The Sun.
London, England, 1844-12-27 00:00:00

ASTLEY'S THEATRE.

The Royal Fox Hunt, or Life's Course of Man
and Steed, which has been so successful at this popu-
lar house, opened the entertainment last evening, and
went off with the utmost eclat, the real fox hunt, in
particular, being loudly and deservedly applauded.
On the conclusion of the first piece we had some very
spirited scenes in the circle, supported by Maddle•
Helene and Mr. Bridges. We were truly delighted
with the performances of the horse " Beda," which
were most astonishing. This beautiful horse is worth
all the steeds in Arabia. Mr. Newsome and Miss
Isabelle, " the sylph of the circle," were much ap-
plauded in the Polka dance, which they elegantly
performed on horseback. After this came the great
attraction of the night—the pantomime which was
called Harlequin and Johnny Gilpin's Ride, or the
Black Witch of Edmonton. This pantomime is one
of the best we have ever seen ; indeed, no theatre has
such resources for pantomimic representation as
Astley's. The opening scenes of the panto-
mime last night were indeed splendid, and
reflect the highest credit on all the per-
formers engaged in it. The ever-memorable ride
of Johnny Gilpin to Edmonton is admirably repre-
sented, and drew down the most rapturous applause,
while laughter shook the theatre. The represen-
tation was perfect, and it will easily be imagined
upon what an extensive scale the piece has been got
up, when it is considered that in the pursuit of
Johnny Gilpin no less than a dozen horses are en-
gaged, all of which gallop at full speed along the se-
veral avenues on the stage. The pantomime com-
mences with the Witches' Dell, where is held the
meeting of Mothers Shipton, Bunch, Red and Black
Cap, Hubbard and Goose, who summon the Black
Witch of Edmonton from the magic cauldron. Pre-
parations are then made to annoy Johnny Gilpin on
his journey, and the spirits of horseflesh are
called from " the vasty deep," and depart on
their mission ; after which there is a beautiful change
to the realms of Sunshine, in which appears Rose
Court, who gladly promises to assist the Black Witch
in preserving the lovers, Giles and Rose, from Gil-
pin's revenge. London in the Olden Times is then
represented very excellently, with its shops and Gil-
pin's abode. We have then. the departure of Mrs.
Gilpin and children in the chaise, and the realisation
of Gilpin's famous ride followed, by the mischievous
tricks of the sprites. The lovers escape, and are
ordered to join in the pursuit. The renowned Bell
at Edmonton is shown, with Mrs. Gilpin and her
sisters in the balcony, who witness the flight of
Gilpin. " The dinner waits, and so do I." A very
good magical change takes place of a milestone
into a fairy banquet. The sprites enjoy themselves,
and the Rose Court enters with her fruit, chariot,
and six fairy steeds—most beautiful creatures.
Gilpin, unable to hold in his horse, loses his hat and
wig, and at length is carried into the tailor's shop at
Ware, where he is thrown to the ground. The pan-
tomimic transformations then take place, and the
comic business begins. It will be seen, from this
loose sketch, that this pantomime is a most effective
one, and we are sure that it will prove highly attrac-
tive for some time to come. The house was thronged,
as this theatre usually is, a reward which Mr. Batty,
the indefatigable manager, has amply earned.