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

ADELPIII THEATRE.

Mr. Webster has agaia displayed his good taste in
profiting by the hints tendered him by the press en
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 himeelt fully equal to the 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 prefer,
natural incidents, that it lacked haman interest,- and
that rapidity of action so essential to the success of a
play ; added 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 aelapted, and the manager of the
Adelphi has no further connection with them than the
honourable one of having now re-formed them el'ogether.
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 heret')fore been
to revisit the earth in spirit, making night hideous by
his spectral apparition, ie now killed " for good and
all." The views in Erebus are altogether omitted,
and some other superfluoue 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are likewise rescinded.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 stuient—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 capa
bilities 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,
to; 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.—Tier 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 REUEARSAL OF THE HANDEL FESTIVAL
CHORIIS.—Te 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 mul'itndiaous chorus, and the reserved
pirterre 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, which is a certain sign that the practice has
been severe and effective. 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 Mozert's chorus of "Pignus Futures,"
from the Litany in B fiat, 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.—ne engagement of a com-
bined foreign and English operatic company, at our
Theatre, commenced on Monday evening last, with the
announcement of Mozart's " Don Giovanni," but with
the performance of the "Lucia di Laminermeor." The
role of Klgardo was taken by Mr. George Perren, who
sang the music carefully, but without sufficient vocal
power, and with edit less histrionic force. The Lucia
of Madame Gassier was marked by that clever artiste's
usual vecal talent ; and, when. she warmed her feeling
towards the denouement, she evidently bad obtained a
more than usual hold on the admiration of the audience.
Mons. Borchardt, in Enrico, displayed a fine baritone
voice with nmsiderahle effect. Of the rest of the per•
formers in this opara the least said the better. Oa Tues-
day evening, Balfe's favourite °pre, "The Bohemian
Girl," was presented. Mr. Sines Reeves was the Thad-
deus on the occasion ; and his reception on his entree was
of the most enthusiastic character. Over and ovtr
again the plaudits were renewed by one of the most
numerous audiences that has been aeeermbled in our
theatre for some time. Throughout the evening, the
great tenor's performance was a continual triumph.
Ma?aine Borchardt was the Aline, and, though her
personal appearance and figure did not suit the charac-
ter of the young i;iry, her voice rind execution often
elicited much tepplaute. This lady has a good vocal
or4an, and, though nor method is at times faulty, yet
she evidently a well-practised einger. Tee Counts
A rnhciin, and .Flirotein of Signori Pierini and Mari-
auei were mistakes. The square men were in the round
hole-. 11r.13artleasan performed the part of Devilshoof
with so much animation as frtquently to approach
buffoonery The chorus was weak ; but the band was
goad to quality, and well under Laud. Lest ni4ht,
Verdi's "11 Trovatore" was presented ; -but as the per-
formance did not C,tutllehee till very near our hour of
going to press, we are unable, in this iMpression to
allude to its success.—liirminghain, Herald.
The Hon. tlrr. Basville has left the St. Georges
The Riaht Hon. B. Disraeli and Mrs. Disra!li have
left Turquay for liatrhld un a visit to the
Marquis and Marehioates ot Salisbury.