The Sun.
London, England, 1853-05-17 00:00:00

HOLID A Y, AMUSEMENTS.

CREMORNE GARDENS.
A more auspicious opening of the fete champetre sea-
son than that which was last evening witnessed at this
popular place of amusement could not well be desired even
by those most interested in its permanent success. If
there be veracity in the adage which assures us that a
"good start is half the race," then indeed has Mr.
T. B. Simpson cause to feel assured that his "book " is
a safe one, and that, in the present season, he rides the
winning horse. It would be strange were it otherwise ;
at least, we venture to think the great majority of those
who visited the gardens last evening participated in an
entertainment which, in point of magnificence, coupled
with the low scale of admission charges, was never on
any previous occasion afforded our very exacting sight-
seeing friends, The visitor of last season could not fail
to observe the several improvements which the judicious
taste of Mr. Simpson has introduced in every depart-
ment. The grounds have been re-trimmed and laid out
to the best advantage ; the casts are more numerous
than formerly ; the theatre, bowling-saloons, and various
refectories have all been retouched in approved artistic
style, whilst the several orchestras have also been en-
larged and beautified. Nor is it merely in outward ap-
pearance that Cremorne Gardens have been improved, for
the performances are equally entitled to commendation.

In the musical department the " Hungarian Brothers"
continue to delight their auditors, as of old, though at
present they are brought into serious rivalry with the
numerous and admirably-trained band of Signor Bosisio
—the lesser orchestras performing, at intervals, waltzes
and polkas of such a spirit-stirring nature as to induce a
conviction that " perpetual motion" had been at length
illustrated in the persons of the thousands of Terpsi-
chorean votaries. The balloon ascent of Mr. Chambers
was quite perfect in all its complicated details, and the
veteran aeronaut was loudly cheered as, with a steady
and majestic flight, he soared in his fragile machine high
in air, and, in a few minutes, losing himself to the up-
turned gaze of his thousand spectators. The theatricals
were admirably selected with a view to merriment and
laughter, which, in the present season of hilarity, consti-
tute their.best recommendation to classes whose deter-
mination is to laugh, and be merry, and with whom, con-
sequently, the sentimental or melodramatic would be
sadly out of place. Then there was rope-dancing with
feats of daring which made one hold hard the breath ; and
anon, such a display of grace and agility as elicited the
loudest acclamation. The vocalism was also very credit-
ably sustained. But much as had been done to improve
the general aspect of things, it was not until dark that the
gardens displayed their full beauty, or revealed the extent
of the artistic skill which had been employed to give effect
and brilliancy to the scene. An entirely new process of
illumination was introduced on the occasion, and with
the greatest possible success. In roving over the
grounds, the eye wandered down vistas, in ' which the
verdant foliage was brightly relieved by thousands of
lamps, whose rich and variegated hues were in return
chastened down to a tone so subdued as to realise that
fairy land which the sceptical believe only to exist within
the pages of Oriental romances. • There might Puck and
his attendant train hold their midnight revels, or repose
within the shelter of some mossy grot, lulled by falling
waters and the " distant hum of cities." Of the grand
pyrotechnic display which wound up the entertainments
of the evening it will be merely necessary to say that it
partook of the same excellence as the other branches of
the performance—which, taken as a whole, was not
alone complete, but, what is still more to the purpose,
altogether successful and satisfactory, A spirited and
judicious proprietor undoubtedly is Mr. Simpson, who
seems to possess, not alone the will, but also the taste
to render as perfect as possible entertainments of this
description. Assisted by the politeness and attention
of the secretary, and skill of the manager Mr.
Adams the , public has every assurance of a
series of brilliant entertainments, such as they were
never previously invited to ; and if last night be
any indication of the future, Mr. Simpson may safely
calculate on the support and approbation of " troops of
friends" during his auspiciously renewed regime of Old
Cremorne Gardens.