The Era from London, Greater London, England • 12

12 November 25, ix; RECOLLECTIONS OP AN OLD PLAYGOER EOYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. The chamber concert of Thursday opened with Haydn's String Quartet in Flat, No, 37. Notwithstanding all changes, the music of Papa Haydn has not lost its power to charm modern audiences. The bright, fresh stream of melody and the style which seems to have a breath of nature in it, as if the composer's ideas were suggested by leafy glades and murmuring brooks, fascinates its hearers by its directness and simplicity. The students of the Royal College did justice to the unaf A.

ON THE ROAD, NOV. 27. Amazons. The. Theatre Roval.

Portsmouth. Bandmann-Palmer, Mrs. Aldershot. Bateman, Isabel. Theatre Royal, Torquay.

Bauble Shop. Alexandra Theatre, Sheffield. Bearne, Mr A. Grand Theatre Halifax. Benson, F.

R. Theatre Royal, Manchester. Bourne. W. Prince's Theatre, Bradford.

BuhnsCrotty. Theatre Roval, Bradford. Challis, Rass. Middleton Compton Comedy Co. Grand Theatre, Leeds.

Cooke. Fred. Theatre Royal, Ilkeston. Cowper-Calvert Co. Rotunda Theatre, Liverpool.

Cranston. Ellen. Theatre Roval, Keighley. Dalmaink, Mrs. Theatre Royal, Barnsley.

Daly, Lawrence. Her Majesty's Theatre, Carlisle. Dancing Girl. Theatre Royal, Cheltenham. Dangers op London.

Theatre Royal, Leeds. Dark Theatre Royal, Leigh. Don Quixote. Prince of Wales's Liverpool. Dorothy.

Lyceum Theatre, Ipswich. D'Oyly Carte's Co. (B). Stockport. D'Oyly Carte's Co.

(C). Sheffield. D'Oyly Carte's Co. (D). Birmingham.

D'Oyly Carte's Co. (E). Oxford. Edgar, Richard. Prince of Wales's Liverpool.

English Hearts. Prince's Theatre, Preston. Erminie. Opera House, Leicester. Fast Mail (A).

Theatre Roval, Birkenhead. Fast Mail (B). Swindon. Frivolity. Theatre Roval, Oldham.

Garthorne. C. W. Theatre Royal, Cambridge. Golden Chance.

Wetlnesbury. Gould, Fred. Art Gallery Hall, Newcastle. Grahame, Cissy. Theatre Royal, Birmingham.

Greet, Ben, Co. Crystal Palace. Grip op Iron (Original). T. South Shields.

Grip op Iron (No. 1). Theatre Roval, Goole. Guardsman. County Theatre, Reading.

Half Mast High. Theatre Royal, Jarrow. Harbour Lights. Grand Theatre, Hull. Harrington.

Chas. Theatre Roval, West Bromwich. Harvey, Frank. Lyceum Theatre, Crewe. Hawthorne, Grace.

Theatre Royal, Coatbridge. Human Nature. Public Hall, Barnsley. Humphries and Moore. P.

of W. Salford. Hutchison, Emma. Queen's Theatre, Birmingham. Indian Mutiny.

Colosseum Theatre, Dudley. In the Ranks. Metropole Theatre, Birkenhead. Irish Life. Aquarium, Brighton.

Irishman. Theatre, Clonmel, Ireland. It's Never Too Late to Mend. Wolverhampton. King op Crime.

Prince of Wales's Grimsby. Lady Slavey. Grand Theatre, Birmingham. La Cigale. Court Theatre, Liverpool.

La Fille de Madame Angot. Walsall. Langley, W. E. (A).

Gaiety Theatre, Burnlev. Lauri, Charles. New Empire Palace, Bristol. Liberty Hall. Prince of Wales's Southampton.

Lights op Home. Theatre Royal, Bristol. Lion's Heart. Princess's Theatre, Glasgow. Lost Paradise.

Queen's Theatre, Dublin. Love's Battle. Opera House, Blackpool. Lyceum Co. Abbev's Theatre, New York, U.S.A.

Maid Marian. Court Theatre, Wigan. Master and Man. Theatre Royal, Bilston. Melville, Charles.

Theatre Royal, Blyth. Middleman. Theatre Royal, Darlington. M'Kenna's Flirtation. St.

George's, Burton-on-T. Morocco Bound. Opera House, Southport. Morton Powell Co. St.

James's Manchester. My Native Land. Theatre Royal, North Shields, Nelson, Mr H. B. Avenue Theatre, Sunderland.

New Muldoon's Picnic Albert Gainsborough. Niobe (Edouin). Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. Niobe (Erskine, No. 1).

