The Era from London, Greater London, England • 10

December 8, 1867. 10 THE A. Miss Neilson in the Provinces. Chishohn, who had, during the assembling of the audicie some of his choicest pieces on the harmonium, performed ec' of an overture to the tragedy. The green curtain ascemlwl exposed to view the beautiful scenery, painted for the ocro very clever artist, Mr.

Hamilton M'Millan. The whole a- ya ments were most creditable to the directum Cominiftn moiii-a itcic xhvjou wcuii.uio uncivilly, OmmittftP A- was exceedingly well played, as was the farce of Deaf as $tas and it is useless to remark uoon individual eYr.ellai, "pi, a 0SU were delighted, and expressed their delight in rounds of 06 If- pf tha nf wqd ninmU-u The Wandering Thespians- The Wandering Thespians commenced their season with a performance at St. George's Theatre on Tuesday evening. The profits will be given to the widow and family of the late Henry Buekland. St.

George's Hall, or Theatre, was well filled, and Mr. Walter Stephens, a prominent member of the Wandering Thespians' Society, brought forward his own drama, in a prologue and three acts, and called A Woman's Whim. The art of writing for the stage is only to be learned through a series of experiments sometimes disheartening in their results. Construction is, perhaps, of more vital importance than dialogue, for many a skilfully-arranged drama has enjoyed a popularity denied to others in which the language may have been of a very superior order. Mr.

Walter Stephens is, of course, a beginner in this kind of literary work, and Tuesday night's performance must surely have been a useful lesson, and must have placed before him, in the clearest light, the weak points in A Woman's Whim. The drama is good enough to the female as well as the male parts but, through indisposit one of the members, the parte, thanks to Mr. Alexander i A -J 1... nr.ir r'Ellt. op Doualas.

and SoDhv Walton, Anna, in in Vi? charmingly enacted by that favourite actress, of the Theatre pWrie Miss Kate Koss, who received a most cordial reception, and suT to make it long remembered. On Monday evening the perform- aS of Thursday were repeated, when the Hall was again crowded the amateurs were indebted to Mr. Alexander Wright for it! ji granting the services of Miss Jenny Armstrong, who enactedri parts played by Miss Kate Eoss. tlle The United Service Dramatic Company at Taunton ana Bridgwater. During the past fortnight the above company has alternate between the above towns, attracting, especially at the former pk very large audiences.

S.A.E. le Prince de Vistnes et de who is well known in the West of England as a talented amateur and who has lately joined the United Service Dramatic Clul' appeared to great advantage as in Box and Cox and the General, in Bombastes, which time-honoured forerunner of our modern burlesques was admirably rendered, a variety of songs dances being introduced and adapted. Mrs. B. H.

Williams g'lv'e additional interest to the performance by her representation of Distaffma. The focal papers abound with praise of the principal pieces of the company, The Lady of Lyons, Meg's Diversion Audley's Secret, Used Up, Regular Fix, and Little Toddlekins beinc amongst the most popular. The company, under the able Management of Captain Disney Roebuck, has now entered upon the eleventh month of its present tour, a convincing proof of the genuine talent possessed by the leading members, and the great attraction it lias proved in the principal towns of the West of England. (From the Swansea Cambrian, Sept. 20th.) Theatre Royal.

Mrs. Pitt's Management, and the talent of the most prominent artistes introduced by her to the Swansea public, we have often had occasion to praise and tho pains taken by her to give the loverg of the Drama? an opportunity of seeing and hearing Miss Neilson ere the present season closes will place them under additional obligations to her. Of this lady, who has received most favourable notices from the critics of the Metropolitan Press, and has worked the Theatre-goers of Dublin into a high state of enthusiasm, we can speak in terms of sincere culogium. In her impersonation of Juliet, on Monday nidit, it would be difficult to conceive greater propriety of acting. was an utter absence of all histrionic extravagance, and a quiet power of grace and dignity which are the real offspring of genuine talent.

The maiden truthfulness and earnestness of Juliet, when love of Romeo became her ruling passion her girlish simplicity when coquetting with her old nurse talking, and coaxing, and fondliug her into acquiescence with her desire for news her determination, fixed as the Amazon's, to have aid from the Friar for her endangered lord her wild, agonising terror at the phantoms which her fancy had created ae about to meet her vision, when she should awake from her stupor in the tomb of the Capulets the ineffable tenderness of her affection for her lover, with whom, notwithstanding a full, though half-concealed, appreciation of death's bitterness, she has determined to die these, and much more, were represented with a wonderful truthfulness to Nature, and a power which, thoroughly enlisting the sympathies of the audience, called forth their hearty plaudits and drew tears from eyes not given to weeping. Mias Neilaon's appearance is engaging, and her voice ia one of much sweetness and compass. We do not expect ever to see the part of Juliet better performed than she performed it on Monday, and we regret that wo have not had an earlier opportunity of directing public attention to the superior merit of this accomplished artiste. We perceive, by an advertisement in another column, that this admirable tragedienne takes her benefit this evening, when she will appear in The Lady of Lyons. (From the Swansea Cambria Daily Leader, Sept.

