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

MUSIC HALLS.

TIE OXFORD.—The management at this hall have pro-
'tided 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-
fag the spaCions 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 well
operatic selections, burlesque, pantomime, ballet, and a
splendid supply of comedy.
THE CANTEliEtritY.—At this music-hall, which it is
Well known is Midei the same excellent management
as the OxfOrd, an equally varied and enjoyable Christ-
Inas entertainment is provided. Amongst the new spe-
' eialties is a monological extravaganza written by Mr. W
Vandervell, called "Ri-turn-ti-furn." This rather strange
title turns out to be the name of a magician who, after tell-
ing the audience' a, riurnber of secrets touching upon sub-
jects that cannot fail to enlist the interest of the audience,
fakes 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 ALITA.MBRA.—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-
ramie 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,
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-
ng novel and patented effects- never before exhibited.
The next change is the "Disclosure of the Glitter-
tl bag Bowers of Clematis," followed by " The Descent
14 King Dragon Fly from the extreme heights of the
Distant Foliage (at the top of the loftiest stage in London),
surrounded by 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
6tage, from the centre of whichrises a diminutive "Puck,"
Zho is saluted in different ways by a crowd of glittering
figurantes." The stage is turmikl 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
la an international One, entitled "Ern Ballo in Maschcra 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-
; tlon to these spectacles some very droll and original comic
:lent has been engaged ; and a new selection from Offen-
, Eaters,"
sparkling and ever-pleasing operetta, " Orphee aux
ninfers," has been produced, supported by the band chorus
°f the Alhambra-150 in number. Several judmous * • and
a
e'▪
te
onable alterations have been made in the auditorium.
jo.. thousand yards of elegant Brussels carpeting have been
:,1d down ; the "sensational central chandelier," with its
t!/3• of glittering satellites, have been restored to all
eir ri •
P stme splendour; the upper gallery has been en-
end a small and experimental dress circle has been
erected near the chief entrance. Long before the time for
Z•
en.ng last evening the doors of the Alhambra were be-
Dd by a great concourse of people, and about an hour