The Sun.
London, England, 1852-03-24 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Somewhat later in the season than usual, but welcome
soon or late, comes th© programme of her Majesty's
Theatre for the ensuing year. The summer which is
before us hardly presents the same induce meats to ma-
nagerial ardour as those held out in the Great Exhibi-

nookandc
tion3-eaorf. We can anticipate no swarms of foreigners
crowding across the Channel, nor, still more profitable,
legions
oprovincialsrn e flockingr
o f
England,
ag, ul
at)d, p to the
Ireland, metropolis a
nd
from
every Sco-
tland. Electioneering troubles, moreover, threaten to
some extent to mar the season, and to break up the gay
period when the West-end is crowded,
and all the sights
and ail the sounds of London are in full swing; but we
are glad to perceive that Mr. Lumley dismayed by none
of these portents, and after all they may turn out to be
mere portents, is as usual in the field—vigorous and
energetic as of yore; that he has collected all his old
troupe around him, with considerable and important ad-
ditions: and that he appears to be perfectly prepared and
eager for the ensuing
campaign. For, after all, her Ma-
jesty's Theatre is tbe old and chosen horns of Italian opera.
its enceinte is full of association and reminiscence.
Wo couple it with all the great artistic reaowns of old.
It has seen the early career and the early triumphs of
those notabilities of Italian song who seem no longer
to be destined to awaken its echoes; while the recollec-
tions of the ballets which it has given to the world—of
the queens of the dance who have sometimes reigned in
individual majesty—sometimes concluded a congress of
terpsichorean sovereignty upon its boards—are all
fraught with pleasurable sensations, which we mar be
excused if we are glad to look forward to again. r
Her Majesty's Theatre has a powerful rival to contend
with, is, perhaps, as well for both establishments as for
the public. Either management is kept on the gal vine.
An active and enterprising competition is necessitated.
Tne old beaten ways are felt to be no longer sufficient
to fill either house. Novelty in matter and manner is
imperatively called for. Artists of continental reputa-
tion are rigorously demanded, and the result is that the
public and the art of dramatic music are equally bene-
fitted by competition and comparison.
The season of 1852 will, it is announced, commence on
Tuesday evening, the 30th of March. The repertoire for
the season will include the following brilliant list of
operas, to one and all of which the resources of the house
will be able to do foil jintio.,:—
Don Giovanni Norma
Nozze di Figaro La Sonnambula
11 Blatrimonio Se- La Favorita
greto 11 Barbiere
Lucia di Lammer- Serniramide
muir La Gazza Ladra
Puritani Lucrezia Borgia
L'Elisir d'Amore Linda di Chamouni
Don Pasquale Otello
Cenerentula La Figlia del Reg-
Ernani gimento

Roberto Devereux
11 Giuramento
Guglielcno Tell
Torquato Taw()
Tancredi
Roberto it Dia-
volo
Pietro l'Eremita
Li Tempes:a
Florinda, and
Il Prodigo

I Due Foscari
Of novelties we have two classes—those positively
announced, and those conditionally promised. The first
category does not comprise more than two works, but
they will be found to contain the elements of great ar-
tistic interest, united in one case with those intrinsic
considerations which, although unconnected with pure
art, can hardly fail to excite a lively and natural degree
asliNirde rea,tfheer toc theomp uctospirtoiodnoiofnof a new
his
Royal
ogfraanndticoippeartaio,DC.
Highness the Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, and the
brother of Prince Albert. This work, after having been
originally produced, as we believe, on the small but com-
plete stage of the Coburg Theatre, was transferred to
the more important boards of Vienna and Berlin, and
there enjoyed a success quite unconnected with the pe-
culiar circumstances of its origin. The reigning Duke
of Saxe Coburg and Gotha is by no means a tyro in
dramatic lyric composition. Moro than one of his
operas are well known upon the German stage, and we
are glad to have tin opportunity of judging fur ourselves
a work which, whatever may be its artistic merits, and
we are assured on good authority that they are high, pos-
sesses other and peculiar claims to our notice. The an-
nouncement of the work will no doubt excite a consider-
able degree of curiosity and interest. We have seen
scattered notices of the opera in various continental mu-
sical papers, but without reprodacing their judgments
shall wait for the opportunity of fairly deciding for our-
selves. For the excellence of the ordinary troupe, the
chorus, and the orchestra of the Ducal Theatre in the

little sovereignty of Saxe Coburg, we can personally
vouch, having had opportunities of seeing both opera
and German tragedy performed on the boards of Coburg
and Gotha.