21st.) Miss Neilson at the Swansea Theatre. On Thursday, Miss Neilson appeared in her favourite character of Victorine, in Bucksione's successful drama of that name. Miss Neilson's impersonation was perfect in every respect, and waB certainly the finest piece of acting it has been our pleasure to witness. The elasticity of her countenance, her sweet musical voice, and the graceful symmetry of her form all combined to qualify her in a pre-eminent degree for the part of heroine in the great Adelphi drama How she portrayed the young and joyous embroidercss of eighteen summers the pampered lady of twenty-four; and last, tho lodging-house keeper of forty-four, rendered prematurely old by the misery which ever follows in the wake of vice are things which may be imagined, but certainly cannot be described, The change from the gay to the grave, from the humoroua to the pathetic when the light-hearted girl of other days finds herself deserted, friendlessand alone was really marvellous. We refrain from saying more, lest our eulogism may appear fulsome but we only echo the opinion of the critics of tho London Press when we Bay, that Miss Neilson is fully up to our conception of an ideal actress, chaste and graceful, and at the same time tragic and pathetic, combining superior elocution with the highest style of histrionic art.

We regret to find that Miss Neilson's visit is limited to six nights' engagement, which terminates this evening, and we express the unanimous wish of the playgoing public when we add, that we hope to see her again ere long, when we feel confident she will receive the same ovation at the bands of a Swansea audience which was willingly accorded to her on Thursday evening. (From the Cheltenham Examiner, Oct. 9th.) Theatre Royal, Oi.i Wells. On Monday evening Shakespeare's great tragedy Eomeo and Juliet was the piece cast, and was wholly remarkable for the appearauce of Miss Neilson as Juliet. Miss Neilaon looked the part; hut, further than that, gifted with a well-modulated voice and great power of expression, she acted it.

The ordinary theatrical audiences of Cheltenham are not the best to play to; their appreciation of Shakespeare would scarcely have encouraged a Drury-lane revival, but even a Cheltenham audience acknowledged by their attention, and by the enthusiastic applause which every now and again broke forth on Monday evening, tne great treat which Miss Neilson afforded them. In the scene where the old nurse informs uliet of the death of her cousin at the hands of her husband, Konieo, she made her first great effect, and when she spoke the words Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband she had to wait the pleasure of the audience, and, at the close of the scene, acknowledge their tribute to her success before the curtaiu. Again, in Act scene 5, where she takes the drug which Friar Lawrence has prepared, she rose to the most exalted conception of the part, and when she had played her role in the closing scene with equal success, the applause which greeted the fall of tho curtain was as unfeigned as any we rcmeiubor to have heard within the walls of the Old Wells. (From the Cteltenliam Express, Oct. 12th.) Royal Old Wells.

Miss Neilson, the eminent tragedienne, has won golden opinions here. Her impersonation of the various characters she undertakes are masterpieces oi art, and the applause she receives is well deserved. Whether as Juliet, Victorine, Julia, or Pauline, she is equally skilful, and her acting electrifies the audience into bestowing long-continued applause, (From the Stockton Herald, Oct. 25th.) The Theatre. The lovers of the Drama havo had a treat during the past week in witnessing the performances of Miss Neilson, who has taken the chief characters in some of the best plays ot the day with a surprising and thrilling effect.

Wo do not hesitate to say that she is the best actress who has appeared upon the Stockton boards in modern times. The effect of her acting has been to excite to the utmost the feelings of the audience. She has carried them along with her in the most intense Bympathy, which frequently broke forth in the earnest applause repeatedly given her, and the calls before the curtain several times during the evening. Her manner is graceful and unaffected, united with great simplicity. She feels the part she takes, and gives vent to the intensity of emotion in tears, which, falling down her expressive features, enhance the passions so powerfully depicted iu them.

In the character of Pauline, her acting was thrilling in the extreme. We regrot that her stay in Stockton is so short. The more frequently she is seen the higher will she rise in warrant repetition, and it mav strike Mr. Walter btepnens tnat, before reproducing it, he should, above all, make extensive excisions." At present it is much too long, and whole scenes might be obliterated with advantage. In a few words, too, motives and intentions might be made far clearer than they are at present, and though this ruthless process of condensing would be unwelcome to any young author, it is the only course open to Mr.

Stephens should he intend to bring the piece forward at any future entertainment of the Wandering Thespians. As it now stands A Woman's Whim is no more intelligible than the caprices of the Gharming sex, generally speaking, and it is by no means easy to follow the plot. To the best of our ability we here subjoin an outline of the story. Colonel Douglas Clavering (Mr. Walter Stephens'), a proscribed, and ruined cavalier, accompanied by Captain Hardley, another refugee, take shelter at an inn kept by Giles Sharp (Mr.

