousin Queen Elizabeth. These, however, are only a drop
of water in the sea of excellence that prevails throughout.
The dresses of all are truly costly, and when we say that
our own sex admire the graceful costumes, what delight
the ladies must feel (for they are judges of these things) at
beholding how noble dames were adorned two or three
centuries ago, and contrasting those with the present day
fashion ? The new gallery of art is without fault, it is
extensively and classically beautiful. Though last, by no
means the least to be noticed, is the powerful and
exqaisitely toned organ just put up, the performance on
which delights all hearers. From the number of vi,itors
to this gorgeous palace, the proprietor is sure to realise the
large outlay which he has made on the whole exhibition.
ROYAL COLOSSEUM.
The bill issued from this house is a decided curiosity, and
such as an enterprising and successful public caterer, like
Mr. Heath, alone can put before the public. In extent
and variety it has no competitor. Music, vocal and instru-
mental, of the best quality—pantomine, most amusing—
rope and other dancing truly astonishing—conjuring that
brings us back to the days of the black art or the Witch of
Ender !—American Negro life in full bloom, and Irish fun
and frolic in all its originality of the right stamp. Besides
I all these attractions there are others too numerous to state
here. N I
o wonder, then, that the house last night was full to