Town Hall, Fareham. Niobe (Erskine). County Hall, St. Albans. 1,000 Reward.

Opera House, Cork. On the Frontier (A). Theatre Royal, St. Helens. Pantomime Rehearsal.

Theatre Royal, Leamington. Pleasure. Theatre Royal, Stratford. Plunger, The. Opera House, Bury.

Pointsman, The. Theatre Royal, York. Priest Hunter. Grand Theatre, Nottingham. Prodigal Daughter.

Theatre Royal, Brighton. Queen's Evidence. Theatre Roval, Leicester. Rosa Opera Company. Lyceum" Theatre, Edinburgh.

Rose op the Alhambra. Royalty Theatre, Chester. Rousbey Opera. Paisley Theatre, Paisley. Sailor's Knot.

Court Theatre, Warrington. Shamrock and the kose. Theatre Royal, Stockton. Silver King. Royalty Theatre, Glasgow.

Slums op London. Theatre Royal, Yarmouth. Span of Life. Theatie Roval. Rochdale.

Tearle, Osmond. Theatre Roval, Bishop Auckland. Terry. Edward. Her Majestv's Theatre, Aberdeen.

Trumpet Call. Theatre Royal, Nottingham. Two Orphans. Liverpool. Ups and Downs of Life (Dobell).

Hounslow. Ups and Downs (Morton). Huddersfield. Vice and Virtue. Bacup.

Wallace, Mrs W. H. Royalty Theatre, Llanelly. Woman of No Importance. Grand Islington.

Full particulars of the above Tours will bp fminrl in the Advertisements on the Companies' Pages. A Copy of "The Era" will be forwarded to 51T1V address in the United Kingdom for six stamps. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. BIRTHS. Rowland.

On Thursdav, Nov. 16th. at 11. Church- i street, Luton, the wife of Mr George Rowland (Miss Amy Ginnett), of a daughter. Both doing well.

DEATHS. Armstrong. At Rotherham, on the 16th, the father of Bernard Armstrong, aged seventy-four. R.I.P. Coleman.

On Monday, Nov. 20th, Maria Jane, the beloved wife of John Coleman. Lewis. On the 16th Alwyn Lewis, acting-manager to Mr George Alexander, aged twenty -nine. O'Grady.

On Nov. 16th, at Ranelagh, Co. Dublinj William O'Grady, aged fifty-six, the beloved brother of Hubert and Frank O'Grady, Scott. On the 12th, at the Oddfellows' Music Hall, Keighley, Mr Joshua Scott, in his forty-seventh year, and was interred on the 15th at the Kei-hley Cemetery. Mr Charles Howitt has presented Mr Ernest Dottridge, manager of Reality company, with a portrait oils, which represents Mr Dottridge sitting with his arms resting on the back of a chair.

Mr Howitt has happily caught the manager's pleasant and genial expression. Mrs Dalmaine, the new lessee and manager of the Theatre Royal, Rugby, is making great progress with the alterations and decorations of her theatre which she anticipates opening in about a week. At the Southwark Police-court, on Monday, William Harris, aged twenty-one, costermonger, was charged before Mr Fenwick with assaulting Philip Houghton one of the attendants at the Surrey Theatre. It appeared from the evidence of the latter that on Saturday night he saw a youth smoking a cigarette in the gallery of the theatre and ordered him to put it out, as it was against the rules. The prisoner, who was sittin" near, then turned round, and, in a sm-lv in What has it got to do with you and followed up the remark with a violent blow in the face.

Witness thereupon took hold of him and attempted to eject him uiiu me sieeve ot ins coat. On ultimately getting him downstairs the prisoner picked up a glass and threw it at the attendant but missed him. A further struggle then took place resulting in the prosecutor being knocked down and kicked by the prisoner and some of his companions. As he was being thus maltreated a constable arrived' and took the accused into custody, but his friends managed to effect their escape. In answer to the charge the prisoner said, I did strike him I admit it." Mr Fenwick remanded the prisoner for a week allowing bail in one surety of 10.

THE THE DKAMA IN AMERICA. (FBOM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT. NEW YORK, Nov. 14. -The only theatre in New York which remains crowded is Mr Abbey's new and beautiful theatre, where Mr Irving's season is prosperous beyond precedent.

The house has been thronged at every performance since Mr Irving's opening on Wednesday. His production of iBecket will be continued through this week, with the exception of Saturday night, when he will revive The Bells Mr Sol Smith Russell is giving new versions of old pieces at Daly's. After a week of A Poor Relation, with a radical change of its matter, he now offers A 1, at under the title of APrU Weather. The tailor of the original play has become an artist, and his surroundings are very different, but the character and story are the same in essence. April Weather is unblushmgly announced as a new work by Clvde Pitch, hut the ghost of Dion Boucicault need not haunt the adaptor for that, because the deceased playwright derived A Tale of a Coat from the French.