W. C. Bentley). Clavering is tenderly loved by his cousin, Constance Stuart (Miss Bowman), "a wealthy Royalist orphan." She is an invalid, and constantly attended by Dame Dalphrase (Miss Sullivan), who possesses an elixir that will always restore Constance's energies. Less than ten drops of this preparation will kill the recipient, and Harley, overhearing this, prepares his plan then and there.

Constance (snubbed by Clavering, who sits apart like a sulky boy) faints on the spot, and Harley immediately manipulates the elixir. Constance dies, Clavering announces his intention of seeking death in battle, and the curtain falls on the prologue. Clavering, instead of courting death, takes refuge in the house of his sister Edith (Mdlle. Elise de Rohan). He is there in concealment, and is confounded by the resemblance ot Sybil (Miss Bowman), Edith's companion, to his lost Constance.

Captain Harley has changed his name and his principles. He is now a Parliamentarian, and known as Captain Stelfax. Singularly enough he is appointed by Cromwell, Edith's guardian, and proposes marriage to her. The fact of a Cavalier being in concealment is betrayed by Tribulation, a Puritan servant (Miss Sullivan). Edith confesses it is her brother, and Stelfax agrees to favour his escape if she will become his wife.

Clavering refuses to accept his freedom on those terms, and sends a letter from his prison, which enrages Cromwell still further against him. The Protector, however, is at last struck with his bravery, and Sybil, turns out to be Constance Stuart after all, and completely recovered from the effects of the elixir. All ends happily, Clavering and Constance are betrothed, and The Dominie (Mr. W. H.

Corfield), "a pedagogue," inconveniently addicted to proverbs, blesses the lovers. Miss Elise de Eohan and Miss Sullivan, of the ladies, and Mr. Walter Stephens, of the gentlemen, carried off the honours of 1 he evening, though Miss Bowman's was an exceedingly handsome Constance Stuart. Mr. Carney composed the music for the piece, and, we presume, his was the voice which gave the drinking song in the prologue, for it was hard to believe Captain Harley was singing, although his lips moved.

The optical effect, "the Vision," was produced by Mr. W. Squire. To Oblige Benson, with Mr. W.

C. Bartley as Benson, Mr. G. E. Willis as Trotter Southdown, Mr.

Butler as Meredith, Miss Dalton as Mrs. Benson, and Miss Sullivan as Mrs. Southdown, commenced the perform-ances, and Mr. G. E.

Willis's Southdown was much applauded. The K. S. C. Band, conducted by Mr.

Pratt, is a good one, and filled up the pauses with some excellent selections of music. VESTVALI. Felicita de Ve3tvali is a member of an old aristocratic family, being the daughter of the Count Pawlowski, who was married to Charlotte, Baroness Hunefeldt. She was born in Berlin on the 23d of February, 1841. Undowed by nature with singular talent, she was early given every advantage that instruction could afford.

At the age of twelve she spoke five languages fluently, and was well versed in the works of the principal ancient as well as modern poets. She was likewise a skilful performer upon several musical instruments. Her education was conducted principally in Berlin, and the subsequently became a pupil of the famous Professor Kocaurt. Having completed her musical studies under the great maestro, Mercaaante, she made her debut at the Theatre of La Scala, in Milan, as Azueena, in Verdi's opera, II Trovatore, and effected at once an extraordinary sensation. She then made a tour of the principal cities of continental Europe Rome, Florence, Naples, Vienna, Berlin, St.

Petersburgh, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Lisbon, finally visiting Paris, where she had been previously offered to be received as a substitute for Rachel, at a period when the physical powers of that grand actress began to show symptoms of decay. At the Imtierial Opera, in Pans, Vestvali created a perfectiowe in the part of Komeo (the piece having been expressly for her rendered into French). Fiorentini, Jules Janin, and all the leading critics spoke of her genius and execution in language of the highest eulogy. After a brilliant career of two years in Paris, the universal laudations bestowed upon her histrionic abilities decided her on cultivating the loftiest walks of the Drama, and the love of travel and adventure impelled her to seek fresh fields and pastures The New World next became the arena of Vestvali's triumphs. In Mexico, Cuba, and all the chief towns of the United States she was received with enthusiastic admiration throughout her professional campaign.

She was, moreover, greeted most cordially at the White House by both the late and the present President of the great Republic. From all who have enjoyed the good fortune of her private acquaintance she has won golden opinions, both in Europe and America, as a most amiable and accomplished lady, whilst the public and the Press of the various countries of her sojourn have paid universal homage to her as an artist of consummate histrionic ability. The warm, impulsive, frank, and sincere nature of Felicita Vestvali attracts affectionate regard, as her artistic pre-eminence commands profound admiration. Vestvali's features are handsome, their expression pleasing, and replete with intelligence. Her figure is tall, commanding, and splendidly moulded.

