The Sun.
London, England, 1823-07-08 00:00:00

THE THEATRES.

11AYMARKET:—The new Opera, which was
brought forward last night at this Theatre under
the _title of 'Sweethearts and Wives, is the ac-
knowledged production of Mr. KENNY, to whom
the public are indebted for much amusement,
arising from several of his former dramatic
efforts. The following is a brief sketch of the
fable :
Admiral Franklin (Taital)has.determined on marrying his
son Charles (Vitt-Igo) to his niece Laura (Madame VErrats.)
The latter, however, on his travels, has become enamoured of ,
Eugenia (Miss CHESTER), the daughter of 111 r. Melbourne,
an early friend of the Admiral, but with whom; in the int.;
petuosity of his youth, he had quarrelled. Laura, on her part,
has also proved inconstant, and yielded her heart to the
addresses of Sandford (Davis): Charles lands with his wife
at Southampton ; the Admiral, who is an invalid, is lodging
there at an hotel, during the completion of a villa which he is
building : There Eugenia is introduced as a chambermaid, and
the landlady's niece, and in this character steals on the
Admiral's atFee.tions. He is still resolute, however, for marry-
ing the two cousins, who on their part are in the greatest fear
of making each other miserable. A scene of explanation ensiles,
which ends to their mutual satisfaction ; and they part in such
tokens of joy at discovering their mutual release, as to make
an equivocal impression on the minds of Sandford and Eugenia,
and set them in a ferment of jealousy. The meetings of Charles
and his wife are at length detected by the Admiral, who insists
on Mrs. Bell's (Mrs. C. JoNes) sending away her niece, and
securing the repose of his family. A critical scene follows
between Eugenia and the Admiral, during which his feelings
are strongly wrought-upon. A disclosure of the truth is then
made—the intents arc forgiven—and all parties mutually re-
conciled. There is a comic episode of the loves and sorrows
of Billy Lackaday (lasTox), a sentimental waiter and a
foundling, who is perplexed between his two sweethearts, and
discovers his father in an old servant of Sandford.
It is evident that the author of this piece
wrote it with a full conviction that the ludicrous
powers of LISTON would be capable of .securing
success to.any dramatic work which afforded full
scope for the exercise of his talents; tint in jus-
tice to him it must be admitted that the Opera
in general is recommended by an agreeable mix-
ture of. what is humorous and what is interesting,
The effect is fully correspondent with the de-
sign. It will certainly allow of judicious com-
pression ; but in the representation nothing ap-
peared to flag on the attention, and it was sup-
ported by the Performers in general with so
much correctness and spirit, that the audience
did not seem to think there was any neces-
sity for curtailment. Nothing could be more
ludicrous than °iv performance of LISTON.
Miss CnEsTER was very playful and interesting,
end VINING and Davis acquitted themselCes
very well. Nor should Mrs. C. JoNt4, in the
Landlady, Miss Lovc, in the Bar-maid, or
WILLIAms, in the old Servant, he forgotten, us
they severally sustained their characters respect-
ably. /is the play-bills announced the Overture
to be the production of Mr. NATHAN, it was pro-1
fierly stated, before the play began, that it
merely consisted of some combined passages
from MoiAwr. Several of the airs, however,
Were composed by Mr. ISATIIAN, all of which
were marked by science and-taste, but that chiefly
successful, and that was encored, was " Why
~
are you wandering here, I pray? sting with
great spirit by Madame VESTIIIS. On the whole,
the piece was completely successful, and will
add in no slight degree to that ample stock of
humorous productions for -which this Theatre
has alWays been distinguished.—A crowded
house.

ENGLISH OPERA thrum—The Marriage 0
;gar° was repeated last night, and Miss
LOUISA. DAtipE appeared 'to much greater ad-
vantage in the part of Swannah. Public en-
couragement the night before had dissipated
her fears, and she sung and acted with well-
merited success. Her excellence as a singer
might be expected from her musical connexions,
but her acting must be ascribed to her own good
sense and talents, and she really supported the
part with such correctness and animation as
seemed to be the result of habitual practice.
Miss KELLY'S Page, as before, was an admirable
specimen of theatrical ability. The last piece was
Gordon the GapseN, which was rendered very
effective by the acting of T. P. CooKE, Row-
BOTTOM, Miss CARR, and the ludicrous simplicity
of WILKINSON. A numerous audience.

OLYMPIC TIIEATIIE.—Mr. 'ALEXANDRE deli-
vered, the following Farewell Address on Satur-
day :---
" Ladies and Gentlemen—lt is once more my painful task
to appear before you for the purpose of saying Farewell. NVords
can ill express the deep sentiments of gratitude I feel for the
constant and unvarying kindness I have experienced. 1 came
to this country, a stranger and a foreigner, with no other recom-
mendation to your, attention than the talents I possess, and an
ardent desire w exert them in such awa as might win your
applause. You have, indeed, encouraged my etlbrts, and re-
warded them with a degreeof liberal indulgence far beyond my
expectation I am sure, and I fear equally beyond my deserts.
The consciousness of this, I can truly say, has only animated me
with the increased desire to render myself snore worthy of your
generous support. In quitting the metropolis for the provinces
where I purpose giving those entertainments which have re-
ceived the stamp of .your approbation, I shall carry with me 14
lively recollection, of, your kindness, and an earnest desire to
vindicate the rimed of that applause you have so liberally be-
stowed.-.--Ladies and Gentlemen, Ihurubly and gratefully take
my leave and.bid you farewell."

Nem, PREACILERA Mr. Invtrie, from the
North, has recently come forward and at-
tracted much attention among the highest circles
in this Metropolis. The. Duke of Sussex, the
Earls of LivettPoot, BATUURST and many others
of the higher orders, as well as Mr. CANNING,
Sir GEORGE and' Lady BEAUMONT, Sir CUARLES
and Lady LONG, and many other persons of dis-
tinguished taste and talents, have been to hear
him, and, as a proof that his abilities are of no
ordinary description, most of these distinguished
persons have repeated their visits. It is difficult,
it seems, to procure a place, except by a very
early attendance on the Sunday mornings.
The Duke of CUMBERLAND, accompanied by
the Prince of SOLMS, left town yesterday, about
twelve o'clock, for Hounslow, for the purpose of
inspecting the 15th regiment of Light Dragoons,
of which his Royal Highness is Colonel. The
Royal Duke afterwards dined with the Officers.

The Nabob of DUDE, in addition to the
splendid presents to the KING, which we noticed yesterday,
offered to the Supreme Government of India, in consequence
of the great accession of territory and wealth which he obtained
at the close of the late War in India, to build, at his own ex-
pence, a Palace and a Cathedral for the late Bishop of Cal-
cutta; but it is said that, although it was approved by the late
Governor-General, it was discountenanced and refused by the
Authorities at home! !
On Monday7 July 7th, died at No. 12, Lower
Fitzroy-street, Fitzroy-square, KA T [ER I NE, youngest daugh-
ter of the late Josnritt Rlctramnsow, Esq., M.P., of a rapid
consumption, leaving her family in a state of affliction, which
none can appreciate but those who knew the various qualities
of her highly cultivated mind and faultless character.