"See that the Players be well used."-Hamlet. "Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.' Othello.

DRURY LANE.-At length, on Saturday last, the long heralded, and strongly be-puffed opera of Norma was brought into actual existence; the promise of weeks was huddled into fulfilment; and the mountain, which had for such a length of time been in the pains of parturition, was duly delivered of its progeny. But, alack! after all the labors of hireling scribes, and paragraphists, it turned out to be only a mouse, and not simply a mere mouse, but one with ears cropp'd and tail dock'd. We never gazed upon a more miserable abortion, nor did we ever listen to sounds more vile. In this instance, we certainly did expect something out of the common way, but were most cruelly deceived. The affair reminded us of the great "Nassau Balloon," which, when in promise of ascent, swells and looks big, and rears its mighty bulk on high with graceful dignity. Anon, it bows to the North, and courtesies to the South; then bends to the East, and makes an elegant genuflection to the West, in the politest possible manner. And now, after paying all this majestic court to the multitude, it bounds out of sight, and we crowd to witness its descent. But what does it become then? its inflated appearance is reduced; all grace has departed from it; every mathematical law of form is set at defiance; and it lies along the ground a powerless and shapeless thing!-Such is Norma. In anticipation how great ;-in reality how insignificant !

Of BELLINI, as a musician, we never had a very high opinion. His long-drawn crotchets may suit the Parisian parvenues, but they will not harmonise with the English taste,-especially when spun into the recitative, as is the case in the present instance. We thought we had said enough on this subject, when Catherine Grey was brought out; but Mr. BUNN is the most insensible being, to good advice, out of the Island North of Kamschatka, where it is said that, when an inhabitant is in a dilemma, he asks counsel of a stranger, with the express intention of following his own will. Of the

plot, we have scarcely patience to speak: Norma, a Druidical priestess, takes it into her head to become a female Steinburg, and butcher her children, because Pollio, her husband, plays paw-paw tricks with a princess of Gaul, named Adelgisa! Nature, however, forbids the horrid deed. In the interim, her husband, who is a Roman proconsul, is detected in the act of profaning the Druidical circles, with his fascinating presence; and accordingly, the old priests of the mistletoe condemn him to die. Here is an opportunity for NORMA! Not being able to destroy her children, she takes measures to destroy herself, by revealing the whole secret of her clandestine marriage with the prisoner. This settles the affair at once; sentence of execution is passed; the pair are led, singing, to the sacrifice-the curtain falls-DEVRIENT is called for-and the spectators retire to vent their spleen and disgust, upon those who have unfortunately been too late in providing supper. Alas, for the Drama!

HAYMARKET. From censure, we turn to praise; than which the change of a grub to a butterfly is not more pleasing. In the production of "The Bridal," on Monday evening, Mr. WEBSTER has placed himself at the head of living managers; and we hope, one day, to see him major domo of Drury Lane. The tragedy before us is unique,-it is the brightest light which modern genius has flung across the firmament, o'er which the sun of SHAKSPEARE shines! and many years may probably elapse, e'er we witness such another production. The piece is an adaptation by SHERIDAN KNOWLES (some say assisted by Wm. MACREADY), of BEAUMONT and FLETCHER'S best play, The Maid's Tragedy; and what literary effort, conducted by three such heads, could fail? The tragedy is familiar to all the lovers of the British Classics, and consequently, we need only say that, in its restoration to the stage, all the gross lights have been extinguished, and their places supplied by the living dramatist with fires of purer lustre. Not one poetical thought, or happy illustration of Nature, is lost; whilst many-and bright ones they are-have judiciously been added.

The acting throughout is worthy of the piece. Arcanes, by HAINES, is well played. ELTON as Amintor displays more judgment than he did in the Ghost of Hamlet's Father; and had the old lady, of whom we spoke in our critique on that performance, been with us on this occasion, it is likely she would have admitted that the parched pea' had become a little mellowed.-We know Mr. ELTON can take a joke.