Her action is characterised by dignity and grace. Her voice, in speaking and in singing, is one of great power, richness, and melody. That study and reflection have been superadded to uncommon natural gifts is evident from her great impersonation of Komeo, now being nightly given at the Lyceum, and which has been hailed by crowded audiences with storms of applause, and commented on by the London Press in terms of high praise, as being portrayed with the utmost skill, with admirable power ol elocution, originality of conception, and overpowering vehemence of passion. She has been pronounced to be the best male actor on the stage, and a fitting colleague to Helen Faucit and liistori. From seeing Vestvali in Eomeo we can easily conceive that she amply merits the reputation she has achieved, not only in such characters as her original creation of the Jewish mother, but in Lady Macbeth and the other parts that she has played in English, which language she is acknowledged to speak with perfect purity and correctness of pronunciation.

Continued Opinions of the London Press on VESTVALTS "Eomeo at the Koyal Lyceum Theatre. (From the London Times of Dee. 4th.) The impersonation of Komeo, in the acting version of Shakespeare's tragedy, by Mias Vestvali who, it stems, originally gained Continental celebrity by playing the corresponding role in the compound Italian opera is, to say the least of it, something out of the common way. The contralto voice, which contributed to the lady's success in tho lyrical work, adapts itself with such masculine Gtness to the spoken dialogue that it might be taken for a tenor, if not a baritone. The general impression made on the spectator will be that, although female Homeos have already been seen on the stage, none have so completely succeeded in divesting the youth of a feminine appearance.

In the fifth act, especially in the last scene, a change comes over tho spirit of the performances. Hero Miss Vestvali displays not only great physical force, but histrionic power, and even pathos. It produces a situation which will always be popular with actors, and which is invaluable to Miss Vestvali, (From the Leader.) Miss Vestvali. Hiss Vestvali's face is certainly as handsome as it is open and transparent in its frank expression it is the typical Komeo face, as we should expect to see it in an illustration by Kenny Meadows. Strange as it is, the charm of Vestvali's Komeo is that of brain.

She arouses her audience by a constant flow of impulse, which carries her strenuously along in the spirit of the character, while the stream of eloquence and in this she least resembles English artists is constantly varied by ripples and eddies of sensibility and apt intelligence; in fact, she brings out the beauties of the text even more than the general force and sympathy of the character; and in these days, when fine textual acting is almost a lost art, this is high praise. Mias Vostvali speaks English better than reenter, Madame Celeste, Ac. (From the Licensed Victuallers' Guardian of Nov. 23d.) We must freely confess that we know few, if any, actors of tho present day who could impersonate Komeo better than Miss Vestvali, if so well. We have still a Helen Faucit, a Eistori, and, let us add, a Vestvali.

We do not know that so many male actors of the same rank could be enumerated. Her enunciation is clear, deliberate, and emphatic, her voice of deep and mauly resonance. Miss Vestvali is a groat acquisition to our English stage, (From the Licensed Victuallers' Guardian of Nov. 30th.) Miss Vestvali's success in the lines she has adopted and carried out in various capitals of Europe and America is now confirmed by a London verdict We unhesitatingly pronounce Miss Vestvali's Romeo to bo a very fine piece of acting. Admirable in tone and delivery was the speech in the graveyard, and the dying scene waB portrayed with power, intelligence, and feeling, Ac.

(Cosmopolitan.) Vestvali's bold experiment of dashmz unheralded into London, ami Mr. Wallworth's Entertainment. Mr. Wallworth, most honourably known as a teacher of singing gave an entertainment at St. George's Hall, Langham-place on Monday night last.

A concert came first in the programme and the vocalists were Miss Banks, Mdlle. Amalia May, Mr. Lewis Thomas, and Mr. Colson Phillips (a tenor), and pupil of Mr. Wall-worth.

Miss Banks, being encored in Kandegger's "Bene ridi'iolo" gave The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington," with exquisite simplicity of expression. Mdlle. May's solos were J. L. Hatton's Say, prettv bird of the greenwood tree," and the seena from Der Freischutz, Wie nahte mir der Schlummer." Mr.

Lewis Thomas gave G. 15. Allen's "Trooper's Song," and Mr. Colson Phillips's contribution to the concert was H. R.

Allen's "As steals the dew along tile flower." Miss Ellice Jewell played a fantasia, composed by V. Kuhe, the Brighton Professor, on Hungarian Airs, and the English Glee Union sang Martin's "Haste, ye soft gales," and a neatly written part-song by Mr. Wallworth, Up, sailor boy." This concert was followed by a new drawing-room opera, in two acts, entitled Kevhis Choice. Miss Hazlewood is answerable for the libietto. The words of the songs, are, in most cases by no means bad.