The latest version gives to Mr Russell enhanced opportunities of employing his comic and pathetic abilities. Me A. M. Palmer's management of the Garden Theatre will begin in a fortnight, when Mr. E.

S. "Willard will open in Mr J. M. Barrie's comedy The Professor's Love Story, which met with much favour when first presented here. The matinee performance of As You Like It, at Palmer's Theatre, for the benefit of the Professional "Women's League, has been postponed until Tuesday, Nov.

21st, owing to the amount of preparatory work involved. There will be over 100 women in the production, but no men. Miss Mabel Stephenson will, in the scene representing the Forest of Arden, introduce her imitations of bird warbling. A court dance will be performed in the first act, and the play will conclude with a rustic dance by all the characters. The proceeds will go to endow a fund for the maintenance of classes for the training of actresses in physical culture, English literature, languages, music, "fencing, and dancing.

"Erminle" is approaching the end of its term at the Broadway, with Mr Francis Wilson at the head of its unchanged cast. Olivette is this week's opera at the "Union-square Theatre. The Keith company retains its recently acquired baritone Mr Herbert Holcombe. Into The Algerian at the Garden was introduced, for the first time, a dance by four Algerian women. Miss Lillian Russell and her company will reopen the Casino one week hence with The Princess Nicotine, for which Mr William W.

Furst has written the music, and Messrs Charles A. Byrne and Louis Harrison the words. At Herrmann's Theatre next Thursday the Duff company will sing Gounod's Philimon and Baucis. Two new comers, Misses Berry and Schilling, are to alternate in the role of Baucis. Mr William R.

Pruette will be the Vulcan, and W. M'Laughlin the Jupiter. Tony Pastor introduced a Parisian last night, Mdlle. Duclerc, who sings ditties in her native tongue, but with so much eloquence of gesture that she can be understood very well by those ignorant of the language. The other Pastor entertainers are J.

W. Kelly, Eunice Vance, Samuel Dearin, the Ryders, Ward, Votes, Gain, ArmdorfF, the Grausses, and Jerome. To the Eden Musee have returned the four Harrison Sisters, who were so much liked there last winter Delmore, Yherbi, and Ottillee, dancers and Delprade, who is assisted in his illusions by his daughters. At Koster and Bial's the Bark Ben Aehmed troupe of five Arabian acrobats has made its first appearance on any stage in America. Miss Clara Qualitz does a dance characteristique," and Miss Harriett Vernon sings with tremendous success her song Columbia." The company includes Evans and Luxmore, musical eccentrics; the Troupe Tortajada, Spanish troubadours Mdlle.

EdmeejLesert, Mdlle. Paquerette and M. and Madame Del-Mely, duettists and Miss Ada Reeve has become an immense favourite. AMUSEMENTS IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Alhambra Theatre.

Proprietress, Mrs Atkinson-Manager, Mr W. A. BuoW.nnB Th.ci, Nov. lGth, a capital house assembled to witness the jjisi, production tne provinces ot Mr Harold Whyte' arama venerea produced by Mr Vereker on this uuKtsiuii ior ins oenent. as we noticed the first pro wuumiou'euerea early this year, when it was produced at the Britannia for a week, we need only now criticise the acting of the company.

Miss Marie De r'f" 8 nerome, May, was sympathetic and charming from the first, and carried the audience with her Her pathos was unmistakably good, while Miss Ash's comedy as the wife of Ned Goodman, with a brood of 3itte Goocimans, was refreshingly natural. Little Wynnie Whyte, the daughter of the author of the piece, quite justified her selection for the part of Ivy. Mr A. B. Cross made a manly hero; Mr Charles as the father of the twins was verv quaint and with Miss Ash relieved the more sombre passages! Mr H.

Elmore-Frith as Dick Lenam, alias the Demon Had a strong character part which he was well able to grasp Mr A. Lennard as Joe Hazleton was well placed, and a capital little sketch of an Irish policeman was given by Mr W. Foster. Messrs G. Washington, H.

Haldane, Stead Bell, Thomas Clarke, and Fred Kidnay completed the cast. Mrs Atkinson, seconded by her manager, Mr W. A. Buckstone, and supported by the local staff, worked admirably together for the success of Fettered Lives. Mr A.

Lennard, the travelling stage-manager for Mr Vereker, also aided the success of the piece. This week we have Hardieand Von Leer company, under the direction of Messrs Frank A Gordyn and Haldane Crichton, are performing The Plunger here. The scenery and effects enhance the success of the representation. Mr Fred. C.

