The Sun.
London, England, 1857-11-21 00:00:00

ADELPIII TIJEdTBE.

Mr. Waster has again displayed his good taste in
profiting by the hints tendered him by the press on
the occasion of the first representation of his new
romantic drama, entitled "The Legend of the Head-
less Man." Since the night of its production it has
undergone such extensive alterations and improvements
that it now bids fair to become immensely popular. All
the incongruities have been removed ; and although the
task seemed almost an impossibility, the talented mana-
ger has proved himself fully equal to tho occasion. In
the piece, as originally performed, there were errors
both of structure and sentiment, which, notwithstanding
the excellence of the acting, and the extreme beauty of
the scenery, detracted not a little from the general effect.
The third act was so heavily encumbered with preter-
natural incidents, that it lacked human interest, and
that rapidity of action so essential to the success of a•
play ; aided to which, the last scene of all, picturing
the infernal regions with appalling particularity, was
a spectacle which, however creditable to the skill of the
stage mechanic, was not calculated to awaken pleasure-
able emotions in the audience. For these blemishes Mr.
Webster was in no degree responsible ; they must be
laid to the account of the French dramatist, from whose
play the piece was adapted, and the manager of the
Adelphi has no further eonnection with them than the
honourable one of having now re-formed them altogether.
Under his judicious supervision the drama has been
remodelled, and it is now presented in a form which
will not fail to render it acceptable to the public.
The Count, who, it will be remembered, is slain in
the third act, but whose habit it has heretofore been
to revisit the earth in spirit, making night hideous by
his spectral apparition, is now killed " for good and
all." The views in Erebus are altogether omitted,
and some other superflcione incidents, which retarded
the action of the !plot to the injury of the interest,
are likewise rescinded.

Mr. Webster's performance of Carl Blitzen, the dare-
devil student—a sort of Don Juan of middle life, who
is just as loving, killing, and fearless as his great pro-
totype—is powerfully acted, and presents one of the most
vivid and graphic portraits we have seen for a long time.
The character of Christine, with its supernatural influ-
ences, its emotional changes, and its romantic tendencies,
is wonderfully suited to the peculiar talents and caps
bilitiss of Madame Celeste, and will strike the most
listless observer.

The scenery, as we have already noticed, is remarkable
for its appropriateness and beauty ; and the costumes,
too, are such as must satisfy the most fastidious and

exacting.

A long and prosperous career may now be fairly
anticipated for "The Headless Man." The theatre
each evening during the week has been very fully and
fashionably attended.

LYCEUM THEATRE.—Her Royal Highness the Duchess
of Cambridge, accompanied by the Princess Mary,
honoured the Pyne and Harrison English opera com-
pany with her presence at this theatre last night, when
Balfe's new opera, " The Rose of Castille," was given
for the 16th time. Their royal highnesses were attended
by Lady Geraldine Somerset and Major Home Purees
EXETER HALL REHEARSAL OF THE HANDEL FESTIVAL
CHORDS.—The first grand vocal rehearsal of the Handel
Festival chorus took place last night in the great room ;
and, indeed, none but a hall of the largest dimensions
could contain the great number of singers thus assem-
bled. The platform was principally occupied by the
ladies of this multitudinous chorus, and the reserved
parterre was surrendered to the male voices. Signor
Costa conducted, with his usual vigour and energy.
The whole of the programme was passed through by ten
o'clock, whieh is a certain sign that the practice has
been severe and effeotive. The first portion of the per-
formance was entirely devoted to sacred music, begin-
ning with Dr. Croft's anthem " We will Rejoice," and
concluding with Mozart's chorus of "Pignus Futuree,"
from the Litany in B flat; which was admirably per-
formed. The second portion consisted of madrigals,
which received, as they demand, the utmost care and
nicety of expression, and, of course, cost an adequate
amount of labour.
BIRMINGHAM THEATRE.—The engagement of a com-
bined foreign and English operatic company, at our
Theatre, commenced on Monday evening lest, with the
announcement of Mozart's " Don Giovanni," but with
the performance of the "Lucia di Lammermoor." The
role of Edgardo was taken by Mr. George Perren, who
sang the music carefully, but without sufficient vocal
power, and with still less histrionic force. The Lucia
of Madame Gassier was marked by that clever artiste's
usual vocal talent ; and, when she warmed her feeliug
towards the denouement, she evidently bad obtained a
more than usual hold on the admiration of the audience.
Mons. Borchardt, in Enrico, displayed a flue baritone
voice with considerable effect. Of the rest of the per•
formers in this opera the least said the better. On Tues-
day evening, Balfe's favourite opera, "The Bohemian
Gill," was presented. Mr. Sims Reeves was the Thad-
deus on the occasion ; and his reception on his entree was
of the mo=t enthusiastic character. Over and ov• r
again the plaudits were renewed by one of the most
numerous audiences that has been a-tsembled in cur
theatre fur some time. Throughout the evening, the
great tenor's perfermance was a (math-oral triumph.
Ms, :acne Borchardt was the Ai line, and, though her
personal appearance and figure did not suit the charac-
ter of the young gipsy, her voice and execution often
elicited much applause. This lady has a good vocal
()rears, and, though her method is at times faulty, yet
she is evidently a well-practised singer. Tee Counts
Arnheim, and Flarestein of Signori Pierini and Mari-
auni were mistakes. The square men were in the round
hole . Mr. Bartleirean performed the part of Devilshoof
vita to 11111C11 animation as frequently to approach
ffoonery. The chorus was weak ; but the band was
good io quality, and well under hand. Lest night,
Verdi's " 11 Trovatore" was presented ; but as the per-
formance did not commence till very near oar hour of
going to press, we are unable, in this impression to
allude to its success.—Birmingham Herald.
Tce Hon. Mu. Boeville has left the St. George's
Hotel.

The Right Hon. B. Disraeli and Mrs. Disraeli have
left Torquay for Hatfield House, on a visit to the
Marquis and garchionese of Saliebury.