The dialogue is not of equal merit, and the story is as follows Kevin, a student (Mr. W. H. Cummings), is desperately in love with a young peasant girl, Kathleen (Miss Susanna Cole), but is at the same time under the dominion of Father O'Brien (Mr. Theodore Distin), who insists upon the young man entering "Holy Church." This arrangement is not approved of by Kevin, who objects to anything that may tear him from Kathleen and Ulendalougli.

Father O'Brien has an eye to Kevin's property, and sternly forbids that young person to think of connubial bliss. The student, however, "becomes refractory, and prefers to "spend his life in the most dreadful dungeon ever designed by man's perverted power, rather than part from Kathleen." In point of fact Kevin is happier as a sinner than he would be as a saint, but at length is compelled to submit. Kathleen accepts her fate, but leaves Glendalough tor some locality not specified, and returnswith the very last will and testament of Kevin's father. The last but one bound the young man to enter the Church, and surrender his property, but the document brought by Kathleen nullifies the arrangement, and leaves him to do as he pleases. Father O'Brien, his guardian, accepts the disappointment as graciously as he can, and the lovers are blessed in proper form.

Bridget aud Patrick (Miss Lucy Franklcin and Mr. Wallworth) take their shareof the general responsibility, though they are in no way concerned in working out this very slight plot. Mr. Wallworth is a com The Thespian Amateur Dramatic Club. The Thespians gave an entertainment on Wednesday evening at the Polygraphic Hal).

In the course of the performance one or two of those little shortcomings almost inevitable in amateur representations were observable, but, in a general sense, the Thespians discharged their responsibilities with credit to themselves, and the whole entertainment was far above the non-Professional average. With one or two trifling exceptions the performers were perfect in the words, and it was quite evident that no pains had been spared to make this first effort of the season as enjoyable, as possible to the audience. The Thespians are, moreover, to be congratulated on the respect they pay to the Queen's English. Those who attend amateur representations know what cruel treatment the mother tongue is occasionally subjected to, and it therefore becomes a pleasant duty to record the absence of such improprieties in the public estimation. Those who miss the opportunity of seeing her will sustain a logs.

(From the Stockton Herald, Nov. 1st.) The TnEATHE. During the past week Miss Neilson has been attracting large crowds to the Theatre. She has won the golden opinions of all loyers of tho histrionic art who have had an opportunity of witnessing her performances. On Monday and Tuesday nights she represented Victorine in the play of that name.

There was no opportunity for her to display the energy of her genius. On Wednesday, she was fterself again" in The Stranger, in which she moved her audience to irresistible feeling, and was most enthusiastically applauded. This night (Friday) Miss Neilson takes her benefit, when there will be a full house, as most, if not all, the box seats have been engaged. (From the Sunderland Times, Nov. 19th.) Lyceum Theatee.

Last night (Monday), Mr. Holt introduced Miss Neilson for the first time to a Sunderland audience. The play chosen for her debut was Sir E. L. Bulwer's Lady of Lyons, the debutante appearing as Pauline.

In Miss Neilson's actintr of Pauline there was much that was poser ot no mean ability, and has enriched this little opera with several pretty, flowing, and melodious ballads. Theconcertedinusicisalsoof a superior order, and the voices are skilfully combined. To commence with, Kathleen and Bridget sing a plaintive duet, Spin spin turn and twist the thread, "and the first act concludes with acharming trio, Father, I'm young and happy now." The duet for Kathleen and Kevin, Sleep, sleep, 0 heart!" and Bridget's song, "1 have sweethearts by the dozen," were encored. Another duet, terminating with an Irish jig for Patrick and his enslaver, was redemandeJ. Kathleen's baflads, I cannot own aselfish thought" and "A youth met a maiden," were given very expressively by Miss Cole.

Miss Lucy Franklein's personation of the light-hearted peasant girl was natural, earnest, and unaffected. The young lady possesses a decided aptitude for the stage. Mr. Wallworth's knowledge of the vocal and dramatic art was always apparent, and Mr. W.

H. Cuni-mings sang the serenade, Awake, awake, Oh maiden with his usual refinement. Mr. Theodore Distin was appropriately solemn as the priest, and took an important share in the concerted music. The accompaniments were given by Messrs.

H. Parker and Haydn Harrison on the pianoforte and harmonium. The performances periormances or any amateur troupe, ine nrst piece was tne Adelphi farce, The Steeple Chase, in 'which Mr. E. Bridges rattled through the part of Tittums with considerable effect, and was fairly supported by Mr.

Jago as Doctor Clipper, and Mr. J. F. Long as Alderman Slowcoach. Miss Osborna Armstrong (by permission of T.

Smith, Esq.) played Mrs. Clipper, and Miss Harvey Mrs. Tittums. With this material assistance the farce went exceedingly well. For the minor characters the names of Messrs.

