The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-11 00:00:00

THEATRE ROYAL, LYCEUM.

Mr. Drew, whose first appearance before a London audi-
ence we took occasion to notice at some length at the time,
in terms of deserved commendation, last night confirmed
the good opinion which we then expressed, by a very able
impersonation of Sir Patrick O'Plenipo, in Kenney's well-
known comedy of " The Irish Ambassador," so familiar to
theatrical critics and the public, in association with the
memory of the brilliant and lamented Power, whose deli-
neation of this character can never be forgotten by those
whose recollection includes that singularly talented co•
median.

It is more than probable that Mr. Drew's merits as an
actor will be tested by a comparison with Power in this
character of Sir Patrick, as has, indeed, been the case in
this artist's representation of Handy Andy, in the adap-
tation of Lover's story, which has been playing for the
last fortnight at this house. The success of Mr. Drew in
that character is undisputed, but a decision upon his gene-
ral merits has for the most part been reserved for a more
varied exercise of his undoubted ability. It was,
therefore, with no ordinary interest that the play-
going public watched the representation of last
night. In the development of this character, which, as
every one knows, is a strained dramatic effort to realise the
assumed and romantic points of Irish character as we find
it in the chronicles of fifty years since—a curious combi-
nation of imperturbable forgiveness, not to say recklessness,
with an amount of impudence which would not hold the
ground for an hour in society at the present day, Mr.
Drew was perfectly at home. At the same time that the
inevitable scrapes in which he is placed by the force
of this very characteristic were redeemed by that dash
of courage and resolution under difficulties ; a gentlemanly
bearing, and a chivalrous devotion to the fair sex which

have from time immemorial formed, as they continuo to
form, the brilliant features of our Celtic brethren. In truth
Mr. Drew was very happy in all the points of this amusing
comedy, and fully entitled himself to the ovation which he
received. We must observe that the parts of Lady Emily
and Isabella were sustained with great spirit and talent by
Miss Ternan and Miss Hudspeth, and we cannot allow the
opportunity to pass of complimenting Miss 'Amax upon
her rare appreciation and lady-like impersonation of the
Countess—an impersonation which leads us to hope that
we may have the gratification of welcoming this lady in a
higher range of comedy, in which the excellent school in
which she has studied evidently entitles her to claim a
distinguished position.
The rest of the dramatis personce were well filled, and
the curtain descended amidst the unanimous applause of a
very full house.

.EHE ALHAMBRA .PALACE HALL.

A,

This gorgeous building opened last night for the per-
formance of varied selections of instrumental and vocal
music. The house was crammed to the topmost galleries,
and any attempt to form an estimate of the numbers who
were present would be futile. The performances com-
menced by an overture played by the band, at the close of
which the National Anthem was sung with great
effect. Great cheering followed, and there was an
immediate call of " Smith I Smith !" After a few minutes'
delay, during which the enthusiasm of the audience did
not flag, Mr. Smith advanced to the centre of the stage,
and bowed his acknowledgments to the hosts of friends
and patrons who had assembled together to greet him. The
full orchestral band played selections from the most popular
dance music, including Coote's " Robin Hood Quadrille,"
and airs from that popular opera. These were succeeded by
selections from Flotow's opera of " Martha," in which
Madame Valkener, Miss Emma Heywood, Messrs. W. M.
Parkinson, and E. Rosenthal took part, and acquitted them-
selves in the most creditable manner. The selection of sub-
, jects was judiciously made, inasmuch as it was of a charac-
ter to please those who look to enjoy an evening of popular
music at the marvellously cheap rate of sixpence.