The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-10 00:00:00

ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE BALL.

The ball given last night at Willis's Rooms in aid
of the funds of that excellent institution, the Royal
Dramatic College, and for the EU pport of the pen-
sioners now resident within Its walls, was, as it de-
served to be, exceedingly successful in every
respect, and productive of much pleasure to those
who took part in it. This is by no means to
be
wondered at, when it is considered that the object
of the entertainment was the support of an institu-
tion which, though only recently founded, is one
of the most deserving of the many charitable insti-
tutions of which England, with her world-wide fame
for deeds of charity, can boast. The occasion also
forms one of the few oases in the desert of the life
of an actor or actress, and gives an opportunity of
permitting the audience of a theatre to meet on a
neutral ground, without the barrier of the foot-
lights, those who nightly, throughout Almost the
entire year, labour to promote the delight and con-
tribute even to the instruction of the playgoer.
The well-known zeal displayed by all engaged in
the theatrical profession to promote the welfare of
their less fortunate brethren was shown by the
long list of stewards to whom were confided the
task of issuing vouchers; and in the list were to
be found also the names of many gentlemen only
indirectly connected with the stage, but who have
its welfare earnestly at heart. Under the auspices
of these gentlemen the entertainment was, as we
have stated, brought to an exceedingly successful
issue, as the crowded state of the rooms last night
amply testified. The committee, to whom must
also be awarded a due share of merit, consisted
of Messrs. Benjamin Webster, C. Churchill, G.
B. Childs, T. J. Jerwood, W. R. Sams, rf.
Spinks, D.C.Ie, J. J. Stainton, and T. Williams,
Dancing commenced shortly before 10 o'clock to
the music of Cooto and Tinney's band, at which
time the room was tolerably well filled; but by
midnight there was little room to spare, though,
unfortunately, a paucity of ladies was perceptible.
Amongst the visitors present were Viscount Adare,
Lord Sudley, the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Vereker, the
Hon. H. Murray, the Hon. A. Morgan, Colonel
Naylor, the Hon. Major Heneage, Capt. the Hon.
C. W. White, Major Gregory, Dr. Brady, M.P.,
Capt. Dash wood, Capt. A. Johnson, Capt. Leatham,
Capt. Redman, Capt. Grant, Capt. Teesdale, Capt.
Saunderson, Mr. Benjamin Webster (master of the
college), Mr. and Mrs. Mellon, Miss Fanny Josephs,
Miss Poole, Mr. Frank Matthews, Mr. A. Roths-
child, Miss Lydia Thompson, Mr. F. Buckstone
Miss Laidlaw, An excellent Supper was served
about one o'clock in the lower room. Whitst this
agreeable part of the night's proceedings was pro-
gressing, Mr. Benjamin Webster, who presided,
proposed the health of her Majesty and the Prince
of Wales, who, he said, was worthily following the
example of his illustrious father by promoting and
patronising the dramatic art in England. The
toast was enthusiastically responded to. Mr. Web-
ster subsequently proposed the toast of " The
Dramatic College," which was drunk in an equally
cordial manner. " The health of Mr. Webster,"
proposed by Dr. Brady, M.P., was afterwards
drunk amidst much applause. Dancing was
after-
wards resumed, and was continued with great ani-
mation until a late hour.