The Melantius of MACREADY was one of his greatest efforts-critically correct, forcible, animated, and true. Praise cannot go higher. Miss HUDDART in Evadne, and Miss TAYLOR in the much improved part of Aspatia, were severally excellent, the former remarkably so. In short, the satisfaction of the most fastidious portion of the audience was complete.-This theatre is doing well.

NEW STRAND.-The entertainments at this delightful little theatre have been again varied this week, and a new burletta was produced, for the first time, on Monday last, from the pen of Joseph Ebsworth, Esq., entitled The Glass Door; or, The Man in the Mackintosh Cloak. It is long since we saw anything half so felicitously conceived, and so admirably acted throughout. The plot is of the most simple construction; the whole consisting of a man in a Mackintosh Cloak (HAMMOND) being upset in a cab and brought into a jeweller's shop-a miniature of his beautiful person, which falls, by accident, into the wrong lady's hands, a little jealousy, -and a glass door! These ingredients, well compounded, form a most relishing dish, of which the audience partook most freely. For ourselves, we never remember to have laughed more heartily, the situations of the parties being admirably contrived. The characters were sustained by HAMMOND, J. LEE, Miss DALY, amd Miss PETTIFER. The two former acted with considerable spirit and evident gusto; while Miss DALY positively surpassed herself. Miss D. really is a charming girl,-so much so as to make us wonder how she can possibly have retained her maiden name so long. It is a positive insult both to her accomplishments and beauty; and argues little for the taste of her male friends and acquaintance. We need hardly say that the Glass Door (too transparent and dangerous a thing, by the way, to have in one's house, where any jealousy exists) was triumphantly successful. The above was preceded by Blind Man's Buff; or, Who Pays the Bill? in which YOUNGE, MELVILLE, ROBERTS, Miss BROOKES, and Miss ELIZA HAMILTON, acted with their usual ability. The latter warbled most sweetly, and ought to have been encored in her song, "Oh, I could love him with a lover's fondness" (we felt she could!) she was, as indeed she generally is, in fine voice and good spirits.

Miss PETTIFER, of whom we wish to speak favorably, seems a nice little girl enough; but she is sadly inanimate in this, as well as every other piece she performs in. We wish we had the pleasure of her acquaintance at our country house, we fancy our youngsters would astonish her weak nerves, and make her laugh and jump about, in spite of herself. On this occasion, however, she was evidently laboring under a severe cold. The above performances have, during the week, been followed by The Winterbottoms, and The Wife, the whole presenting a particularly rich bill of fare.

SURREY. We looked in here on Saturday last, to take our leave of Mr. BUTLER, whose present engagement expired on that evening. We found him playing the Provost of Bruges, which, with the exception of his Hamlet, is perhaps his very best character. He acted with much energy, and was deservedly applauded. He was well supported by SAVILLE, and Mr. DIBDIN PITT. Mrs. HONNER's performance of Constance, deserves especial praise. It was

A

little short of perfection in its way. During the present week, OLE BULL has been delighting the folks on the Surrey side of the water. party of hired ruffians were sent in, by interested parties, to hiss him on Monday night, but were detected by DAVIDGE, and very properly exposed, from the stage. This had the desired effect, and the vagabonds shortly withdrew. Good houses have been the order of the week.

VICTORIA. -Stock pieces, imported from Madame VESTRIS' theatre, are being played here nightly, and the audiences are both respectable, and numerous. Little OXBERRY, WRENCH, and F. MATTHEWS are especial favorites; so also is Miss P. HORTON,-they would, alone, draw a good house.

have been unusually attractive; the pageant ASTLEY'S-The performances of the week of 50 beautiful horses in Gustavus' grand Masque Ball, having excited general admiration,

and drawn hosts of visitors.

NEW CITY OF LONDON.-This pleasant little theatre closed for the summer season, on Monday last; the performances on that evening being for the benefit of the worthy proprietor, Mr. COCKERTON. He had a bumper. We hear this gentleman is now actively beating up for recruits for the opening of his winter campaign. We need hardly say we wish him every success, for he deserves it. By the way, we have just heard he takes a second benefit on Monday next. This is the way to "make both ends meet."

