The Sun.
London, England, 1840-04-21 00:00:00

SADLER'S WELLS.

A new drama, entitled Bianca Contarini, was
produced last night at this theatre. The story
turns on the adventures of Andrea Pisiani (Mr.
H. Marston), who, having been unjustly expelled
from Venice, becomes the leader of a band of
pirates. After some difficulties and dangers, the
hero is made the husband of Bianca Contarini

(Mrs. Hormel.) the Doge's daughter, and
escapes with her from his island. As we have
nothing particular to say in favour of the
piece, we shall not enter into any details with
respect to it. The acting, too, offered nothing re-
markable ; but we cannot help noticing the scenery,
which, as usual here, was what most deserved
praise. The main piece was followed by two trifles,
which seemed to have amused a very orderly
audience.

SURREY.
Davidge, the spirited proprietor of this theatre,
determined not to lose his well-earned reputation
of being one of the best caterers for the amuse-
ment of the public in the metropolis, produced no
less than three new pieces last night for the enter-
tainment of the Easter holiday folks. The first,
entitled The Life of a Woman, or the Curate's
Daughter, has its foundation based upon those in-
valuable paintings of Hogarth's, delineating the
Harlot's Progress. The second, called The Wet
Nurse, is a smart interlude adapted from the French ;
and the third, entitled The Venetian, or the Coun-
cil of Ten, gives us an excellent idea of what
Venice was in her palmiest days. and almost in-
duced us to believe that we
stood in Venice on the Bridge of Sighs,
A palace and a prison on each hand,
and that
We saw from out the waves her structure rise,
As from the stroke of the Enchanter's wand.

Of the scenery of the first piece we cannot say
too much, it reflects the greatest credit on Brunning
and Turner, and shows a determination on the part
of Davidge, to spare no expence to gratify the
public. The different tableaux representing the
inimitable paintings of Hogarth, almost induced us
to believe that those invaluable works of art had
been rescued from the devouring element that
destroyed Fonthill, and stood palpably be-
fore us. This piece introduced to us an old
friend, without a new face, in the person of
Buckingham. This was his first appearance
on the Surrey boards for the last seven years, and
he acquitted himself ably in the character assigned
to him. Saville, the great favourite at this theatre,
as a teacher of a village school, made the most of
the character ; and W. Smith kept the house in
roars of laughter. Mrs. H. Vining, as Fanny Rose-
mary, acted with her usual ability. The piece
throughout was eminently successful, and was an-
nounced for repetition in a house crowded to the
ceiling, amidst the most enthusiastic plaudits.
From the reception of The Wet Nurse there can
be no doubt that she will carry on a thriving
trade, and The Venetian cannot fail to at-
tract as long as the characters in it are so
ably supported by Saville, Smith, Hughes,
and Vining. We cannot conclude this short
critique without, as an act of justice to Davidge,
stating that in a few days it is his intention to pro-
duce a new grand historical and melo-dramatic
spectacle, combining the whole talent of the com-
pany, in which no less than one hundred female
warriors are to appear. Of course, not being in
the secrets of the prison-house, we can give our
readers no idea of what this spectacle is to consist,
but all we have to hope is this—." that we may be
there to see.