The Sun.
London, England, 1855-07-31 00:00:00

STRAND THEATRE.

Novelty and variety would seem to be the leading
characteristics in the management of the " little theatre
in the Strand," and the same tactics which proved so
successful under the late direction of Miss Rebecca Isaacs
—namely, of presenting to the public, from time to
time a continuous freshness in the points d'attraction,
have been followed up with equal earnestness, and no
doubt advantage, by her spirited successor Mr. T. Payne.
As illustrations of wint we mean we would instance the
manner in which the furore so recently occasioned by
the revival of the ancient custom of " The Dunmow
Flitch of Bacon " has been turned to account by the
production of a comedietta bearing that title, which has
been written expressly for these boards, and which is so
full of frolicsome humour as to occasion shouts of laugh-
ter on each night of its performance. Again we have a
clever burlesque upon the terpshicorean accomplishments
of the famous " Spanish dancers," executed by an ex.
ceedingly clever troupe of pretty ballet girls, the principal
of whom almost outrivals the pas of the celebrated
Perea Nena herself, whilst, last night, in addition to
these features no less than two new pieces
were placed upon the stage. The first of
these, Broken Toys, from the talented pen of Mr. John
Daly, though we believe played for two or three nights
at the Marylebone Theatre some time ago, is justly en-
titled to be termed a novelty ; and its reproduction not
only regects deserved credit upon the judicious taste of
Mr. Payne, but enables us also to speak in unqualified
commendation of the exertions of the company to do it
justice. The plot is simple, yet it is touchingly and in
some parts poetically wrought out ; and the drama,
although confined to two acts, is so complete iu itself as
to leave nothing to tie desired. It is not wanting, either,
ii that kind of variety which consists in the introduction
of characters of a lighter and provocative cast ; so that
the action, as it progresses, gives rise alternately to the
softest and most genuine emotions of the heart and to
irresistible laughter. Indeed, we should imagine few
pieces could be better adapted to display the talents of
the different members of the Strand corps, which, we
may observe, has lately been considerably strengthened
by several additions. Not the least attractive of these
is Miss Cleveland, a young lady who possesses all the
requirements of a graceful and finished actress combined
with a most pleasing simplicity and naturalness of man-
ner. Her impersonation of the heroine, last evening,
was one of the most charming morceaux we have ever
seen. Mr. Barrett-, as old. Abel -Winter, drew down
well merited applause ; and similar marks of approba-
tion were accorded to Mr. Bender (now stage manager)
and. Mr. Charles Vincent—two other new appearances
on these boards—in their respective parts as Mr. Ben-
jamia Proper and Jasper Homestead. Mr. Kinloch,
always a most vivacious, yet careful actor, was well
suited in the character of a thoughtless, yet well die-
Posed member of the medical prAession, who has im-
ported (to his cost) the follies of his student life into the
faenalatdredr, oft the dtrhaematwiselp.
connubial state ; and Mr. W. Shalders redeemed the
subordinate part of Corks, from the background into
afAi t_ la
repetition.co n , conclusion of the dreaerni
which, in 1e,43 able hands, it might have fallen. Of the
dramarnyceth it
et creditablymw uhsotleBucetht sustained.eo spaeyr
.t.brougYhout the, week, amidst rounds of
, welch unmistakeably indicated that it was a
forrners xvere loudly called for, and it was announced
pplathe
deci4ed "hit."

Spanish ballet was produced
here last night as
took their: benefit
LTAYIfARKET.-A. new . . ---,_
h e.trierlEa
Ls triinii.g—h tmwri.ti\tvcroi
gmhptlreet(!aspupeecaersesd
pspuLPNizE.ss,sn..—e was
awsaarmmlyrsvir.elleosmneil
last night. The house was cro-wded.
performance of Camilla in 'nLeta
sp. JA3/Es's.--Rachel last night attracted a brilliant
other perfortunces previous
departure for America.
to her hsehree
gbiyveshetrhree
lairoodriaecneese.