The Sun.
London, England, 1832-01-27 00:00:00

NEW STRAND THEATRE.

This theatre was opened for the first time last night. The en-
tertainments were preceded by an address, written by Mr. J. A.
Williams, for the occasion, and spoken with much effect by Miss
Cleaver (from the Theatre Royal, York). There were many hits
at the conduct of those managers who are gifted with " patent
right," which were eagerly caught by the audience, and loudly
applauded. The address was succeeded by the national anthem
of " God save the King," sang by the whole company, and was
most lustily cheered. The first piece was entitled " Profes-
sionals Puzzled, or Struggles at Starting,"which abounded with
wit and humour, and was, from beginning to end, a ",slap"
at the patent houses, and their conversion from legitimate
acting to the arenas of wild beasts. We were highly gratified at
the merits of the performers, most of whom were before un-
known to a London audience. " Mystification" and " Loved
Frailties" followed ; in the latter piece the well-known comic
powers of Mr. Rayner, the proprietor, were displayed to great
advantage, and he was loudly cheered. We must not omit to
notice Miss Matley, Miss Cleaver, and Miss Ferguson, whose
performances throughout the evening displayed great talent. An
apology was made for the indisposition of Mrs. Waylett, whose
character in " Mystification" was ably sustained by Miss
Cleaver. The following address was spoken by Miss Cleaver :
A woman speak a prologue! who before,
Ladies at least, e'er heard of such a bore?
In Epilogues, I grant, it is their duty
To learn your pleasure, and with smiles salute ye :
But so it is—'till something else diverts ye,
They've sent me forward just to make—a curt'sy.
Well, here I am.—Aye, all 1 see's compact,
I vow our Manager has shewn some tact.
But, Heav'ns ! No Gallery ! Iliads and Oddysys !"
'Tis downright treason 'gainst the Gods and Goddesses.
No matter ! leave their Godships and their spouses,
o Minor.,
fusty,
black,
e,hlsle
iii n jealous.
In charity, to aid the larger Rouses:
For much I fear, if signs I read aright,
Like Schedule A, they're in a woful plight,
While we, more fortunate, may chance to be
Enfranchised by a clause in Schedule C.
These Majors, in good sooth, are pretty fellows,
ttohoeb,Tr paf t
be the Jury,
teln
Certain your verdict will be just and true—
You the Grand Jury (to the Boxes), Special Jurors, you (to
the Pit).
all
Let them their cause to quibbling lawyers trust,
ButWairt if onboasts, ventne y
We fear no actions while our own are just.
In this our little sphere we meet to-night,
Without monopoly, or " Patent Right."
We stand for justice and will never waver,
Nor grasp at aught—except your special favour.
Expect not here the majesty and grace
That beam'd from Siddons' splendid form and face;
Expect not here the lofty mien and mood
Of Caius Marcius—by the Volscians woo'd ;
Expect not here that Tragedy will sweep
Through five long acts—at best to make you weep.
No, here we mean in lighter wares to deal,
And hope to make ye laugh as well as feel.
But e'en these walls, unblazoned yet in name,
May not unhonoured be, or void of fame.
Merit may here her virgin blush display,
The modest dawning of a radiant day.
The vet'ran, too, with laurels covered o'er,
May here, perchance, still reap one harvest more.
The Comic Muse may here her levee hold,
With wit for spangles, and with sense for gold ;
Troops of light spirits round her gaily glide,
With Humour broad, and Laughter at his side;
New Jordans and new Fanny Kellys start,
To teach us nature, and to touch the heart ;
Mundens and Listons of a future race,
Triumph in matchless excellence of face;
And, with the sanction of your genial smiles,
You here may find a rustic Tyke or Giles.
On such slight grounds we humbly plead our cause,
Ambitious but to merit your applause;
Happy, 'midst rivals North, South, West, and East,
To be, though last, in your esteem not least.
But one word more—our Manager requests
His warmest greetings unto all his guests.
Ladies ! to you he charges me to say,
His grateful homage he shall ever pay;
But, for my part, I think it not less due,
Kind gentlemen, to add our thanks to you.
Permit me now to bid ye welcome here,
And wish ye, each and all, a glad new year.