The Sun.
London, England, 1870-12-27 00:00:00

IHE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, IS7L.

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS.

DRURY LANE.

Old Drury, the palace of English pantomime, presented
an extraordinary sight last night. Outside, long before

the opening of the doors of the theatre, every entry was
surrounded by an enormous crowd of holiday-makers,
and at half-past six even the roadway was
blocked up. The crush for admission was
terrific, and in a very short time every nook and corner of
the house was crowded to excess. The pantomime,

" The Dragon of Wantley," of course has been pro-
vided by Mr. E. L. Blanchard. and on no occasion
has he produced a better or more brilliant entertainment.
The preceding farce. " Rule Brittania," was gone through
in the ordinary manner, there was scarcely'a word heard
from first to last, owing to the impatience manifested for
the pantomime, which was the entertainment all had
come to see. The first few notes of the overture to the
Christmas entertainment was received with loud cheers, and
shortly after the usual fun in the front commenced. The
moment the familiar strains of the popular air "All
amongst the Hay, Boys," was heard, the gods chimed in
chorus, and with such a hearty goodwill, that the cheering
which followed gave signs that a thorough holiday audience
had assembled. Immense applause followed, which was
renewed with perhaps greater vigour when the band
struck up "Rule Brittania." This also was vociferously
cheered, and such was the enthusiasm that prevailed it
had to be repeated before silence could be restored. The
curtain then rose on the grand Christmas annual
which was entitled " The Dragon of Wantley ; or Harle-
quin and Old Mother Shipton." The theme is suggested
by that curious ballad legend which records how the
valiant Yorkshire knight, Moore of Moore Hall, encoun-
tered and slew the dragon which had spread terror

through the country. v The induction presents
us with a private view of the workshop of
Time, where we find Time (Mr. Moreland)
poring over the daybook of the past year, and being
astonished at the unexpected result of his calculations.
Love (Miss Lewis) takes up the glass of Time and turns
it in hio glowing hands, as described by Tennyson, till
the sands become silver, and we see a better time likely
to be at hand. A struggle for supremacy
takes place among the English counties, and
Yorkshire's case is first heard in the Allegorical
County Court, where Britannia judges and Time decides.
The various English rivers are, of course, sum-
moned as witnesses, and the ballet is illus-
trative of the Marriage of the Thames and the
Medway, as recorded by Edmund Spenser in the " Fairy
Queen." Then we have a view of "Mother Shipton's
Abode by the Dripping Well at Knaresborough," where the
famous prophetess (represented by Miss Harriet Coveney,
foretells some remarkable events, which come to pass in
a very curious manner. The next scene, illustrating the
" Farm and Village of Wantley," is perfectly novel in
design, and is entirely performed by children, the whole
picture pouitraying rustic life in all its phases on a
summer day, from dawn till sunset, and the action being
admirably arranged by that most inventive ballet master
Mr. John Cormack. The Dragon makes in this scene
his awful appearance, and the end of the story is of
course in accordance with the legendary ballad. Then
follows the transformatiOn scene, " The World of
Waters," the magnificence of which it is im-
possible to describe. The audience were fully
enraptured with the splendour of the scene,-
and often as Mr. Beverly has charmed the sight of the
holiday makers, on no occasion has he produced a more
magnificent tableau than that submitted to the delighted
audience of last night. The characters in the pantomime
were supported as follows :—Mr. Frederick Yokes is the
valiant Knight, Mr. Fawden Vokes his Squire, Jings ;
Miss Victoria Yokes the fair Lady Joan, cruelly persecu-
ted by Sir Guy de Grim, Baron of Wantley (acted by Mr.
Charles Steyne), and her attendant, Madge (played by
Miss Rosina Vokes). Mr. H. Naylor is Deccon, the
wicked steward of Wantley Manor ; and Miss Marie
Courtenay and Miss A. Basquerville the water-nymph,
Crystilla, and the fascinating witch, Sybilia.
The comic business followed, Messrs Stonette and
Fawdon Yokes were the harlequins, Miss Yokes and Miss
Grosvenor, columbines ; Messrs. F. Evans and Harvey,
clowns ; and Paul Herring and J. Morris, pantaloons.
Everything went with extraordinary briskness, and the
pantomime of 1870-71, must be pronounced a great and
decided success—doubtless the success of the season.

Nancy Bell, and is staying in the village inn at the time,
disguised as a' Cambridge reading man. Preparations are
forthwith made for bringing about an elopement between
the two lovers. Joe Miller, Lord Lovell's jester, aids
their project by a false letter announcing a raid by
Lochinvar, whomLovel most unwillingly departs to fight.
He, however, does not proceed very far in the enterprise,
but returns most unexpectedly to his castle with a tale
of victory which was never won. Lady Nancy proposes a
game at Hide and Seek, and whilst search is being made
for her elopes with Lord Lovel—this design being aided
by a little by-play, in which Joe Miller professes devoted
love to Dame Margery, an elderly maiden who imagines
that the plan of elopement is meant for her, and consider-
ably assists it. Meanwhile Lovell and his followers are
unable to find Lady Nancy, and at length the " old black
chest" is suggested, brought out, and certain relies found
therein—we will not say what—conclusively establish in
the minds of all present the sad fate of the lady. Dance
of affliction follows. Lord Lovel gives himself up to
grief, makes love to Dame Margery. An amusing scene
is brought about by the simultaneous devotion of Lord Lovel
and the simulated affection of some young sprigs about the
castle, who resolve to play a trick upon Dame Margery.
Disappointed again his lordship turns to politics, and be-
comes a candidate for a seat in Parliament. His own
household who have been dismissed oppose him, and in
the midst of the electoral struggle up comes young Loch-
invar and his wife. Lovers false story of victory is re-
futed, and he is glad to make peace with his successful
rival. Further confusion awaits the unhappy peer through

the appearance of Dame Margery with two interesting
twins. At this appropriate point tho usual amicable
settlement takes place. It is a good average burlesque,
very fairly put on the stage, and well acted. All the
principal artistes show to advantage. Mr. B. Wright as
Lord Lovel is excellent, so is Miss Elise Holt as Joe
Miller. Miss Bella Moore makes a first-rate minstrel,
and Madlle. Delreux plays with great vivacity. Mr.
Odell is specially amusing as Dame Margery. The sing-
ing and dancing are agreeable, Miss Holt in particular
distinguishing herself in the latter capacity. The bur-
lesque is preceded by Mr. Webster's new serio-comic
drama in one act, " Smoke." It proved rather too
lengthy for the material it contained, "Jut some allowance
of this kind is to be made for first performances.