SADLER'S WELLS.-Since the Covent Garden

Company have been playing here, the Managers have been reaping a golden harvest. The performances of the week have been various, and attractive;-William Tell, Eugene Aram, The Exile, Rob Roy, Man and the Tiger, and The Honey-Moon. In the latter, Mrs. WEST as Juliana, and PRITCHARD as Duke Aranza, elicited much applause.

GARRICK.-Mr. FRANKS has, this week, been astonishing the natives of the East end of the Among them is an original Domestic and Nautitown, by the production of many novelties. cal Drama, entitled ' Wapping Old Stairs ;' supported by all the strength of the theatre, and produced with much spirit and judgment. It is full of fun and bustle, and has made a hit. looking sailor's wife, and Miss SHAW, as Sally Mrs. FRANKS, as Mary Heartall, makes a pretty Willow, makes the most of a very indifferent, and sixth-rate character. How could the mana

Mr. and Mrs. YATES return to town next week; and commence their performances at the SURREY on the 10th inst. DAVIDGE requires the aid of their services to fill his treasury; which, just now, is at a very low ebb.

RICE, the American buffoon, is engaged at the SURREY for six nights, to "jump Jim Crow." It is said, that he will then leave the country. Pray Heaven the news may prove true! He is a disgusting object, and can well be spared.

Mr. PRITCHARD takes his benefit at Sadler's Wells, next Monday week. Among other popular performers, who have volunteered their valuable services, are the names of Mrs. STIRLING, and ANDREW DUCROw, Esq. With such a bill of fare as Mr. P. has put forth, he may depend upon a bumper."

The CORPS DE BALLET, of Drury Lane have subscribed to buy a halter; which will be presented to Mr. ALFRED BUNN, in due form, on the closing of the theatre. It is a 'laurel' which he well deserves.

Mr. and Mrs. KEELEY are about to return from America, as are also, several other of our favorite actors and actresses.

The QUEEN'S OWN THEATRE, in Oxford Street, is “ progressing right slick ;" and gives evidence that it will be positively opened some time in the present year. WARDE, we believe, is still to have the management. He is recovering, we hear, from the rheumatism in his shoulder!

The VICTORIA has been doing nearly all the "business" on the Surrey side of the water. The Olympic company have enlisted all hearts in their service, and carry on the war' with little opposition.

|

A SINGULAR GROUP.-On Monday evening last, during the performance of The Glass Door, at the New Strand Theatre, a little old man with a white head-his wife-and, apparently, a maiden aunt, excited no small amusement among the audience. Their delight was so great, that they commenced eating their supper quite at ease; and being in the pit, they were overlooked from every part of the house. The petit souper consisted of bacon, pork, onions, cheese, and a half-quartern loaf; all which were drawn from a large, colored handkerchief, and consumed with an evident relish. The second course consisted of two bottles of liquor,-one containing gin for the ladies,-the other, from its color, being Buxton's Entire. These were despatched con amore; and the cloth, a saffron pocket handkerchief, being cleared away, and their mouths wiped with the same, the party renewed their attention to the other performances of the evening.

GRAVESEND THEATRE.-The inhabitants and visitors of Gravesend will be glad to hear that this place of entertainment has been taken by

Messrs. WILLIAMS, WILKINSON, MACARTHY, and others, of the NEW CITY OF LONDON THEATRE. They have already engaged "pretty little Miss SHAW" of the Theatre Royal Adelphi, Mrs. GARRICK, Miss GARRICK, and a number of other favorite performers. Mr. TULLY is to be leader of the band. The Theatre will open in about ten days.

THEATRICAL TREASON.-Most of the playbills have, annexed to them, the words " Vivant REX ET REGINA!" Informers! what are you about? You are losing a good day's work!

RICHMOND THEATRE.-It is rumored that the fascinating Miss DESBOROUGH is in treaty for this pretty little theatre. If any body can make a property of it, we think she stands more than a fair chance. She shall not lack our support.

