With the exception of comical concoctions with culinary titles,—the Phantom
Breakfast, a version of L'Omelette Fantastique, at the Adelphi; and Too many Cooks Spoil the Broth, at the Princess's,—there have been no changes in the Christmas bills of fare at the English Theatres. And none seems to have been needed, for all the houses have had overflows: the Hay- market in particular, on the nights of the Misses Cushman's performance of Romeo and Juliet, could not contain the crowds that besieged the doors. The engagement of these ladies was to have terminated this week ; but it will probably be renewed in consequence of their great attraction, or rather that of Miss Cushman as Romeo. There have been " juvenile nights" at the principal theatres this week; but too tardily for the holy day children, who are nearly all back at school again by this time. Managers should consider the case of the little folks, whose petition for a treat to the pantomime is so often refused on the plea that " the performance is so late before it's over," and announce juvenile nights soon after Christmas: old as well as young would welcome the alteration.
A change of performances, however, is now becoming desirable. _Ac- cordingly, Mr. Macready returns to complete his engagement at the Princess's, and is to reappear there on Monday in King Lear. A new piece is announced for the same evening at the Adelphi, under the title of Leoline, or Life's Trials.
The success of the literary amateur actors has induced the artists to make a similar attempt; and that also in the cause of charity. A private subscription performance by artist-amateurs is announced to take place, at the St. James's Theatre, on Tuesday next, for the benefit of the Artists' General Benevolent Institution: a most excellent and useful society. The pieces are The School of Reform, Bonbastes Furioso, and A Day Well Spent; three effective dramas, each of a different kind. But who are to fill the parts—especially that of Tyke—and what are the talents of the party as actors, we have not heard. Mr. Douglas Jerrold, who is one of the com- mittee of management, has written an address for the occasion: so we may hope he will take part in the performance.
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