The Sun.
London, England, 1852-04-13 00:00:00

SURREY THEATRE.

The entertainments provided for Easter at this
house were on a scale of enterprise and liberality
which the success that has attended the present ma-
nagement gave its patrons a right to expect. They
comprised a three act drama, a comediettu, and a
burlesque extravaganza. The drama, we need hardly
state, is the Corsican Brothers, for, though it con-
tains many bad features of the French, from which it
is a translation, there are yet in it such well-wrought
passages, and so wide a scope for effects, that it pro-
mises to become as universal throughout this country
as the vendetta which it illustrates was interminable
in Corsica. The present adaptation is one of the best
yet produced, and owes its quasi paternity to the bro-
thers Sala. The principal characters were sustained
by Mr. Creswick and Mr. Mead in an energetic and
artistical style. The comedy of the Young Couple
introduced the Bateman children to this side of the
water. Their performances were characterised by
the same taste which has from the first distinguished
them; and their arch and winning manner elicited the
warmest approval. The burlesque is from the pen
of Mr. E. L. Blanchard, the author of
the Christmas pantomime produced on the same
boards, under the title of .Harlequin Prince Blue Cap,
and, is entitled the Three Perils of Illan; or, the
Knights of the Round Table. It is founded upon a
portion of the history, fabulous or otherwise, of King
Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, the
id
passage selected being that in which La Belle Isetrede
is stolen from her father by Sir Tristram,
in Castle Dolorous, and subsequently, afterr
iounel
moving accidents, rescued thence
Prince Arthur himself forms a subordbiyi tSeir
''' feature in
the burlesque. Of his trusty w(
his magic lance Rou, we hear snot)hrd Caliburn, and
nothing,
. but in the
nor do we
even see the fair and beauteous Guinever i Welch
place of all this there are lots of enchanting
fairies with hats and leeks, Druids and devils, good
spirits and elves, and the whole
the
the knignts in most
lot is more closely
gallant: array. The tenor of t
of the
allied to some of the French verseiopDs chan_any
and the
pions
English with which we are acquainted,
what
knights, as a whole, are represented as a somewhat
licentious set of gallants, albeit
_strong champions
of the Christian faith. The whole. story. hinges
upon the one point which we havae Tadylec,
ataedWelch
whilst Sir
Lionel seeks the aid of Morgana L
enchanter.
fairy, to rescue the beautifullsohde,
Sir
Tristram enlists on his behalf Merlin ti'e
These latter subject Sir Lionel to all sorts of trials in
the shape of wine, women, and, finally, an accommo-
guidance of the good fairy he
dation bill. Under the
resists all with success, and signalises his
victory over
the last by a duel with a veritable kite. Clothed in
these alight vestments the dialogue is smart and racy.
Numerous sparkling hits are
interepersed,and some
clever parodies upon popli ar airs. The scenery is
good, but not startling. The burlesque will enjoy, as
it deserves, a good reputation, and a long and pros-
perous career awaits. Miss Julia Harland made a
charming Sir Lionel, singing and acting with im-
mense spirit. Mr. Widdicombe was Au admirable
Sir Tristram, and Mr. Wynn au effective Merlin
It, only remains to add that the house was crowded,.