Patten, J. Strong, Duncan, H. B. Lott, Saunders, Blenkinsop, J. DelL and Miss Smith appeared in the programme.

Time Tries All was the chief event of the evening. A better representative of Matthew Bates than Mr. George Gray we have not seen on the amateur boards. Mr. Gray was letter-perfect in the words, and thoroughly identified himself with the character.

He never, for one moment, lost fresh and spontaneous, and she threw into it an amount of realism, a thorough identification with tho part Bhe assumed, that carried with her the sympathies and applause of the audience. Miss Neilson appears to sight of the honest, simple-hearted man's, love for his capricious and prettily tyranaical cousin, Laura and Mr. Gray's Matthew Bates, from its modest, sensible, 'and manly tone, is a personation upon 1 iz- L- i concluded with Uttenbach's Jbisclien ana fritzcmn onvciw-tion Alsacienne) most effectively rendered into English by Wellington Guernsey. The music is light, and exceedingly melodious throughout, and the characters of Lischen and Fritzchen, the broom-seller and discharged valet, were well sustained by Miss Lucy Frnnk-lein, and her vocal instructor, Mr. Wallworth.

playing the difficult character of Borneo, has proved eminently successful. She has leaped to the highest pedestal of a first-class Shakespearian artist. There is a rumour that Vestvali is to give us I-Iatnlet, in which we are quite prepared to see her make greater furore than Fechter in the same role, who, by the way, seems to be rather "played out." Vestvali's Romeo is to be regarded as the Shakespearian event of the senson, (Sunday Times.) Komeo is likely to puzzle to tho utmost a male actor. Miss Ccsltman gave a representation of Romeo, which was sufficiently famous. Miss Vestvali has undoubtedly great qualifications for her task.

Her voice has not a feminine note the outline of the face and figure are feminine, hut here ends all that is womanly in her Romeo. If we were to say that hers was the most masculine ltomeo we ever saw, we should scarcely exaggerate. It is certainly a remarkable impersonation, and one not likely to be soon rivalled, (The American, 4th Dec.) Miss Vestvali has acquired great celebrity at the Imperial Opera, Paris, as well ub at the leading Theatres of Italy, Germany, and the principal cities of America, and created a perfect furore in the musical circles. For some years she has devoted herself to the Drama, and Romeo being one of her great characters, in which we have no hesitation of saying she stands unrivalled." At any rate, the operatic stage has lost a gem of the first water, but the Shakespearian drama has gained an educated and accomplished actress. Vestvali, the magnificent, the superb, is very have carefully cultivated what must have been a natural taste tor those parts where feeling and paasion are predominant.

At one moment she is displaying the most lofty scorn, the next wreathed in smiles; she changes her mode with the varying circumstances and necessities of the part, which renders her performance natural, whileit is the highest perfection of art. (From the Sunderland Herald, Nov. 22d.) Lyceum Theatke. During the present week the leading representative of histrionics at this place has been Miss Neilson, whose forte is tragedy. Romeo and Juliet was introduced on Wednesday night, on which occasion there was an increased audience, who gave vociferous manifestations of their approval of the acting displayed.

Miss Neilson impersonated Juliet, and gave many original features, which were enthusiastically received and deservedly applauded. The two last acts were performed with a degree of success that kept the attention of the audience rivetted in admiration of the intense reality with which the play seemed to be invested, and brought tears to many eyes. Miss Neilson shines most in withering denunciation aud heart-rending grief, the former of which is rendered without rant aud the latter without affectation. Her wild and maniacal mood while suffering the hallucination iu the bed chamber, environed with hideous apparitions, was as nearly the assumption of leal feeling as could well be accomplished, and won for her prolonged and vociferous cheering. lie may juai-iy pnue muiseii, ana wuicn certainly comers every credit upon the Thespian Club.

Mr. F. B. Leeming undertook the character of Mr. Leeson, and performed it efficiently and Mr.

T. B. Francis was the Charles Clinton. Mr. H.

Carter seems a favourite, and his Collander Yawn was extremely well received. Mr. Brock-bank, as Tom Tact, was considerably more amusing in the second act than in the first, and Mr. R. H.

Stone did a little too much with that gorgeous creature in plush, the man-servant, John. Exaggeration is a rock upon which amateurs split as often as the regulars," and Mr. It. H. Stone will do well to steer clear of the danger for the future.

Miss Austin, that particularly valuable aid to the non-Professional confraternity, played the wilful, impulsive, but affectionate, Laura in a delightfully natural manner and Miss Harvey, as Fanny Fact, was the best and comeliest of waiting-maids. The entertainment concluded with J. P. Wooler's farce, Marriage at Any Price, in which Mr. Frazer, as Marmaduke Brown, came in for much applause, and Mr.