Glover as the Plunger has a part that fits him exactly. Mr Charles A. Millward as the Forger is very fine A capital bit of character acting is done by Mr Edwin Brett as Spike. Mr Fred. J.

Little's Simeon is well received, and successful in their respective parts are Mr Trueman Towers, Mr Hugh Lawrence, and Mr Harry F. Spiers. Miss Florence Russell's Ethel Rexford is dignified, sympathetic, and graceful. The widow of Miss Helen Lambert is eminently acceptable, and Miss Bertha Cadman, who dances well, makes a winsome ittaroie. Star Harmonic Saloon.

PranrisW. Mr -Roil Fulfilling engagements here are Mr J. W. Gregory baritone Miss Maude Palmer, serio and dancer Miss Madge Foy, song and dance artist and Miss Annie Bamford, serio. AMUSEMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA.

(from our own correspondent. I JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 27. Standard Theatre. Mr A.

R. Thome's company is plaving Pink Dominos with success here. Tuesday is set apart for the benefit ot Miss Affey Bevan, when The Magistrate is to be put on. Wednesday is to be Mr Snazelle's opening night. He is being 'toured" by Messrs B.

and F. Wheeler. Theatre of Varieties. Proprietor, Luscombe Searelle Lusiness Manager, Mr Ernest Searelle. The company here has already become very popular Miss Daisy De Roy wins several encores nightly Pearl Penrose is doing well Miss Gertie Craven takes well and Miss Rose Pompon for her rainbow dance receives warm applause.

The Sisters Ormonde, duettists and dancers, are very good: Miss Nonh Troll. Norah) holds her own Mr Harrv Steele gives a vert-pleasing skating performance; Mr Carl Ostend lady impersonator, is well received and Mr Harrv Nation is very good. Miss Era Levens will return to "England shortly to fulfil an engagement in the Bradford pantomime. Mr Algernon Sy.u.s, for his benefit at the Britannia Theatre on Wednesday next, has issued a very attractive bill. Messrs.

Arthur Shirley and B. Landeck's drama, A Lion's Heart, will be performed the last act oi me CorsicanJSroiliers mli conclude the entertainment and the Sisters Archer will contribute varieties in aninterval. But, perhaps, the most interesting "appearance" of all will be made by Miss Beatrice Toy, who will literally lay aside the robe of the melodramatic heroine for the lighter attire of Mazeppa, Mr Nye supporting her as the Castellan. I ot she deeply regretted that an accident of "hi ki n' have occurred for the second time. This reft somewhat similar incident, which had a a few nights previously, was too much for the humour of the amhence, for it provoked th 01 that no ordinary chair was likely to be nmi to sustain the weight of the lady, in addition VC31! another person, and an individual in the audible expression to the general ing, stout-that v0fe have furniture made on tiuninsr.

iuiu lur Luc Piece Ot t. remark proved too much for the self-control nMr0 Heron, and she abruptly retired behind ti, without finishing her speech. I connection that the above instnnpo recall to mind of having ever heard an in'snlti, even discourteous, observation addressed to an or actress in any New York theatre by one of tlie's, Vr tors, unless the displeasure of tlie audience had li incurred by some breach of decorum on the T'1 performer. tje Before closing these desultory reminiscences of experiences as a playgoer. I may relate one ancciS illustrative of the curious ignorance i-played by persons among an audience with l-Mir-ct the epoch at which the incidents of the drama iV sented are supposed to have taken plact- I'wr at the Theatre-Franuais when M.

PonsanVs being performed. ln one scene after the rctimi r'f Ulysses to Ithaca hostilities are threatened hotwt his followers and the retainers of the Penelope. Upon this, an English ladv sitting ik-u exclaimed to the gentleman by whom she was tccom panied, Oh I hope they are not going to fi-'ht the report of firearms alwavs makes me nervoii with the use of This, however, is inert; yjL imc aiiuie-iiu neinir gunpowder was not a little by no means a solitary iiiet, which I have heard remarks uttered h- the audience in a theatre showing that tlier totally unacquainted with the historical event's mat which the plot of the play was based. But to il i further upon this subject would be to exceed the limit of this paper. yt AMUSEMENTS IN ROTTERDAM.

(from our own correspondent ROTTERDAM, Nov. 22, given for the first time this season, before a crowdei house, on the loth by the company of the Theatre Royal Francais, of the Hague. The piece was mounted after the German traditions, and the rising of the curtain was announced, as at Bayreuth, bv a fanfare of trumpets. The singing was, "for the most part, excellent, and Wagner's music ably expounded. Mr Van Loo, in the title-role, sang with his accustomed excellence, and Mr Barthini gave a fair impersonation oi Frederick of Telramond, but though Mr Darras sang well as King Heinrich, his interpretation was wanting in kingly dignity and bearing.

