The Sun.
London, England, 1853-12-27 00:00:00

STRAND.

The renowned Flexmore, the eminent clown and un•
rivalled buffo dancer, came out in all his glory last
evening on the boards of this elegant little theatre. The
Christmas entertainment here is introduced under

the title of Harlequin and King Nutcracker ; or,
The World of Toys. The first scene represents the
arrival of the spirit Malaria at the dwelling of poor Rein-
hold, and its ultimate defeat and disappearance, under
the influence of the fairy Abernethia, who is perpetual
. chairwoman of the Industry and Good Health Associa-
tion. A clever pictorial illustration of the model lodg-
ing-houses in St. Giles's and St. Jametts follows. .Rein-
hold is a boy under the special guardianship of the fairy,
and, as a reward for his exemplary behaviour, he I*

carried through the "Realms of Air," attended by a I
' train of to the "Town of Toys." The inhabi-
tants if the town are represented by 100 interesting-
looking children, expressly engaged for the occasion.
King Nutcracker arrives, attended by the kernels of his
various regirmots, which are composed of picked men
from the best toy-boxes in the Lowther-arcade, and
other equally celebrated military depots. A. juvenile
military band performs martial airs, and a grand
review of infantry and cavalry takes place, followed
by a sham battle, in which the latter are overthrown
by an egregious puff. The town is afterwards besieged
by General Bonbon at the head of artillery, and a gun
laden with brandy balls, peppermint drops, and ladies'
fingers, having been discharged against the battlements,
the inhabitants gladly capitulate. The arrival of the fairy
Abernethia puts an end to the hostilities, and the usual
transformations take place, Mr. Flexmore appearing as
Clown, Mr. Bologna as Harlequin, Mr. Griffiths as Pan-
taloon, and Miss Goward as Columbine. The tumult of
the pantomime now proceeds with the usual well-pre-
pared accidents and feats of posturing, diversied by Flex-
more, with a new ditty by E. L. Blanchard, called A
Chapter of Clowns, and a solo and various imitations on
the penny ophicleide.
The dialogue of the introductory portion of the piece
was sharply written, witty and effective, abounding with
numerous political hits. It was well supported by the
performers, Whose acting, and the greater portion by far
of them were children, drew forth loud and continuous
praises from the audience. The piece was well received.
The scenery, which was well painted and appropriate, was
magnificently got up, and the style in which the whole
piece was put upon the stage was highly creditable to
the management of the establishment.
The theatre had been newly decorated, and the gallery
considerably extended—improvements which add greatly
to the appearance of the house. The performance yes-
terday commenced with the operetta of the Irish Emi-
grant, in which the principal characters were taken by
Miss Rebecca Isaacs, Miss Reeves, and Mr. George
Hodson, who made his first appearance this season.
The afterpiece, which prolonged the evening's entertain.
ment to a very late hour, was Stirling's new farce, The
Pet of the Public, in which Miss Rebecca Isaacs took
the part of Mdlle. de Laney. It is hardly necessary to
say that the house was well attended.