The Sun.
London, England, 1858-04-06 00:00:00

CITY OF LONDON.

The performances at this theatre commenced with an
origital drama by Mr. F. Phillips, enti led Alvar
Coeltro, or the Secret Pa;sion." The piece was well
put upon the stage, and was well received. Tne charac-
ter of Alvar, as delineated by Mr. Holt, was much ap-
plauded, and on the falling of the curtain he and Mrs.
Holt were loudly called kr, and on their appearance
received the warm greetings of the numerous auditory.
The performances concloded with the sucee,sful drama
of everyday life, by Mr. W. Travers, entitkd " A Poor
Girl's Temptations," which was powerfully cast, and '
went off in the most successful manner.

GREAT NATIONAL STANDARD.
The Easter performances at this theatre commenced
with Shakespeare's play of " Ttie Winter's Tale," which
was put upon the stage in a most gorge ois manner, and
which was suprrted by the whule strength of the com-
pany. The play was followed by a tale of enchantment,
interspersed with grand magical effects, startling situa-
tions, and novel denouement, entitled " The Seven

Castles of the Pa,sion.i." I i aa fr.,fn
French, by Mr. Edward Stirling, and was, we nelieve,
first produced at the Lyceum, with grew. success, oi.er a
doz n years ago. The getting up of the piece wa,
lent. The scenery was splendid, and did much cre,ji
Messrs. Neville and assistants. The la=: nen, uas c-r-
-tainly one of gorge:4ls splendour, and has been produce,i
on the same scale as the grand transfortna:ion scene in
Mr. Taylor's pantomime of last year. The piece, in fact,
abqunds in splendid scenes, and in !he conduct of them
much credit is due to Mr. Harvey, who has cnarge of
the properties. There is no doubt, from the rapturous
manner in whicus the piece was received last night, but
that it will have a long run.

NATIONAL CONCERT AT EXETER-HALL.
A great national concert was given last night at
Exeter-Hall, with the expressed object nf illustrating the
musical genius of the British nation—a wide field in-
deed, notwithstanding the sneers of continental connois-
seurs, who are of opinion that England possesses neither
music nor musicians. The projec;ors of the concert of
last evening set about their task with an apparent deter-
mination to do justice to our national music, for amongst
the executants, vocal and instrumental, were found the
names of Madame Lernmens, Mrs. Weiss, Miss Dolby,
and Miss A. Goddard ; Messrs. Sims Reeves, Weiss,
Montem Smith, and Thomas, aided by a chorus of 100
voices. The orchestra was also complete, under
the leadership of Mr. Willy, the principal solo
performers being Mr. 11. Blagrove on ihp, violin, Mr.
R. S. Pratten on the flute, Mr. Case on the concertina,
and the great Welsh harper, Mr. Thomas. Tnat an en-
tertainment of such promise should attract a numerous
and intelligent audience was but a natural consequence,
and we are happy to say that the concert was listened
to with an earnestness of attention which indicated a
full appreciation of the merits of the works, and of the
artistes engaged. After a fantasia on the harp by Mr.
John Thomas the first part was brought to a close by the
fine old duet and chorus of "Britons, strike home," the
solos in which were given by Mr. Sims Reeves and Mr.
Weiss. Part second consisted of Locke's music to "Mac.
beth." The third part was principally noticeable for the
beautiful manner in which Mr. Sims Reeves sung Burns'
ell-known ballad, "All on a dewy morning," and also
in which Miss Dolby gave the English ballad, "Those
dear oil times ; " and for one of those unequalled mad-
rigals peculiar to this country, which, written three nen'
turies ago, retains all the charm which attended its first
production, "Down in a Flow'ry Vale." It is almost
unnecessary to add that the "Bay of Biscay," by Sim.
Reeves was received, as usual, with thunders of applause.
Tne large hall was densely crowded, an augured well
for the permanent popularity of these Concerts.