As Elsa, Mailame Barety, who has a handsome and imposing stage-presence, sang with feeling. With the favourable exception of Madame Andras as Ortrude, the performance was lacking in dramatic expression. The management of the Tivoli Schouwburg have bought the Dutch rights of a German version of Charley's Aunt, now being plaved at the A.hJf-Ernst Theatre in Berlin, and lately witnessed by the German Emperor, and will produce it shortly. On the 19th inst. Mignon was "performed at the Groote Schouwburg by the above-mentioned company with decided success.

Mr Samaty sang excellently as Wilhelm Meister, and was twice recalled, and'JIr Darras achieved success as Lothario. As Philine Mdlle. Girard sang brilliantly, and acted the coquette to the life but the palm "of the evening must be awarded to Miss Adam's Mignon. She has a fine voice, sings with fervour and feeling, and acts with dramatic expression. Mdlle.

Yosse gave a charming performance of Frederic, and Mr Luo as Aloysius, and Messrs Desler and Augier as Laerte and Jarno respectively ably contributed to the general success. MICHAEL BALPE'S SON. to the editor of the era. Sir, In view of the fact advertised in your columns that the jubilee performance of my late fathers well-known work The Bohemian Girl is to be given at Drury-lane Theatre on the 27th I do not think that it would be inappropriate to remind your readers that I am the only son of the composer of that work, and that I am at present in very low water. A large section of the press kindly interested itself in my case about this time last j-ea-r, whereupon almost- immediately doubts were cast upon my paternity by a paragraph which appeared in a society journal, the result of which was to induce the public to refrain from coming to my assistance.

Immediately action was taken (through the kind intervention of a friend, Colonel Mapleson) against the paper in question, with the result that I completely vindicated my character, and proved what I had asserted myself to be, the son of the late Michael Balte. 1 obtained a verdict for 200, no part ot wmcn, however, have I yet received. It occurred to me that the public, many of whom will slini-Hv be oniovins: the pleasure of listening to the performance of my late father's work, might be disposed to help his only son. If so, my solicitors, who acted for me in the libel action referred to above, Messrs Brandon and Nicholson, of No. 6, Suffolk-street, Pall-mall, S.W., have kindly consented to acknowledge the receipt of all donations.

Thanking you in anticipation for inserting this letter in your valuable paper, I am, Sir, vour obedient servant, M. W. BALFE. 290, Portobello-road, Notting-hill, Miss Macd Elmore's benefit at the Pavilion Theatre', on Tuesday, was a tremendous success and this clever actress's unbounded popularity with Mr Jlorns Abrahams's patrons was once again demonstrated. Jlr A.

C. Lilly's combination appeared in a romantic drama entitled The Brothers. In Romeo and Juliet, cl1 followed, Miss Elmore played Juliet with delicate tenderness and intense passion, and was well supported by Mr Felix Pitt as Romeo and a sound ami carotul cast. Lady Mansell, Miss Maud Stafford, and Jj1" Hilda Trevelyan contributed variety items. Altogether thp vaa nn ami tilt audience showed their appreciation of it, and of "1C beneficiaire, by long and hearty applause.

Mr Predk. Loyd has been engaged by Mr -Drinkwater for his Christmas tour. Presentation. At the conclusion of the comic-opera The Fisherman's Daughter on Saturday last the Queen's Royal Theatre, Dublin, Mr J. W.

bread, who had so ably produced and stage-managea the piece, was presented with a handsome gipsy kottu by the members of the company. Miss Ethel Dove, Miss Fra-nkie Milton, l-'arrell and Willmott, Fred. Percy, and the Sismondi and quartet arrived in the old country on Saturday troro South Africa per the Norham Castle. Mr Editor. Sir, Your Blackburn correspondent, in his notice of the Theatre Roval last week, orm the name of, yours truly, Sandro Vio and Zerbini, the American nocromaucers.

Theatre Blackburn, Nov. 18th, 1S93. Mr Editor. Sir, In your last issue, you 'r-j a Mons. Venola, juggler, as appearing at the w.

Varieties, Manchester. Neither of us was in -w -Chester last week. Yours truly, Brothers knola. Died. We resrrefc to announce the death ot Joshua Scott, proprietor of the Oddfellows- Music place at his residence on J-rtv-seven.

The cause of death mull t-uuiv I at the age of fort the rupture of a blood-vessel. He leaves a vwu one daughter. Died. Dr. J.

