The Sun.
London, England, 1866-04-03 00:00:00

ASTLEY'S.

Mr. E. T. Smith, the enterprising lessee of
Astley's, after three months' successful run of his
Christmas pantomime, " Little 80-Peep"—a panto-
mime which from its production to its withdrawal
retained its hold on public admiration—has pro-
duced a combination of Easter holiday entertain-
ments that cannot fail to please his patrons and the
public, in whose esteem he stands high, and with
whom he contrives in all his entertainments,
whether dramatic or otherwise, to hold his place
as a popular man and first-rate caterer of amuse-
ments.

" Der Frieschutz ; or, the Seven Charmed
Bullets," the grand operatic creation of Weber's
great musical genius, rnd the first piece of last
night's entertainment, and in its production at
Astley's it lacked nothing either in the execution of
its music or those scenic effects which combined,
when it was first produced on the London stage, to
render it attractive, and insure for it rapturous suc-
cess. In the scenery the Messrs. Brew—gifted scenic
artists--have sustained their well-won reputation,
and the execution of the music, vocal and instru-
mental, under the direction of Mr. J. H. Tulley,
was effective and highly creditable. The libretto,
re-written by Mr. John Oxenford, was well ren-
dered ; and the vocalism, by the principal vocalists
of the Royal English Opera Company, was effec-
tive. The choruses and band accompaniments were
sustained by 150 artistes. " Though last not least'
attractive in the nzise en scene, were the supernatural
illusions in the grand incantation scene. Pro-
duced by the inventive genius of Professor Pepper,
of the Potytechnic, they sustain the creative
power of that wonderful magician, and impart
novelty to the enchantment of the opera. Thus
far of the opera, which is always popular, always
new, always attractive, and from which Mr. E. T.
Smith seems to have borrowed one of " the seven
charmed bullets." From his seven-barrelled revolver
he shot at the bull's-eye fora bumper, hit the mark,
and had the satisfaction of finding himself " mo-
narch of all he surveyed," a house crowded in all
available parts, and marked by boxes seated with a
fashionable and brilliant assemblage. After the
opera, an original burlesque extravaganza, founded
upon the Moorish legend of " The Two Sisters,"
entitled " Boabdil El Chico, or The Moor the Mer-
rier," was produced. Written expressly for this
theatre by Mr. F. C. Burnaud, it evoked much
laughter in all parts of the house. Sparkling in its
wit, and lively in its dialogue, it touched with much
point and humour upon the varied realities, follies,
and vanities of life, political and social ; had a fly
at the "-inns and outs" of office, and proved mirth.
stirring throughout. It was put upon the stage with
great magnificence, exhibiting the great resources
of Mr. Smith's establishment. A grand Alhambra
ballet, in the Harem of the Alhambra, by Miss
Grosvenor and the ladies of the corps de ballet,
formed, in its style, its splendour, and the manner
of its execution, a great feature, which so pleased
the audience that the calls from all parts of the
house for Mr. Smith were enthusiastic. That suc-
cessful gentleman made his appearance. His bow
was warmly greeted, and he retired with good rea-
son to be gratified at the reception given to him by
patrons and the public.