The second novelty positively promised is en opera,
not actually new, but new to this country, by Flotow,
entitled Martha, and in which it is truly stated that
"Madame Sontag has obtained an additional triumph
to her many brilliant successes." Flotow is known in
this country, if we mistake not, only by one opera—his
Arne en Peine which was inefficiently performed some
seasons ago at the Princess's Theatre, but which, in-
adequate as the representation was, made a very con-
siderable impression. Flotow's characteristics are a
deep and feeling vein of melody, full of tenderness and
passion, and marked by piquancy and originality of
treatment, while bis orcheetr el scoring is the work of a
consummate musician bringing a strong individuality of
taste to bear upon a thorough command of the resources
which ho possesses. The opera of Martha has, doubt-
less, been written so as to develop the peculiar vocal
talents of its heroine—Madame Sontag—and as such
may be anticipated as a rich and stirling treat.
Among the conditional announcement is one that " an
opera by the great maestro, Meyerbeer, will be, most
probably, produced during the season, written expressly
tar Madame Sontag." Of Me) erbeer's operas we can
never be said to be certain until the curtain actually rises
up; n them. The "great-maestro" is a very fastidious
personage, and, as he does not write for considerations
of personal advantage, ho can always afford to keep back
his productions as long as he pleases, and that is some-
times a tolerably considerable time. However, we shall
be delighted in the present instance to hope for the best;
and whether the hinted work be a re-touched version of
the long promised Camp of Silesia or a perfectly new
opera, the world will be equally delighted to hail it.
Don Giovanni is promised, with a cast which will in-
clude Madame Sontag, Madame Cruvelli, and the new
corner, of whom so much has been said and so much is to
be expected, Mademoiselle Wagner, from Vienna and
Berlin. Madame Sontag will, of course, be the Z=vlina,
and Mademoiselle Wagner (as we conjecture) the Donna
Anna. With any distribution, however, including the
three names, the cast will be singularly strorg.
Besides the actual works which we have mentioned as
to be produced fur the first time, we are promised, in
general terms, " many novelties." The Saxe Cobourg
opera and Flknow's work are only particularized as to
bo amongst the earlies'.
The company includes all the principal names of last
year with important additions. Madame Sontag we have
mentioned. In h,,rself she.is ever:a heat, atatever welcome,
as bringing back the purest and most brilliant style of
the purest and most brilliant days of the Italian Opera.
Next to Sontag we find the name of Mme. Fiorentini, an
;
opinionso
l favourite,i
t Italy, and
nd who
o has been
willh
lately e ly,
cordially winninga
gnid
welcomeda
her
t rwo nr ae laste;c sa
called degree of p
a htill Pa-
risian
e
back. Mdlle. Ida Bertrand will be, as before,
trait), and Mlile. Sofia Cruvelli, flushed With her
inter-
pretations the
con-
tbhya n t h
ell, 1 t hcl
h s y d shm
risien triumphs, tiny be expected to eteite
nud h siasmer
of Fidelio, Norma, and
uernot u
Amongst the ladies Mdile. Wagner is
Borgia.
tier
We have not heard her, but her fthe new comer.
ume
to England, and we believe that has preceded her
the New German artist a m We are to anticipate in
commanding amount of 6 hguificent so ran a with a
energy. The debut will he ruilatic
talent, furce, and
very anxiously anticipated,
and will excite universal interest.
To the list of gentlemen several additions
have been
made. Gaiduni return al the omi-
nous rt ports about his him we
find again Signor Pa d*" state
of
health.' li, stud Signor
old r ini'
Signor Mere„uireinads. The two
Lableches conclude theand welakhnoovvnaaale
company, not
list f
including the new of
the
there are not less
than thteo—si
no'OFmeerzt,tio
whow has, we believe, been
a.favourite durgin r the las't opera season at Paris—
Signor Susini, ofgwhom we know nothing—and Signor
Bessirli, a well-known berytone from Italy. Signor
Belletti re.aears after his American tour. The above
pp
list calls for no lengthened comment. The known names
are well known. For the strangers we must wait until
they come. Among the conditional engagements is till',
of Signor Negrini, the tenor, the conclusion of which
is stated to be daily expected.
The ballet was somewhat neglected last season, but
the arrangements for the present year are promising and
Wit, and include, not only several of the old favour-
ibtrlleiaaa
executants, but several novelties for them to dance
in. Mdlle. Cerito has been engaged, and will appear,we
presume, early in the season; and Mdlle. Gny Stephan,
as we take it, will open the campaign in a new Spanish
divertissement, entitled El Duende, which will be per-
formed on the opening evening. Another welcome ballet
engagement is that of Mdlle. Caroline Rosati. Among
the choregraphic Dii minores we find the names of
Mdlles. Rosa, Mathiide, Lamoureux, Emilie, and Pee-.
cities. It seems yet uncertain whether Carlotta Grisi
will return, but her admirers will be pleased to learn
that " a proposal for an engagement of two months" has
also been forwarded to the lady in question, who is now
at St. Petersburgh, to commence at the termination of
her present engagement at the Russian capital. A new
Italian ballet, composed expressly for the theatre, is ane
pounced for immediately atter Easter. The composition
will, we presume, introduce Mdlle. Cerito.
The opening, opera will be Maria de Rohan, intro-
ducir g Signor Ferlotti. Mr. Balfe bat, we believe, re-
turned from Paris, where he went after the productit n
of his opera at Druryalane, and the preliminary rehetre
ells aro aetu illy in course of progress.
Thus then commences the season of 1859 •
giving pro-
mise of divers event' of interest, and of
an active and
busy year. The competition between the houses will no
doubt be steady and severe,
acid we can only express a
hope that managerial tact and executive skill will bo
properly appreciated, and fully rewarded, at whi,hever
estanlishment they are displayed.