S. I-'ogarty, brother ot vounge? of the Robert Fogartv pre prietor Theatre KO, Hi, -v. i i.i.i- Ti-i) ioui The deceased was medical officer of H.M. VA rer. and was only thirty-four years ot ag' in St.

Mary's Cathedral on Tuesday. and was only thirty -four years of ag rie However great may be the care taken by both the stage-manager and the actors to prevent any occurrence that shall mar the illusion of the scene, it will sometimes happen that an unforeseen accident will take place that provokes the displeasure or incurs the ridicule of an audience. In this connection, before relating my personal experiences of various incidents of this character, I may quote an anecdote related by Miss Mary Russel Mitford. This ladv, in a letter to Miss Barrett, afterwards Mrs Browning, says It has just occurred to me that when a young girl, some eleven years old or less, I went with my father to one of the theatres Drury -lane, I believe yes, Drury-lane to see a tragedy. The Monk.

Kemble played the hero, and Mrs Siddons the heroine. She had to go into a dungeon where a frail nun had produced an infant, or, rather, she had to come out of a small door on to the stage with the supposed baby in her arms. The door was what is technically called "practicable," that is to say, a real door, frame and all, made to open in the scene. To make the scene as dungeon-like as possible, the door was deeply arched, hollow, and low, and Mrs Siddous, miscalculating the height, knocked the head of the huge wax doll she carried so violently against the wooden frame that the unlucky figure broke its neck with the force of the blow, and the waxen head came roiling along the front of the stage. Lear could not have survived such a contretemps.

The theatre echoed and re-echoed with shouts of laughter, and the tragedy, being comfortably full of bombast, not onlv that act, but the whole piece, finished amidst peals merriment unrivalled since the production of Tom Thumb." It is always a rather hazardous experiment to introduce a dummy baby in a tragic drama, since it is difficult to predict what reception the incident will meet with from the audience. Several years ago I was at the Adelphi Theatre when a play by the late Mr Charles Reade, founded on his novel of Lies." was brought out. In one scene an infant was supposed to be lying asleep in a cradle. The heroine under the belief that her husband, a Colonel in the French army, has fallen in battle some eighteen months before the action of the piece commences has married again. Suddenly the first husband makes his appearance on the scene, and sternly demands Whose child is this The mother, almost paralysed with terror, is silent.

Then her unmarried sister seeing this, on the inspiration of the moment, replies, "The infant is mine!" But when, at the same time, the actress took the dollin her arms, by some mischance the clothes of the figure became disarranged, revealing the fact that it was without legs. This unlucky accident had the result of completely spoiling what was intended by the author to be a powerful situation, for the audience perceiving that the baby was suffering from the same deprivation as the celebrated Miss Kilmansegg greeted the discovery with peals of ironical laughter. The consequence was that the spectators, being no longer in an appeciative mood, the remainder of the performance was coldly-received, and, in fact, the play proved a decided failure. On the other hand, the "business," as it is technically termed, in connection with the infant introduced in one scene of Caste, at the Prince of Wales's Theatre, was eminently successful. Indeed, as regards this matter, the temper of an audience is so capricious that no reliance can safely be placed upon it.

When the principal roles in a tragedy are well sustained the feelings of the spectators are not infrequently wrought up to a high pitch by the cunning of the scene." Yet the reaction is invariably sharp, snuum any incongruous or aosura incident occur during the performance. On one occasion, many years ago, I was at the old Park Theatre, in New York, when the late Mr Charles Kean was playing Othello. In the scene in which the Moor kills his wife, while Desdemona was being smothered, a large white cat, concealed under the bed, stole out from its hiding-place, and walked slowly down the middle of the stage to the footlights. Poor pussy dazzled by the glare of the lamps and bewildered by the situation eyed the audience timidly for a moment, and then uttered an audible "Mieu." This proved too much for the gravity of the spectators, and the laughter was general in all parts of the house. Kean, his back being to the audience, did not immediately discover what had taken place, and he must have been annoyed, as well as surprised, at the ill-timed hilarity that had interrupted the performance.

However, on turning round he perceived the cat, which had quietly seated itself on the stage, a few feet from the orchestra. Kean's sense of the ludicrous was strong, and as he subsequently admitted it was with some difficulty he preserved the severe expression of countenance demanded by the character he was impersonating. The animal having been removed by an attendant, the actor went on with his part but the awkward contretemps that had occurred prevented the remainder of the tragedy, and more especially the dying speech of Othello, producing that impression upon the audience which, under other circumstances, would have been the case. i was once at a tneatre New York, where The Corsican Brothers was being played. In the course of the performance an incident occurred, which, ludicrous as it was, might have been followed by most serious consequences.