J. G. Parker humorously performed Peter Peppercorn. Simon Gushington was representeel by Mr. W.

Pitt, Tnbbs by Mr. Bonsai, and Alick by Mr. W. Price. Miss Osborne Armstrong, as Kate Gushington, in the habiliments of the human tiger, was amusingly pert and vivacious, and the slight characters of Alice and Matilda Peppercorn were sustained by Miss Austin and Miss Harvey.

In the course of the evening Mr. Batten played a cornet solo, and Mr. A. Cohen performed a fantasia for the harp on the Welsh air, The March of the Men of Harlech." Tho Hall was crowded to excess, and the doings of the Thespians gave unqualified satisfaction. Opening of the New Colosseum Theatre and Opera House at Glasgow.

Some few weeks since we laid before our readers a brief description of the new Theatre which Mr. Baylis, the Proprietor of the Scotia Music Hall, has erected in the Cowcaddens since w'hich, the Proprietor having obtained the necessary theatrical licence, tne house has been duly opened. It was originally the intention ot Mr. Baylis to have opened on the 23d but the works not having sufficiently progressed the opening had to be delayed until 'ihnvs-day, the 28th, when the immense area of the Theatre was completely filled. The entrance to all parts of the building for the public use, with the exception of the amphitheatre or gallery, is through a long and handsome corridor, brilliantly lit by sunlights.

From tms corridor there are the various passages leading to the pit and stalls, and to the left there is an elegant staircase leading to the boxes. On the first landing of these stairs there is a stained glass window, designed and executed by Ballantine, of Edinburgh. d'lc 1 -three parts, with allegorical figures of Tragedy, Comedy, and Music. .1.. ulinnle.

tlie Every syllable is caught distinctly by the audience no mean feature iu actiug. Miss Neilson was called before the curtain at the end of each act. Mr. James Bennett as Macbeth," at the New Theatre Koyal, Bristol. (From the Jiristol Daily Post, Nov.

28th.) THE PLAY'S THE THING. Mn. Editoe, Sir, Permit an old Dlavcoer to exoress. throue-h vour columns, the great admiration with which he witnessed at our New Theatre the fine acting of Mr. James Bennett, in the character of Macbeth.

Not frequently is so fine an exponent of the part to be seen. The exquisite judgment and refined taste of his reading is the nearest iv.uicu, a niiuuBuuiw mee, cue contour oi wnicn inai-cates great mental vigour she haa extraordinary fluency, is a graceful, powerful, and undaunted actress full of her theme, under its inspiration depicting love, sorrow, joy, or gladness with thrilling effect; her features are exceedingly flexible, and by their mute eloquence appeal as forcibly through the eye as her musical voice does through the ear. She nobly sustains the great reputation she has earned, and, in reality, often rises far above the warm eulogiunis bestowed upon her by the Press, m- (The reman. Translated.) We thai the production of Romeo and Juliet to our great Germau actress, Miss Vestvali, who gave us aRomoo as Shakespeare himself thought mm to be. Miss Vestvali shows herself, from her first entrance, an artist of the very first range, on which everthing carries the stamp of beauty, and which every spoken word is proof of her genius and study.

that we could not imagine? a single moment, that the hero of the piece was not played by a man. Through this artistic production of Romeo we arc proud to call her al countrywoman. Who can represent Komeo so grandly has eiven anmle 'aeenthusfacTudSS cXd Miss Vestvali at the end of every act, every scene, and three times at the end of the play.iss Vestvali had but to conquer the London Press in order to say, "reconquered every nation." The London Press has? hi warm eulogiunis, recognised her universal genius, and confirmed the verdict, Sc. (Sunday Gazette.) Vestvali's dying scene in Romeo we have never seen surpassed, Mr. Nelson Lee has for a considerable neriod ham, possible approach to that eminent scholarly tragedian Macready.

His Bubdued passages are relieved by the finest outbursts of energy when the passion of the scene really requires it, and only then. Very noteworthy iuaiuti wie aauuuiiuiii uie ueooiauuiib sue cu front of the boxes having for a ground colour a light gi'fe" which is relieved by pink stencilling above and below. -front of the amphitheatre is somewhat similarly adorned. i marked contrast to the rest of the house, the decorations of the proscenium stand out in bold relief. The upholsteij work of the private boxes being of a rich crimson, and elegant 1 design, very materially enhances the effect.

In the dress tar and, indeed, throughout the house, the comfort ot the aumeT has been most attentively cared for, and Mr. Baylis's Theatre, 10 accommodation, is far beyond any similar establishment district. On the opening night the entire company appeared on ijh. stage and sang the National Anthem. The farce of The IfV(ltaJ Hyena was proceeded with.

