Transcription
The new piece of ABON HASSEN, taken from the Arabian Nights, and arranged for the Stage by Young ASTLEY, does him the highest credit. The Music is compiled, it is true, but is not less pleasing on that account: the dresses, though whimsical, are elegant; and the scenery is in every respect suitable. The characters are well performed, and well applauded—we were not, however, a little surprised to behold a SECOND new piece on the same evening, and in the Pantomimical strain; it is called the GOOD and BAD; or JUPITER’S VENGEANCE, taken from the well-known story of Baucis and Philemon, as recorded in the Heathen Mythology; a history, which, no doubt, affords a large field for matter for stage representation. The uncommon brilliancy of the dresses, scenery, and machinery of this Pantomime, the chef d’oeuvre of Young Astley, is such as to beggar all description.—The Horse Exercise surpassed all former performances of that kin; nor did ever an audience laugh more heartily at the expense of the Taylor on his journey to Brentford: the attitudes of the wonderful animal which created this laughter, called to our mind the excellent remarks of Mr. Bunbury, in his late publication on this subject.—We cannot close this account without noticing the brilliant assemblage of persons who were spectators of this admirable Entertainment; nor without again declaring that we were never present at any public Theatre, where an audience appeared better pleased, nor performances more applauded.