G. V. Brooke played the twin brothers. Poor fellow Several years later he was lost in the ill-fated London, which foundered in the Bay of Biscay on her voyage to Australia. In one scene Fabian dei Franchi was sittino- small table, and this, by some mischance, had been placed immediately over the trap through ghost of his brother was to appear.

Presently the amn. tion rose until the head of the actor touched the top of the table, which, luckily for him, was not a heavy one or he would have been seriously hurt. As it was, the table' after being raised a few inches from the floor, lost its equilibrium, and was overturned, carrying with it in its fall the desk and lighted lamp standing on it. The latter, being of glass, was broken, and the paraffin with which it was filled caught fire. Brooke, with treat presence of mind, snatched up the woollen table cover threw it upon the burning fluid, and stamped upon the flames until they were extinguished.

The snantn i the first instance, had been amused at the absurdity of the ghost having made his appearance in so unusual a manner, but they were quickly sobered by the imminent peril from which they had narrowly escaped for had the scenery caught fire, in all probability the whole building would have been in flames in a few minutes. Of course, under these circumstances, it would have been absurd to attempt to go on with the scene, and the curtain was nastily lowered. I was, on one occasion, present at Wallack's Theatre when an awkward accident occurred. Miss Matilda Heron was playing Marguerite Gautier in an English version of La Davie anx Camillas. In the scene it? the third act in which the father of Armand has an interview with Marguerite she has to throw herself on her unees oeiore jjuvai, wno is seated in an armchair and when he endeavours to console her, the stage direction is that she should cast herself into his extended arms This Miss Heron did with such force that she bein" a large woman weighing at least thirteen stone the chair failed to sustain the additional strain put upon it and it suddenly collapsed, two of the legs being broken' Theconsequencewasthatbothperformers were prostrated on the stage with some violence.

This unlucky inn? v.cuu uray squill, unu ui nie must patnetic situations in the play, and it was deemed advisable to let the curtain fall upon the unfinished scene. Instead, however, of the stage-manager coming forward, as was his duty, to apologise for the accident, Miss Heron presented herself in his place. She said that she must crave the indulgence of the audience, when she requested that the act might be allowed to close at this point" as she was too unnerved by the incident just witnessed to be equal to immediately resuming her role. Cries of Yes Yes was the resnonse to this mmui parts of the house and, had the ladv been well advised she would have been content to let the matter rest that everv nrppniiw, i.n.i i state every precaution had been taken to provide fnrni- jjwl, uiuucbiii iu ii i' ip fected beauty of the old master, and were rewarded with cordial applause. The players were Miss Jessie Grimson, Miss ivatnleen inomas, Mr William Jj.

Roy, and Miss Alice Elieson, who gave an excellent interpre tation ot tne music, producing a clear tone, and render ing the florid passages with decision. Miss Laura Davidson sang the air of Handel Lascio chio pianga." The song is a popular one, and the young lady did nerseli credit botn style and expres sion. A violin solo by Otie Chew, who chose the Swedish Dances ot Max Bruch, was another sue cessful effort. The music is interesting, and less hackneyed than most violin pieces, and being cleverly played it was heard with pleasure. Miss Helen Jackson was successful in the pleasant song "Nymphs and Shepherds," of Purceli's.

Miss Jackson sang it neatly, and with something of the old-world quaintness such a charming ditty requires. A novelty was the Adagio for tnree violoncellos ana pianoforte, by Popper. It was per formed by Miss Alice Elieson, Miss Emma Smith, and Miss Ethel Ufilhorn-kSillriardt. Tiro pianoforte aecoonroam- ment was played by Mr Wm. Capel.

It is a well-written slow movement by the famous violoncellist. Its elegiac character well adapts it for the instrument, and the combination is ettective and melodious. Few under- stand the capabilities of the violoncello better than Herr Popper, who has written so many excellent pieces for that instrument. Although somewhat sombre in tone, there is a graceful vein of melody in the piece, which has also the merit of not being unduly long. Tne young perrormers acquitted them selves extremely wen, Dienaing tne tone an artistic manner, and performing the solo portions, ot whicn eacn player nas a snare, with commendable neatness and purity of tone.

A very inte resting work concluded the concert. It was the Quintet of Rubinstein for pianoforte, flute, clarionet. horn, and bassoon. The performers were Miss Maud Branwell, Mr Daniel ood, Mr George Anderson, Mr Bertie Muskett, and Mr Edward Dubrucq. It is well sometimes to vary the programme by the introduction ot less laminar music, mere is much to charm the hearer in the Quintet of Rubinstein, who in this work is frequently more gracious and spontaneous in his ideas than in mere ambitious music.