Brecknockshire, after a lorg illress John G
Died, on Frid,y, I\ll.rch 19, at Gwern Vale House,
aged 72, deputy-lieutenant for Brea
Brecknockshire, also justice
of the peace for the counties of Monmouth and Bream. He
wynne, Esg.,
served throughout the Peninsular war as lieutenant in the
14th Light llragoons, being twice severely wounded, and was present in the three several engagements—namely,
',mance, Fuentes d'Onor, and Talavera—for which he re
ceiyod a throe-bar 11441 from tier Gracious gNosty,

ROYIL MARIONETTE THEAT RE,
ADELAIDE-STREET, WEST STRAND.
Continued Success—Now Pieces.
THIS EVENING, and every evening during the week,
Introductory ADDRESS, by Mr. Albany Brown.
After which, a new scene of Apropos, entitled the MA_NAGER'S
ROOM, with Songs by Signora Barbiere Alleni and Mr. Semi Breve.
With THE SWISS COTTAGE.
To be followed by a new and original Farce, in one act, written
expressly for the Marionettes, by Hugo Vamp Esq., called WHOSE
WIFE IS SHE ?
To conclude with the Neapolitan grotesque Divertissement of
ARLECHINO FORTUN. ATO, with the Frolics of Saltarello and
Pierrot.
A Morning Performance on Saturday next. Doors open at Half-
past Two, and commence at Three o'clock.
In the coarse of each Representation, a selection of Music will Le
performed, including the Royal Marionette Quadrilles, by M. Bosislo,
end the Royal Marionette Polka, by Mr. T. Browne, composed ex-
pressly for this Theatre.
In active pr:paration, an entirely new version of the Grand
Eastern Spectacle of ALADDIN ; or, The Wonderful Lamp, which
will shortly be produced with all the vast resources of this small
establishment.
Doors open at Half-past Seven, and commence at Eight o'clock.
Private Boxes and Stalls to be had at the Box-office of the
Theatre, and of all the principal Librarians.

