The Sun.
London, England, 1865-12-27 00:00:00

SADLER'S WELLS

The Christmas attraction of this theatre is a new
burlesque pantomime, from the pen of Mr. Charles
Millward, author of last year's Christmas piece at
the same establishment. The title of the new pro-
duction is " Cock-a-doodle-doo ; or, Harlequin
Prince Chanticleer and the Princess of the Golden
Valley." The incidental music has been arranged
by Mr. T. Berry, and the pantomime has been pro-
duced under the immediate personal superintend-
ence of Miss Marriott. In addition to the Sadler's
Wells pantomime Mr. Millward has written the
Christmas piece for the Theatre Royal Liverpool
and Birmingham, and for several other provincial
theatres.

MUSIC HALLS.
THE OXFORD.—The management at this hall have pro-
vided several extra performances for the Christmas season.
The announcement of the several attractions, and the well
known fact that at the Oxford is always to be seen and
heard something novel and agreeable, had the effect of fill-
ing the spacious building to quite overflowing last night.
The management could not have done better than continue
the performance of Offenbach's pleasing composition, "The
Market Girls." It was,,received last evening with as much
enthusiasm as ever. A new cantata, composed by Meyer
Lutz, appropriately designated "King Christmas," is one of

the new attractions. Another specialty is a new version
of " The Enchanted Heath," which has been written ex-

pressly by Mr. Vandervell, and in which Mr. Marshall sus•
tains no less than 11 different characters. The perform•
ances set down for the Christmas season include as wel

operatic selections, burlesque, pantomime, ballet, and a
splendid supply of comedy.
THE CANTERBURY.-At this music-hall, which it is
well known is under the same excellent management
as the Oxford, an equally varied and enjoyable Christ-
mas entertainment is provided. Amongst the new spe-
cialties is a monological extravaganza written by Mr. W
Vandervell, called "Ri-tum-ti-fum." This rather strange
title turns out to be the name of a magician who, after tell-

ing the audience a number of secrets touching upon sub-
jects that cannot fail to enlist the interest of the audience,
takes them to the continent and affords them the pleasure
of witnessing a grand fancy ball in the neighbourhood of
Paris. The transformation scene is highly creditable to
the establishment.

THE A TJTAnERA.—Mr. Strange, the manager of this
magnificent hall, displays a large amount of determination
not to be behindhand in providing a full and splendid
entertainment for holiday folk. He has produced two new
ballets ; one embellished with a costly and elaborate dio-
ramic development scene, with novel and patented effects,
invented, painted, and constructed byMr.William Callcott ;
and the second, backed by an artistic illuminated scene,
painted by the same celebrated theatrical painter, assisted
by his brother, Mr. Albert Callcott. The first ballet spec-
tacle is called " A New Grand Dioramic Development
Scene and Butterfly Ballot, entitled, The Descent of King
Dragon Fly and his Cortege of Golden Moths into the
Clematis Bowers of Arcadia." This scene opens with a
view of the spreading branches of the giant chestnut
_ _ _

tree, and a jungle of wild underwood and daisies, and
forms the framework for a gorgeous ballet of butterflies,
in which the selo is danced by Madlle. Bioletti, from the
Italian opera of Paris. This is followed by what is
called the first stage in the dramatic development, " A
View of the Forest of Transparent Foliage," introduc-
ing novel and patented effects never before exhibited.
The next change is the " Disclosure of the Glitter-
ing Bowers of Clematis," followed by " The Descent
of King Dragon Fly from the extreme heights of the
Distant Foliage (at the top of the loftiest stage in London),
surroundedby a brilliant Cortege of Golden Moths." The
whole scene now suddenly becomes animated; a swarm
of fairy butterflies appear, some fluttering about the scene,
others ascending. A magic mushroom appears upon the
stage, from the centre of whichrises a diminutive " Puck,"
who is saluted in different ways by a crowd of glittering ,
"figurantes." The stage is turned into a perfect hive of
beauty, and the final effect is produced by the appearance
of the " Genii of the Clematis Bowers." This elaborate
scene has been several months in preparation, and is pro-
duced on a scale of much magnificence. The other ballet
is an international one, entitled "lin Ballo in Maschera in
the Illuminated Groves of Cleophas." This is very care-
fully put upon the stage, and is lighted with hundreds of
lamps and Nubian figures holding candelabra. In addi-
tion to these spectacles some very droll and original comic
talent has been engaged; and a new selection from Offen-
bach's sparkling and ever-pleasing operetta, " Orphee aux
Enfers," has been produced, supported by the band chorus
of the Alhambra-150 in number. Several judicious and
seasonable alterations have been made in the auditorium.
A thousand yards of elegant Brussels carpeting have been
laid down ; the "sensational central chandelier," with its
galaxy of glittering satellites, have been restored to all
their pristine splendour; the upper gallery has been en-
larged, and a small and experimental dress circle has been
erected near the chief entrance. Long before the time for
opening last evening the doors of the Alhambra were be-
sieged by a groat concourse of people and about on hour