Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-07-11 00:00:00

ADDRESS.

" Ladies and Gentlemen,—l am sure you will excuse

he appearance of egotism which these annual addresses
must at all times wear ; but as I am given to understand
they form one of the attractions on these occasions, the
actor and manager may be forgiven for resorting to
them, while, as an individual, I feel that I must throw
myself on your patience and forbearance. I have,
ladies and gentlemen, the pleasure to inform you of a
fact; and believe me it is quite true, although it is
announced in the newspapers, that this theatre has
never been closed for 1,124 nights. It has been con-
stantly and consecutively open for that period, always
excepting on those evenings when every theatre shuts up
according to custom, or by order of the Lord Chamber-
lain. Hence we have the question of ' What is a theatrical
season ?' I should presume it to mean as long as the
manager can keep open.' At some theatres I have known
three seasons to take place in as many months. I believe
that once stately theatre, the walls of which are daily
disappearing, Covent Garden,' some time ago rejoiced in
a season of one week. Bat as regards our season, I can
only say that although we have all read, or, at least,
heard of Thomson's Seasons,' the Haymarket seasons
are at present undefined ; at the same time, as all things
will have an end, there must come one to this long season.
The Loeg Parliament was dissolved by Oliver Cromwell.
The Cromwell of the Haymarket long season will be
the bricklayer, for the time is coming when the usual re-
pairs and re-decorations will be required. As I know
that I am now addressing friends and well-wishers,
I am sure they will be pleased to hear that I have re-
newed my lease from October next for fire years, and
that- the renewal has been effected on terms most advan-
tageous to myself. I therefore stand in the position of a
tenant satisfied with his landlord, though in my case
I ought to ear landlady—many concessions having been
made for my benefit, thus giving another instance of the
kindness and consideration of that sex, which none of us
can do without. One of these concessions, I must state,
was the power to modify the prices of admission, which
modification, I am happy to say, has given the greatest
satisfaction to the public generally ; more especially as it
has been equitably made ; for while the upper boxes, the
pit, and the two galleries have been benefited by the change,
the fashionable dress circle remains as it was, and the
aristocratic stalls have had a slight addition made to their
price, because the distinguished persons who frequent
them can afford to pay it—and not only can afford,
but are delighted to do so ; for since the increase
has been made, rarely on any night has there
been an empty seat in that part of the house. And
now, ladies and gentlemen, while thanking you for the
full and brilliant attendance of this evening, and for the
expressions of friendship and goodwill which I have
always received since I became lessee of this theatre,
believe me, I shall not relax in my exertions to deserve
such expressions. I have novelty in preparation, and
certain important engagements concluded for the future,
which it would be imprudent in me to mention just now,
I therefore hope you will be contented to remain with
your curiosity excited, but not gratified. I still
intend that Comedy and Farce shall be the principal
entertainments, as of yore. You all like to laugh,
and I like to hear you; because it does you good, and
myself also. Medical men have declared that there is
nothing more beneficial to the health than hearty laughter,
consequently I hope that the faculty will agree to make
my fortune, by prescribing to all their patients Take a
dose of Buckstone every night.' And now, ladies and
gentlemen, permit me to bid you farewell till to-morrow
evening ; believe me I retire happy, in the knowledge that
you will ever consider this time-honoured theatre as your
favoured one, while my ambition will be entirely satisfied to
learn, whatever may be the attractions of other theatres,
you acknowledge that at the Haymarket you have always
been the most amused."

Mr. Buckstone was not warmly, but hotly, received;
and, at the conclusion of his humourous address, was
assaulted by a shower of bouquets, amidst uproarious
merriment.