TUE A.TRE. ROYAL, HAYifARrET. -
Mr. B Webster, Sole Lessee and Manager, Old Brompton.
THIS EVENING,
Will be presented a new Opera entitled WHITE MAGIC. Prin-
cipal characters by Messrs. W. llarrison, Weiss, Misses Pyre, and
Louisa Pyne.
To conclude with MONEY.

THEATRid ROYAL, ADELPHI.
Lessee, 3tr. B. Webster ; Directress, Madame Celeste.
THIS F.YE.NING.
Will be presented the Comedy of PAUL PRY. Colonel Hardy,
Mr. Emery ; Paul Pl 7. Mr. Wright ; Grasp. Mr. 0. Smith ; Mr.
Wallis, Mr. Worrell ; Phcebe, Miss Woolgar ; Eliza, Miss L, Honey.
After which, OUR NATIONAL DEFENCES.
To conclude with THE IRISH LION. Tim Moore, Mr. H. Bed-
ford.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. C. Kean.
THIS EFENLNO,
Will be performed Siiakespere's Historical Play of KENO JOHN.
Principal characters by Messrs. C. Kean, A. Wigan, Ryder, Addison,
Meadows, T. Vining, C. Fisher, Graham, F. Cooke, Everett; Stan-
ton, Cathcart, and Wheatleigh ; Miss Phillips, Miss Robertson, Miss
Murray, Miss Kate Terry, Mrs. Dzly, and Mrs. C. Kean.
To conclude with PAULINE.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
tinder the Management of Madame Vestria.
Last Week before Easter,
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed
THE GAME OF SPECULATION. Principal characters by
Meagre. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, R. Roxby, B. Baker ; Mrs. C.
Horn, and Miss M. Oliver.
To conclude with
A new and original Fairy Extravaganza, by J. R. Planche, Esq.,
entitled THE PRINCE OF HAPPY LAND ; or, The Fawn in the
Forest. Characters by Madame Vestris, Miss The
Fawn
Miss
Lanza, Miss Martindale, Miss Grove, Miss Ellis, Miss Rosins Wright,
Messrs. F. Matthews, B. Baker, Suter, Horncastle, Batler, and
/anion.

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. warren.
THIS EVENDTG.
Will be performed HEARTS ARE TRUMPii.
After which MATRIMONIAL, &c., &c., in which Messrs. Comp-
ton, Shalders, G. Cooke, Mesdames Phillips and Bartlett will appear.
To be followed by BLACK EYED SUSAN.
To conclude with KATHLEEN; or, The Reapers.

PUNCH'S PLAYHOUSE AND STRAND THElers.r...
Lessee. Mt. W. R. COPELAND, Liverpool.
Immense attraction of the Ragged School, and Behind the icenes.
Received each Evening with great applause.
THIS EVENING.
Will be performed MATRIMONIAL PROSPECTUSES. Messrs,
Walter Lacy, Attwood ; Mrs. Selby, Misses Sanders, and Alaskell.
After which, THE RAGGED SCHOOL. Characters by Messrs,
Rogers. Attwood, Hudspeth ; Aliases Sanders and Maskell.
To be followed by GONE TO TEXAS. Messrs. Walter Lacy,
Romer, Robertson ; and Mrs. W. R. Copeland.
To conclude with BEHIND THE SCENES. Messrs. Rogers,
Robertson, Romer, Att wood, Huditpeth, Maskell ; Mrs. Selby, and
Miss Maskell.
Boxes, 3s. ; Pit, 2s. ; Amphitheatre, Is.
Private Boxes One Guinea and a Half each.
Stage Manager, Mr. E. Stirling.