Transcription
ASTLEY began his summer campaign last night with his accustomed spirit and activity; the Amphitheatre, Westminster Bridge, literally overflowed in every part; nor was the applause more general than well merited, for the entertainments were such as evidenced the Manager’s determination to maintain his wonted superiority in the estimation of the Public. Of the new pieces brought forward last night, we can only say, the Cork in an Uproar kept the house in one continual roar of laughter; which was most judiciously contrasted in the charming musical entertainment of the Old Trunk, at the representation of which we frequently observed a sympathising tear steal down the cheek of sensibility.—The Equestrian Exercises, though few, were the best we ever remember to have seen; Master Taylor has now learnt what a horse in cadence may enable him to do. The performance of the monkies must be seen to be credited; and the Pantomime of Harlequin Celestial is rich in invention, beautifully decorated with curious machinery, transformations, &c. in short, the whole have infinite satisfaction, and proved the assiduity and experience of Mr. Astley.
JONES’S ROYAL CIRCUS THEATRE, St. George’s Field—Yesterday evening this Theatre opened, as was crowded at an early hour. There are some beautiful new matters got up, which were highly relished by the audience; among others in a piece representing the French Fleet in a fog on the Irish coast, and the action between the Polyphemus and the Tortue which is fought in a masterly manner. The boarding and striking the colours had a fine effect. There was a representation of the new military signal post, as used on the coast. It was worked and explained by Mr. Lunardi, and is one of the most extraordinary pieces of mechanism we ever witnessed. The Equestrian Exercises, Dances, and Pantomime were not forgot. All went off with eclat.
