The Sun.
London, England, 1821-08-02 00:00:00

TILE THEATRES,

The recent national solemnity, which forms one
of the most interesting and august epochas in the
history of the British Empire, has given occasion
to theatrical exhibitions of the splendid cere-
monies attending the important event. Covent
Garden Theatre tnok the lead on this occasion,
and produced a very magnificent spectacle, which
has been so attractive that we hope it has abund-
antly recompensed the proprietors for their ad-
venturous liberality. Last night Drury-lane
Theatre displayed 4 similar exhibition upon a
still more extensive scalp, and in point of fnav-
nificenae fully equalled, and probably surpassed
any thing of the same kind that any theatre has
hitherto produced. This splendidrshow, which
had been some time in preparation,'and which
indeed required long preparation and laborious
attention to bring it. forward in such a stile of
grandeur and accuracy, followed the Comedy
of the Dramatist. The following is a brief out-
line of the whole, but no description can give a
sufficient perception of the sple,ndour and. variety
of the scenery, &c. &c.

A platform six or eight feet wide was thrown from the centre
of the stage completely across the pit, by which the Champion
was to enter with his attendants, and other personages who
had parts to §44t4in in the ceremonial. Behind the curtain a
-correct • representation of the platform' by which-- the King
passed from the Hall to the Abbey was prepared with a new
scene, on which were pictured the soldiers stationed by its side,,
the populace in their rear, and the spectators in the temporary
galleries erected for the accommodation of the public. The pro-
cession was then seen as passing from the Hail to Westminster
Abbey. The Herb Women, the Six Clerks of Chancery, the
J udges, the Knights of various ()rams, the Bishops, the Barons,
the Earls, the Ni arquisses, the Dulees, the Princes of the Blood,
and .the King, with correct imitatnins of the CoStume
Hers, and Regalia, successively cross the stage in nearly Inc
same order as in the actual procession, followed by the Yeo-
men of the Gnaral and other attendants, the choir singing as
they advance. The next scene represents the Abbey, with the
choir and galleries, peopled as they were on tlie., day of
the Coronation. Here the Throne, the Chair of Einvitihi the
CONFESSOR, and the other objects of interest in the_ Catlie-
dral appear. HANDECS Coronation antlenr is performed, and
several other pieces of the sacred music which formed part
of the solemnity. When the scene opens, most of the com-
pany are discovered in their places, but the representatives
of the Peers carying the regalia, of the two Archbishops,
and the ging, who is personated by the real monarch of tais
establishment (Mr. Ef,LISTON), pass across the pit, and are
supposed to enter the Abbey from the platform. The crown is
placed on the KiAtWa head, and the Peers put on their coronets
at the same moment. Then follows a scene in the Park in which
a Naval Officer, a Jack Tar, his Sweetheart, and a Rustic enter-
tain the audience with a song about the, Coronation, some love
songs, and some loyal sentiments • awl w;' Fe next treated
with a view of the Hall with the King seated on his throne,
and at dinner. This is a most magnificent scene, and it is truly
valuable from the very accurate picture which it gives of the
general appearances of Westminster Hall on that incanorable
day. 44 Non nobis Domine "is sting ; the Champion, with the
Earl Marshal, .find the High Constable of England are intro-
duced
by the platfOrm—the challenge is given, and they return
backing all the way across the
.pin—To the description we have
given of the effects aimed at in this spectacle we have little to
add, but that they were completely successful, aeal the whole
met with the most fervent applause. many of tho eanat interest-
ing features of this magnificent pageant that has esia*ted such
extraordinary attention, are given with . perfect" Acidity,
and the spectacle altogether presents a brilliant miniature of the
whole ceremonial. It will nnprrivy nn repetition. The horses
were not quite perfect in their pinta, and Were rather startled at
the plaudits they obtained. This occasioned a little confusion
and partial alarm, but no at:el/lent occurred. " Non Nobis
Domino" was sung before the entrance of the Champion.—
ft ought to have been reserved till after he had retired.—
The swords were carried in their sheathe. We remem-
ber Lord GWYDYR was directed by ehe KING to un,
sheath them before the procession was formed. The Lora
Mayor and Aldermen we believe were forgotten, but the omis-
sions to be noticed were uncommonly few, and the audience,
or rather spectators, evinced the highest gratification at all they
saw. When the curtain ±HJ, they insisted on its being draw 4,.
up again,- and " God save the King," having been loudly de;;
manded, it was sung by the vocal performers, who were or=
empted on this occasion from the interruptions to which they
have been lately accustomed.

The crowded audience which attended, and
the reiterated applause with Ivhich this magnifi-
cent spectacle was received, promise a full remu-
neration to the enterprising spirit of the Ma-
nagement.

PARAPITEgN4Pp.—In the play-bills of Drury-
Lane Theatre, in reference to the represen-
tation of The Coronation, this word is im-
properly used, and, as h is generally misapplied,
it may not be improper to give the interpreta-
tion of it from the dictionary 64 Parapherna, or
Paraphernalia—Those goods which a wife chal-
lengeth over and above her dower or jointure
after her kusband's death; .as furniture for her
chamber, wearing apparel, jewels, Sz.c. which are
not to be put into the inventory of her husband's,
and which are at Iker disposal." It is evident,
therefore, that this 'word has no connection with
the costratze, decorations, &c. &c. of the recent
celebration.