The limits of chamber music are not without good effect upon the inspirations of the composer, who, when he is compelled to curb his imagination, often pleases us most. The Quintet was played with much finish, and the wind instruments were handled with considerable ability, and blended well with the pianoforte part, which was also most judiciously rendered. ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY. Handel's Israel in Egypt attracted a large audience to the Albert Hall on Thursday evening when an excellent performance of the celebrated oratorio was given by the Royal Choral Society, under Sir Joseph Barnby's able direction. It was a work in which the conductor's experience and skill proved of the utmost value.

The magnificent choruses in which the genius of the composer rises to its highest point, tested the capacity of the choralists, who distinguished themselves as they have rarely done. The elaborate choral effects were given not only with accuracy, but with such decision and unity of tone, as to realise in perfection Handel's gigantic conception. There was also a dramatic spirit preserved, which proved that the words as well as the music had due attention paid to them. The duet "The Lord is a man-of-war," was given by the whole of the tenors and basses. This is an innovation which some object to, but hardly while listening to the grand effect produced.

The Hailstone chorus was splendidly sung, and encored, as a matter of course. Mr Edward Lloyd won the usual honours in the air "The enemy said," which was repeated. Miss Clara Butt's fine voice enabled her to produce a striking effect in "Their land brought forth frogs" and "Thou shalt bring them in." Miss Anna Williams and Miss Margaret Hoare executed their share of the music with their customary ability. Handel's Jephtha is to be performed on Dec. 7th, and it will doubtless attract largely, for years have passed since it was performed in London.

THE QUEEN'S HALL. The Queen's Hall, Laneham-rJace. Recrent.street: shortly to be opened under the management of Mr R. Newman, occupies an area of 21,000 square feet, and has no less than seventeen entrances and exits Tt, hall has seating accommodation for nearlv 3.000 persons. The vestibules, corridors, and lobbies are spacious enough to receive the entire audience.

The front of the building, designed in the style of the Renaissance, is built Portland stone mitti coupled columns, and niches between them. The principal entrance is adorned by figures on pedestals supporting the main entablature. Busts of eminent composers and reclining figures define the purposes to which the building is devoted. The or grand tier provides arm-chair accommodation for 580 persons, and oy tne absence ot internal columns every occupant can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the orchestra. The second balcony on first floor, like the one below, is free from vertical supports and obstructions, and has sitting accommodation for 010.

A spacious foyer communicates with a refreshment saloon, and there are open loggias for promenades. The arena level is approached by wide staircases, and will accommodate 1.2G4 persons. The hall is designed on the principal of the body of a violin, the ceiling being arched and walls resonant. The ceiling, painted by M. Carpegat, of the Paris Opera House, is a fine piece of colour The orchestra has seating accommodation for about 400 the front part being made to extend for pianoforte recitals.

A Koyal box is placed in the nont and is approached through a handsome suite of apartments Thp (VimfJ- nf 1 I i. ii ul tiiMora nas ueen careiuuy considered the arrangement of the dressing-rooms right and left of the orchestra. The grand organ, specially built by Messrs Hill and Son, is a very fine instrument. 1 here is a smaller hall on the second floor, with separate entrances and retiring rooms, for chamber concerts and private dances, with a seating capacity for about 500 spacious restaurant and grill room with comp ete kitchen arrangements, are in the basement and the electric light and gas have been laid on throughout Mr E. Knightley, of 10G, Cannon-street the architect of the building, had the valuable advice of Mr Morton Lathom, the hon.

sec. of the Bach Choir on the arrangement of the orchestra and the technical details. To-night will take place the "private view" which will serve for the inauguration of the hall There, will be a conversazione from erVi-, ii. midnight, and vocal and instrumental music, selections by the band of the Coldstream Guards, and a recital upon Messrs Hill's organ will be given. Mr John A.

Atkin sends us a "souvenir" of his Grip of Iron, conrpany, from which we learn that the piece has been played for over 2,000 nights, and is fully booked up to the end of 1893. The Drawing-room scene, which is carried by the company, is very "sumptuous, and cost a very large sum. Mr Editor. Sir, In reply to Mr Geo. Taylor's correction of my notice of his performance.

I must refer jum ho tne omciai programme, tne definition in which presume, was his own, and which I accepted as correct' Yours truly, your Huddersfiei.d COBREsroN-nrvT Huddersfield, Nov. 22d, 1893. InMejioriam. In sorrowing but loving remembrance my dear husband. Dick Davis, wl called to rest Nov.

25th, 1892..