The Sun.
London, England, 1852-08-24 00:00:00

CREMORNE GARDENS

Yesterday was a veritable gala day at this delight-
ful place of recreation, being signalised by the pro-
duction of three notable novelties : M. Soullier's Hip-
podromatio spectacle—M. Poitevin's equestrian bal-
loon ascent—and M. Milano's brilliant ballet, Le
Barbier de Cadiz. The hipprodrotne, which has a
circumference of nine hundred feet, was the scene of
a variety of the most striking equestrian feats. Mdlle.
Clementine and M. 1)e Bach displayed their admir-
able talents, and we had, moreover, chariot race
ceovnatne setse d
ineffable
one
pmaleerfo
perform-
ances d
afmonuocnre
skfe;e3;rtahracal ecletsa;iiisan‘BD competitors;reortbhye:D's
feats on the trapeze at an
elevation of 80 feet, and Franz De Bach's rapid and
intrepid Globe ascent the whole toeing wound up by
M. Soullier's equitation with a team of twenty-four
in hand, which he drove thrice round the circle within
two minutes, in masterly style, amidst immense
applause. In the centre of the arena was the balloon
"Le Zodiaque" charged with 45,000 cubic feet of
gas, and bedizened with "the Ram, the Bull, the
heavenly Twins," &c.
At a quarter before seven o'clock, M. Poitevin,
mounted on his steed, a pretty dun pony of
not quite fourteen hands, rode in, and was
received with universal plaudits. Dismounting,
he ascended a table and quaffed a glass of Champagne
to "the English nation," a very happy, short speech,
being made on his behalf by Mr. Greig. This cour-
tesy was most cordially acknowledged by the multi-
tude, and at seven precisely, amid the discharge of
cannon, the inspiriting strains of the orchestra, and
pealing.shouts of gratulation, bestriding bis courser,
which was securely slung beneath the car, the daring
aeronaut effected his ascent. lie speedily assumed
a standing position on the saddle, and executed a
joyous pas seul thereon ; then, clambering up into
the car, his four-footed comrade was relieved from
his weight, and could be discerned aloft in a state of
perfect repose, as the balloon was gently wafted in a
south-westerly direction, till crossing balmy Thames,
it descended on Wimbledon-common. All the
ground, from Cremorne to Battersea-bridge, was
covered with an innumerable mass of spectators, and
the welkin rang with shouts as he clove the ether.
M. Poitevin returned to the gardens at half-past nine,
and as he rode through the grounds and into the
cirque, the welcome awarded him was uproarious.
There has been a considerable amount of humbug
ventilated of late about the perils of ballooning, and
in the present instance it is peculiarly indppropriate,
for there is not the remotest atom of danger in M.
Poitevin's ascent, as we can testify from a strict exa-
mination of the fastenings made use of.
A better ballet has perhaps never been produced
outside the walls of her Majesty's Theatre than Le
Barbier de Cadiz, and it does M. Milano infinite
credit. Pedro the Barber was most cleverly per-
sonated by Mr. Seymour, and the old Spanish father
by Mr. Johnson. It ii a vivid, sparkling affair
throughout, and the gay costumes (that of Mdlle.
Cushnie, as Paquita, being peculiarly brilliant and
becoming), the lively music, pretty scenery, and ex-
cellent groupings of the corps de ballet enhaece the
admirable execution of the principal art;sts. A pas de
trois, beautifully danced by the Mdlles. Cushnie and
M. Milano, was rapturously encored, and at the fall
of the curtain they had to re-appear to receive the
vehement applause of the denizens of the salle, which
was thronged to overflowing. Were there no other
attractions at the gardens, this ballet alone is well
worth a visit.

At ten o'clock there must have been at least twelve
thousand persons enjoying the various amusements of
Cremorne, not one of whom, we venture to say, re-
turned with a shadow of dissatisfaction or ennui.
Cremorne is the most delightful al fresco place of en-
tertainment in Europe, and Mr. Simpson the maestro
of managers.

QUEEN'S THEATRE ROYAL.
Last night, before the opening of the doors, a con-
siderable amount of excitement prevailed among the
crowds assembled, and on admission being given a
rush took place which soon filled all parts of the
house. The great attraction consisted in this simple
announcement wherewith the entertainments of the
evening were introduced—" First appearance of Mr.
Henry Bedford." During his permanent engagement
at the Queen's Theatre, the blended racy wit and dry
humour which characterised Bedford's acting made
him an immense favourite with the audience ; and
although professional jealousy has been busy at work
to depreciate his success in England, it crept forth
nevertheless that, whenever an opportunity was
afforded him, he fully maintained his fame as a gifted
and original actor. His return, therefore, to the
scene of his first triumphs, was hailed with unlimited
gratification by his many admirers.
The comedy selected for his first appearance was
Paul Pry, and when he entered with the "I hoped-
don't-intrude" observation, the shout of welcome that
he received surpassed any similar demonstration that
we have recently witnessed. Again and again did he
bow his thanks, and again and again were the peals
of applause renewed, a reception that evidently very
deeply affected him. On several occasions during
the progress of the play these demonstrations of wel-
come were repeated, and really, let him gain what
celebrity he may in the Sister Island—and of cele-
brity he is certain—he must always remember with
grateful pleasure the cordiality of his Dublin friends.
His acting is as full of racy humour as ever, blend-
ing the best elements of the quaintly comic and the
broadly farcical ; and the shouts of laughter and ap-
lause that attended him till the falling of the curtain
were as amply deserved as they were unreservedly
bestowed. He was well supported by the stock
company ;
and the comedy altogether was excel-
lently cast, and creditably maintained.
In the interlude of Seeing Bedford he was greeted
with renewed cordiality ; and his John Downy was
as full of fun as usual. Barrett, Mrs. Goward, and
the remaininder of the performers, supported him effi-
ciently.—Dublin Evening Packet.

NEW MUSIC.
1 TURN FROM PLBASURE'S WITCHING
TONE. The Music by Gayner Elizabeth Wit.
HEALTH,
Hams.WEALTH, AND LONG LIFE.
Also by the same Composer.
We find in these songs unquestionable promise of
future celebrity, of future musical achievements.
There is an evidence of youthful talent in each of
the compositions that would disarm criticism, even
were the faults visible, but, on the contrary, these
very pleasing and original songs are calculated to
please the most fastidious, to charm the listener with
a spell essentially their own, and to win for their
fair author the meed of popularity. There is much
of tenderness and passion in the first-named one,
while the last is replete with spirit and force of
expression.