AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 3075, 27 December 1872, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The Princess Theatre was literally filled last evening, every seat being occupied, and standing room w th the slightest chance of seeing the stage absolutely not to be ohtained, while many who wished to see the pantomime could not obtain admission. Ihe chief attraction being the pantomime, the first piece was the short, smart, and well played “Comical Countess.” “Jack the Giant Killer” followed, an old friend with new filling in, and none the worse for the change. The opening scene is of course allegorical, and has the merit of dealing with local subjects. Who the writer of the dialogue js we (Jo not know ; he is evidently up in all the politics pf the day, and has made some very witty and capital We are introduced to an incantation scene, in which all sorts of unpleasant subjects are brought up from the witches’ cauldron, culled from the Daily Times articles on taxation. Master Humphrey’s bilious prophecies, and oth'-r crotchety authorities. These gloomy forebodings are put to fight by good humour and good cooking, and then the giants have their turn, with Mrs Walter Hill, a very charming giant killer, Mr Collier as King Arthur, Mr flesford as Gorgibuster, Miss Gassy Matthews as Jack’s mother, and the other chakcters, who. having only to look well, were'very Well represented. This portion of the piece’ Was 1 decidedly well done, and very ampsing.’ The' giant yad the very beet we ever say—a great tall, broad, bulky fellow, some ten feet high—so big that, in spite of one’s reason, Mrs Hill and Miss Lime Bush seemed quite children beside him, and the impression remained, so natural was the get up. The Maliquinade included many old jokes and tricks, and not many new, and might very profitably be shortened. Some very clever bits were made, but the athletic feats were only in few instances the feats of athletes. It is hardly possible to speak in terms of too high commendation of the scenery. From first to last the most minute attention has been given to it, and to the mechanical effects. 'J he Regions of Gloom, the Blue Caverns, the Queen Bee’s iaunt, and the Transformation Scene were magnificent works of art. In the last there were eleven changes, each reveadng a more gorgeous and brilliant picture than the previous one ; until, at last, they culminate in effects that are perfectly dazzling. It is hardly possible to describe each successive revelation : the best advice we can give to tho:o who are curious to know what those ebbtides t0 those who are artists, and to those who are 'lovers ot art, i*-—go and see them > you will be pleased,'mid join,; ip the hearty plmdits were bestowed on Mr Willis when called before the curtain, 'ot the least attractive among the incidents of the piece was the little regiment of fairy guards, children apparently from four to ten years of age, whose mazy marching was so perfectly performed that it elicited well deserved applause. There were some very good 'local scenes. Mi's W. Hill aud Miss Li/zie' Bush danced gracerally, and Mr ' linton ami Mr Colder seemed to eiqoy the transition from the' mote solemn di»aina to the burlesque- The pantomime should have a long run.

MASONIC HALL. A full bouse assembled last evening at tbe Masonic Hall to witness the clever performances of Mr Loyal and company. The various feats gone through by the former on the horizontal bar, double trapeze, &c., elicited enthusiastic applause, and corroborated the excellent criticisms already received by that gentleman- 'I be room is not sufficiently large for ■such performances, but Mr "Loyal succeeded in provifag bimself the most graceful aad clever gytonast we have yfet se p. The entertainment was varied by dramatic sketches gfveh by Mr Q’Brien and Miss Bownng,' and sll presgnf. see’mpd to enjoy themselves.