Transcription
Intelligence from the Royal Grove, or Astley’s Amphitheatre.
The novelty and variety of the entertainments yesterday evening, caused every part of the Amphitheatre to be overflowed, soon after the doors were opened; and it is but justice to say, that the expectations of the public were fully answered. Their approbation being given by loud and repeated bursts of applause.
The new Pantomime, called “Harlequin’s Proof of the Four Elements, or the Vauxhall Jubilee, what is it?” was highly relished. This proof of the four elements are most naturally, and at the same time most admirably made out, by the shipwrecking of Harlequin, the burying Dr. Graham in the earth, the sending him into the air, and the putting an old man into an oven. The Pantomime opens with a beautiful scene of Venice, which is succeeded by a magician’s chamber; this is followed by a blacksmith’s shop, and an inn-yard, which are succeeded by a pastry cook’s shop, a cobler’s [sic] stall, and a painter’s shop. The scenes than follow that ere exhibited at Vauxhall on the night of the Jubilee; and the whole concludes with a representation of the grand temple erected their on the occasion; there are besides a number of subordinate scenes, highly deserving notice.
The business of the Pantomime is extremely good; it abounds with thoughts that are equally new and happy, and is replete with real fun, and genuine humor. The scenes of Vauxhall were well received, and, as well as the others, do honor to the painter. The only thing to be regretted, was those blunders of the carpenters, which too frequently happen of the first night’s representation of a Pantomime; but which, no doubt, will be restricted under the judicious and active manner of Mr. Astley, who will, no doubt, be amply repaid by a discerning public, for the very great expense of labour that must have attended the getting up so excellent an entertainment.
The two new Burlettas, the one called “The Knave of hearts,” and the other the “Two Nannys,” were received throughout, and surely most deservedly, with the greatest applause. The Two Nannys is the most laughable burletta ever seen, and cannot fail becoming a great favourite with the town. The characters of the marriage of the Knave of Hearts, exhibit the very cards they represent, and consequently must have a very striking effect: they must, at least, have had a very striking effect on Mr. Astley’s pocket, though he perhaps never played his cards better. The music of the Burlettas, as well as the Pantomime, is very spirited and characteristic, and the performers in general did every justice to their parts.
Young Astley seems every night to become more and more favourite of the town; he appeared yesterday evening even to outdo himself! He should be cautioned against admiring the ladies too much, lest he should be thrown off the saddle!
Upon the whole, from the tout ensemble of the various amusements, there is no doubt but that the Royal Grove, or Astley’s Amphitheatre, will long continue to take the lead of every other place of public entertainment.
