The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-27 00:00:00

ALHAMBRA PALACE.

Among the many splendid transformation scenes
given to the public last evening none certainly
could be more splendid than that presented to them
by Mr F. Strange, the new lessee of this extensive
and attractive building. But one short month ago
the interior of the Alhambra was dark, dingy, and
positively depressing ; but, hey presto, enter Mr
Strange, and instantly gloom is sent to the right
about, and beauty and brilliancy most wel-
comely take its place. To say that the whole of the
interior of the Alhambra Palace has been tho-
roughly redecorated would but convey a very poor
notion of the splendour it now presents, but when
we add the cost of those redecorations, viz., nearly
£lO,OOO, some idea may then be formed of the ex.
treme grandeur of the interior. The prevailing
colours used in the re-embellishment of the build-
ing are gold, ethereal blue and vermillion, and never
has a combination of these attractive hues produced
a more pleasing effect. But the most striking
object that will attract the attention of every visitor
will be the superb gigantic crystal chandelier sus-
pended from the dome. This triumph of British
workmanship has emanated from the famous firm of
J. Defries and Co., and of itself is certainly 0130 of
the wonders of the mf,tropoliF, To speak of the
effect produced by this grand illuminator is impos-
sible, but at the first gaze it seemed to us as if it
were a gigantic cataract of rubies, emeralds, and
diamonds. This magificent chandelier is 27 feet
high and 15 feet diameter, and contains no less than
1,700 lights. The arms holding the ruby and
eilver clusters arel6o in number,and the peculiarity
in the design is worthy of especial notice. The
great feature is the novelty of the light emanating
from the ruby and silver balls, each ball encircled
by a silver wreath and clusters of crystal, produc-
ing a brilliant effect, the novelty and beauty of
which cannot but strike the beholder with admire-
tian. In addition to the large chandelier, 12 others

of smaller size,but equally novel and brilliant, sur-
round the promenade, and 12 others of the same
design surround the boxes ; these with 12 crystal
prismatic lanterns, vihich have been adapted to
the upper gallerieu, and five chandeliers in
the refreshment ;room, and four in the
supper room complete that galaxy of light,
which is one of the most beautiful and magnificent
that has ever been applied to a public building, and
which reflects great honour upon the enterprise and
ingenuity of the firm. of Messrs J. Defries and Sons.
The entertainment is. like everything:else of the
highest order and', talent. We have two splendid
petite ballets, supported by fifty or sixty ladies, all
in the most elegant costumes, and further illus•
trated by some of the most beautiful scenery ever
presented to the public. The cascade of real water
in the second scene is peculiarly charming, and such
was the delight it afforded that before the per-
formance was allowed to proceed, Mr F.
Strange and his scenic artist had to bow
their grateful thanks. The principal danseuse
is a Mdlle. Bioletti. She is a graceful and accom-
plished artiste, and one certain to become a great
favourite. The vocal company is exceedingly
strong. The engagements include Miss Pearce, Mr
H. De Brenner, Mr Henry Herbert, and Mr Theo-
dore Distin ; Mr Barlow, a Negro comedian of
polish and refinement, an Eccentric Musical Spider,
and Le Petit Blandin. The music is under the
direction of Mr J. W. Hird and Mr S. Caulfield,
jun.; and Mr H. Boleno is the stage direc-
tor. To present to the public a place of
superior entertainment, Mr F. Strange has
been lavish in his expenditure, and we sin-
cerely hope that his bold venture for a portion of
the public patronage will meet with that success
which' perseverance, and good taste invariably
deserves. He has presented to the metropolitans a
splendid place of entertainment, and thousands
most certainly will nightly testify by their presence
their high appreciation of it.