Transcription
their approbations 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. The Proof of the Four Elements are most naturally, and at the same time, most admirably made out by the shipwrecking of Harlequin, the burying of Doctor 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 is succeeded by a Pastrycook’s, a Cobler’s-stall, and a Painter’s-shop. The scenes then follow that were exhibited at Vauxhall on the night of the Jubilee; and the whole concludes with a representation of the Grand Temple erected 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 humour. The scenes of Vauxhall were well received, and, as well as the others, do honour to the painter. The only thing we had to regret, were those blunders of the Carpenters which too frequently happen on the first night’s representation of a Pantomime, but which, we doubt not, will be rectified, under the judicious and active management of Mr. Astley, who will, no doubt, be amply repaid by a discerning Public, for the very great expence and labour that must have attended the getting up so excellent an entertainment. The two new Burlettas, the one called, The Marriage of the Knave of Hearts, and the other, The Two Nanny’s, were received throughout, the surely (most deservedly) met with the greatest applause. The Two Nannys is the most laughable we ever saw, 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 we do not think he ever 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 the favourite of the town. He appeared on Monday evening even to outdo himself! We would, however, caution him against admiring the Ladies too much, lest he be thrown off the saddle. Upon the whole, from the toȗt 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.
