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 conclusion of the first piece we had some very
,pirited 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
411 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
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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.

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Tale of Sorrow, the principal characters in which
were ably personated by Mr. Henry Howard, Mr. J.
T. Johnson, from the Surrey Theatre, his first ap-
pearance here, Mr. Searle, Mr. John Herbert, Miss
Vincent, and Miss E. Terry, also from the Surrey
Theatre, her first appearance on these boards. This
was followed by the laughable burletta of The Road-
side Inn, in which Miss Terrey, who is a very clever
actress, and a great favourite with the playgoers on
the Surrey side of the water, introduced the "Widow
Mahony," and was rapturously encored. The most
discordant noises, however, prevented the words
which came from the mouths of the actors being
heard in the majority of the scenes, and the utmost
impatience was manifested by the audience for the
commencement of the pantomime. At length the
curtain drew up for the commencement of the new
Christmas entertainment, which bears the title of
Harlequin Hot Codlins, or the Little Old Woman and
the Demon of the Metal Mine. It is founded on the
old nursery rhyme—
There was an old woman, her living she got,
By selling codlins—hot—hot—hot !"
Like the generality of pantomimes the plot is somewhat;
vague, therefore we shall not endeavour to explain it.
The first scene introduces us to the pavilion of Po-
mona in the province of Pippins, and the opening of
the Pippin Parliament by the Queen of Apples (Miss
Terry), and was much applauded. The next scene pre-
sents a rural village at sunrise. Here we find Tol-i
de-rol, a miller (afterwards Harlequin), Mr. Chapino,
in love with Fal-lal-la (afterwards Columbine)
Mdlle. Levite; Rifum Tifum, a dusty miller, father
of Tol-de-rol (afterwards Pantaloon), and Dame Tid-
dyiddy, the little old woman, mother of Fal-lal-la,
are averse to the match, and at length a transforma-

tion of the characters ensues, and the fun and frolic
commences. In the scene which follows there
was an excellent hit at the wretched rate
which semptresses are remunerated for their labour.,
One of those unfortunate females, who obtain a!
wretched subsistence by their needle, brings two!
shirts to her employer, over which is suspended
placard, bearing these words, " Two shirts for a half-
penny." He gives her an I. 0. U. for two farthings,.
and the Clown and Pantaloon immediately lay hold
of him, and put him into a bag, which, on being re-I
moved, presents a " man of marble." The audience!
caught up this allusion, and gave it one loud cheer-1
a cheer expressive of the hatred of the British public
for a species of slavery which is inflicted on the young!
and weak by their employers, whilst they are
amassing wealth by the wearying, wretchedly-
remunerated toil which they impose upon them.!!
Amongst the political events of the passing year!'
which were turned into ridicule were Lord'
Brougham's Bill for the Abolishment of Imprison-
ment for Debt ; Prince Joinville and the bombard-
ment of Tangier ; and the espionage in the Post-;
office. Several postmen were drawn up on the stage!
with letters in their hands, and were drilled
in the opening of letters by the Clown (after Punch).
This created a good deal of laughter at the expense!
of the Home Secretary. Prince Albert's hat and the)
present Lord Mayor came in for their share of notice.
A box is brought on the stage, directed to the church-t
warden of Walbrook, from which a placard is taken,l
expressive of his Lordship's unaccountable propensity.!!!
The baths for the million also were made subject ofl
laughter, as also were Captain Warner's long-rangel
and mesmerism, but, unfortunately, many things,
intended as witticisms fell still-born upon the!
audience. The scenery was very beautiful—many
of the scenes exceedingly gorgeous, more particularly;
the " Kingdom of Knives," a " View of the Bay of
Trafalgar and the Victory," and the " Palace of
Fol-de-rol in the world of Song." Maddle. Levite is'
a very charming Columbine, and danced with much
grace. Mr. Chapino is an agile Harlequin, and
Messrs. Cony and Blanchard (the latter of whom
was vociferously called upon by the audience to sing
"Hot Codlins" and " Tippitywitchit") sustained their
respective parts with considerable credit. With a
little judicious pruning the pantomime will no doubt.
have a long run. The house was crowded, and the
audience, as is usually the case on boxing-day, was,
a good-natured one. There were about the average
number of rows in the pit and gallery, both of which
were so crowded, that it would have been a difficult
matter to have obtained access for another individual.