After the farce the act-drop wub uie rendering or tne une passage aaaressea co tne pnysician, De-ginning Canst though not minister to a mind diseased," fec, and most natural and effective the querulous yet quiet tone in which the disDlaved. and the artist (Mr. VV. Crawford) was caiieu Throw physic to the dogs, I'll none of it." This too frequently is blurted out by ordinary perriwig-pated follows at the highest power of their lungs. Mr.

Bennett's facial expression is clearly the result of careful study and his whole performance of the character impresses one with the feeling that he is gazing upon an artiste who is deeply devoted to therhighest art his profession will permit The choruses in this play were beautifully sung; and the piece generally was evidently plaeed upon the stage with great pains and rare good judgment, most commendable to the management. D. audience three times to receive the acknowledgment of the gica vit-. tic.io-.ri The view emboaieu Amateur Theatricals In Greenock. Private or amateur Theatres or theatricals, though very popular south of the Tweed, cannot be said to shine on this side of the border.

Their rareness is to be lamented, for, when well and carefully managed, they are a source of sreat pleasure to many fond of poetry and the sister arts, as certainly they should tend to increase a love for and elevate the Drama and improve the attendance at our Theatres, which, even in these days of despair for the Drama, area source of much real enjoyment, not to speak of instruction. So long as we remember, Theatre-loving Greenock has never produced a native corps, or numbered amongst its many institutions that of a Dramatic Society properly organised. We have the Erasure of recording that the Greenock Dramatic Society, established some few months ago, promises to meet the long-felt requirements. On Thursday, under most favourable circumstances, they opened their new and tastefully finished Hall, situate in Hamilton-street. They issued a most inviting programme, which embraced Home's beautiful, national, and too seldom played tragedy, in five acts, entitled Douglas, and Toole's clever farce of Deaf as a Post, t'-' Jich.

brought together a large and fashionable party, among which were some of the best judges in matters concerning theatricals and representatives from the various local and Glasgow Press. Precisely at eight o'clock the President of the Society, Mr. Benjamin Noble, addressed the audience on the object of the Society." In a fine speech, of about fifteen minutes' duration Mr. Noble endeavoured to explain away the unwarrantable prejudice that existed towards the Drama. In his mind nothing could be finer than its study.

He was repeatedly interrupted with applause. One ot the leading members then delivered a chaste prolnmie (written expressly for the occasion by a friend), which elicited very warm applause, Tho eminent musician and traveller, Mr. Marquis engaged on the Crystal Palace Pantomime, which is to be entitled Little Red Riding Hood; or, Jacket Horner and the Frog who Would a-Wooing Go. Above eighty persons will be employed in the Pantomime, and, from Mr. Nelson Lee's experience, great things Musical Notis.

An eminent authority on musical antiquities assures US that he has the best nnssihle roasnn t.n hnlmvo that, tho may De expected. violin on which Tartini composed his remarkabe Reverie du Diable was the only real and original iiddle-de-D Fun. Madame Tussaud's. One of the most interesting figures which has just been added to the Exhibition in Baker-street is a life-size tinrt.raif, model of his Sable Maiesty Theodoras of Abyssinia. in the scene is the Lake of Monteith, one of the inland lociis Scotland, audi the artist has succeeded ill presenting a subject i only interesti ig in itself but rendered additionally so by its aim execution.

Before the concluding dramatic piece, The bea oj i there was a ihiscellaneous entertainment, consisting ot seno-cm and comic singing and dancing, as also the feats ot a tortionist, anfi similar performances were introduced bctweci 1 acts of the drama, where they appeared somewhat out ot pu During this week the programme is much the same as on opening night. Diiii, at Bath, November 30th, 1867, Mr. T. H. Musical Director and Leader of the Bath aud Bristol Xheatres a' ya Bath Pump Room Concerts, nearly thirty years.

He was puF Koo1 late Mr. John Loder, and composer of the well known Polka Souvenir du Venn Valses" and Queen of the West ui i other musical compositions. He leaves three orphans (umv'i mourn their loss. modelled, we understand, from reliable photographs. The costume with which the effigy in question is enveloped is a real Abyssinian Rivat.

Actors. On Thursday (28th before the Magistrates in Petty Sessions, James Bayley, Manager of the PooleAmateurUramatio Company, laid an information against Joseph Wildman, the Manager of VMldinau Travelling Dramatic Company, for playing without a licence. J.ne delentlant and his troupe have been acting in the town for several J''" a temporary building erected in a yard. In answer to the said he was on the point of quitting the town, and evening. The -Bench, taking this Mi m' inh summons, whereupon the defendant, with much good feeling, deposited a sovereign for the poor-box, dress, presented by the wire or tue captive missionary, iu, otern.

Markied, at St. Thomas's Church, South Shields, on the 2d December, by the Reverend William Owen, Michael Angelo Downes, to Emily Mathilda Bruce, of the Theatre Royal, second daughter of C. h. Bucher, corn merchant, Glasgow,.