As Mr. NORMAN and Miss MEARS (alias Mrs. ANGELL), were strolling, the other evening, in one of their favorite walks, the latter was stung in the heel by an adder. By the prompt and unremitting attention, however, of Mr. N., she gradually recovered, and is now convalescent.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.-Mr. WILSON, a cheesemonger of Regent Street, has just been robbed of a ton weight of Pinnock's Guide to Knowledge," which was sold by William Glan

A MARRIAGE PORTION.

[The following were described by the late Mr. Samuel Taylor COLERIDGE, as being indispensably necessary articles to begin housekeeping with.]

A riddle slice; a candle box; two ventilators; two glasses for the wash-hand stand; one tin dust-pan; one small tin tea-kettle; one pair of candlesticks; one carpet brush; one flour dredge; three tin extinguishers; two mats; a pair of slippers; a cheese toaster; two large tin spoons; a bible; a keg of porter; coffee; raisins; currants; catsup; nutmegs; allspice; cinnamon; rice; ginger and mace.

LINES FOR AN ALBUM.

HERE bits and scraps together mingle,
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Pictures, pastime-prose, and jingle,

Charm the ears and please the eyes.

Smart witty lines, and love-born ballads,
Neat morceaux sublime and bold;
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A hotch-potch-olio, rich and pleasing,
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To put the monster, care, to flight.

ADVERTISEMENTS.
AMUSEMENTS OF THE WEEK.

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THE

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VOL. I.-No. 9.]

SKETCHES OF CHARACTER.-No. 3.

MY LADY MAYORESS.

MY LADY MAYORESS was once plain Mrs. Till but the butterfly remembereth not the days of its grubhood; and the Lady Mayoress is quite unconscious of ever having slipped a halfpenny through an aperture in the counter. She, indeed, recollects having once seen some copper coins; and she rather thinks she spoiled a pair of white kid gloves, in taking one up, to see if they had really stamped the King's head upon such vulgar metal. She owns, however, that the impression was very like his Majesty, whom she has often the pleasure of meeting at St. James's, and who has quite taken a fancy to his Lordship. The Mansion-House she regards as the finest specimen of architecture in the world; far finer than the East India House, and out of all comparison with Bridewell. She, herself, was once designated, by his Lordship's chaplain, at a conversazione in the Mansion House, the Cleopatra of the Egyptian Hall. If she were permitted to describe her residence in plain English, she would present you with her address card, "The Right Honorable the Lady Mayoress, No. 1, Universe." Though not of a logical understanding, she can demonstrate that there is none like unto her, in station, throughout the earth; for, as Europe is the first quarter of the world, (she heard this at the conversazione) England the first country of Europe, London the first city of England, and her husband the first personage in London-so is she the better

[PRICE TWO-PENCE.

half-in fact the two-thirds-of this head and front of humanity. She discharges a thoughtless servant, once a month, for calling him "Sir;" and as for a tradesman who, eight and forty hours after inauguration, sent in his vulgar his insolence by paying him upon the spot. account to "Mr. Till," she properly resented She sends what she calls her first year's subscription to all the charitable institutions. While she is quite sure her lord will be created a viscount, she contrives to droop over the idea of a constant round of palace visits and state dinners. She complains that they expect too much from her at St. James's-that the people at court are quite unreasonable-and as for the public, she almost faints at the necessity of keeping the blinds of the carriage up, to avoid the impertinent curiosity of the crowd. She insists that the omnibuses must not be allowed ought to keep to the back streets. Every now to pass through Temple Bar, and that the carts and then she hints that her health will render this necessary, should the event take place which her lord so fondly desires; an event that -that-but, as she justly remarks, "Why the deuce should one be so anxious about it, if one is to get nothing but silly congratulations, instead of silver cradles!" As the month of November approaches again, she becomes more fatigued than ever; but solemnly enjoins his lordship, night and morning, to fulfil the wishes they may have no excuse with posterity in the of his Majesty's ministers, in every thing, that eventof this title ceasing on the ninth! About the sixth or seventh, she begins openly to in