The Sun.
London, England, 1823-09-23 00:00:00

THE THEATRES

DRURY-LANE.

The exertions which were made at this 'Theatre
during the last season raised it from comparative
disrepute into an honourable competition with
the rival house. The improvements that were
presented to the public were gay Rini handsome,
but they had been hastily, effected, and the ra-
pidity of the performance prevented them from
receiving that finish and, stability, which are al-
ways most desirable. Since the close the ma-
nagers and mechanist have been occupied in
endeavouring to give a general polish to the
alterations they so prosperously commenced.—
Two new water tanks have been placed over
the roof, in addition to the two already there,
but which were not deemed competent to effec-
tual service, The planking, of the ceiling had
shrunk considerably from the work being new, or
the timber green, and prior even to the close
of the season vacuities, which had the appear-
ance of rents, were palpably visible. This has
been remedied, the interstices having been fill-
ed, and the ceiling fresh coloured and gild-
ed. Additional embellishments have also been

inserted in the divisions, at a distance from
the centre, consisting of a honeysuckle, with
a scroll on either side to each partition. The
chandelier has been dismounted, and assumes a
different shape. The lights are removed con-
siderably closer to the ceiling. The whole of the
drops, of which, we believe, there are about
20,000, arc to be formed into a kind of bell,
having the appearance of a dome inverted : the
lights will be inside, so that if well constructed,
there will not only be a perfect radiation, but the
offensive gas will evaporate without incon-
veniencing the audience or tarnishing the embel-
lishments. The corners of the Upper Gallery
were extremely ugly ; these have been reduced,
and the view from that part will consequently be
improved. The second circle of Boxes above the
dress has undergone considerablechanges. Two
Private Boxes have been formed on each side,
and a species of basket has been added to the
backs of the other ones, bringing the back of
that tier to the distance at which it stood from
the stage prior to the alterations of last season.
We suspect a variety of opinions will be enter-
tained as to the wisdom and good taste displayed
in this change. If that part of the house be not
well lighted, it may prove an offence, if not a
nuisance. To the back of the first circle six
Private Boxes have been added similar to those
already known in the Dress Circle. It is di&
cult to imagine for what class of spectators these
Boxes are intended: for the real enthusiastic ad-
mirer of acting, who detests a talkative neighbour,
and d wellswith rapture on every monosyllable,they
are too distant, while they can afford but a curtailed
view of the glories of scenery, show, and embel-
lishment, to those who delight in splendour and
procession. A tier of chandeliers is also to il-
lumine this circle, and, very judiciously, wax
candles will be in requisition and not gas. In
the dress circle we are aware of nothing new,
indeed no alteration could have. improved it in
comfort- or elegance. The Pit has experienced
some slight improvements, which are calculated
to facilitate the entrance and exit of the audi-
ence. The seats throughout the house are to be
fresh covered, and the embellishments retouched.
The alterations in the ceiling have been effected

by the use of a scaffold extremely neat, conve-
nient, and economical: it confers considerable
credit on its ingenious inventor. In the me-
chanism behind the scenes there is nothing new ;
two new drops have been painted, one resent•
Wing an immense picture in frames ; and the
flies, wings, and the rest of the scenery have been
relieved and strengthened. Thesaloon has been
fresh painted and ornamented, and wf• appre-
hend that the entrances, &c. will undergo the
same renovation. Our renders will observe, that
where the formation of the interior of ill° Thea-
tre has been altered, it has principalty tended to
enlarge the house ; and from the experience the
prese►►t Managers have had, we conclude that
they found this requisite from frequent. over-
flowing audiences. We really hope this has been

the case ; and also that in the prei-ent inst9pre
their calculations ►gill not prove faulty, but
the extra benches which they have arrant*,
capable of containing 701. will he in constant re•