But crowded houses have been the order of' the season at all the theatres. This is a tolerable answer to the croaking about the " want of encouragement to the drama." People will go to the- atres when there is any thing to attract them, as we have said be- fore ; and the present season is a proof. Even the Great Houses have been well filled, by splendid spectacles, music, and dancing,— the proper performances for their immense areas, though anything but fitting for monopoly theatres, that are upheld on the humbug pretence of protecting the " legitimate drama ;" FAmitot's per- sonation of the Minister being the only piece of fine acting in half- a-dozen of these show-pieces.
The Adelphi, ab% ays a popular theatre, has never known so suc- cessful a season. And why ?—because it has produced a constant succession of novelties, splendidly got up, cleverly acted, and if not of the best kind, skilfully adapted to the taste of the audiences. Neither has Vs:Timis been without her reward; though her bur- lettas this last season have not been quite equal to those of the former.
The Fitzroy, too, since it has turned its strength of comic talent to good account, has been prosperous: its clever burlesques have drawn good houses night after night. The Victoria has succeeded beyond the expectations of the managers : KNOWLES has drawn excellent houses whenever his plays have been performed. Sad- ler's %Veils, and the theatres eastward, have, we believe, no reason to complain. And more than all, whenever a theatre is to be let, there is no lack of competitors. So let us hear no more of the canting cry of " the Stage in danger : " the only danger is that for which bad managers are accountable.
By the by, VESTRIS'S closing address was capital of its kind. Those who were not present, but who have seen VESTRIS (and who, having any taste, has not?) may fancy with how much point and graceful pleasantry it was dehvered- " Ladies:not GelIlle111:91—For the first time this season, because for the last. I appear beture you o liii reluelauce. To report its result, is to repeat the sentence just now on every body's lips : • We have had an extr tordinary semou.' Our dramatie plants, ynuoititerlical by the sunshine of your smiles, and defended against all Fatale attacks by tplined awl applauding hands. have budded, blossomed, and ripened. For the fruits, I route sincerely and gratefully to thank you. Yet it is analy the surplus fruits whirl' I, as tanner of this estate, enjoy. The bulk f Ole111 Ins g011e to support and reward those w le iso talents have often amused and (may. 1 tilt?) sometimes in. tr acted y tat ! Their acknowledgments, therefore, it is also my pleasing duty to offer you. If I do not speak 11,r our nut hors, it is because I consider it more their business to make speeches tor me; but that they owe you a double debt of gratitude, cannot be denied; for each of them most OWII that ill adding to Isis comfort, you have contributed to his peace. Though I now speak in pr--, I hope ft ■ avoid biiiug prosy. It is more my habit to addr,s you hi numbers ; and in numbers. I am proud to say, it is your habit tO liNtell to me. Pima those numt era 1 must Low close any doors. I believe you wish tlam kept ; and if his Still were the law, be :assured that my will should be in your Lamm. lies, IA lie:. and gentlemen, there should be found a unite-fit clause in it, whereby, in humble imitation of great Jsdisis rse,tar, I would give you all my seats, my Papillon ,trbours, and new painted orchards on this side Wye!' Street, to you and your heirs, the w hole year round, to conic :Ow pad and recreate yourwlves. There is a Ca'a --a manager for you. I am already busy tisr you Ix next season. To mention 11:1i:IVA, %%el, to destroy the charm of mystery', but this I will disclose to you, in strict Nintiaienee, that I laave sureetialed. at Mt enorm,us erinuse, ill etig,ighig—NIttdalal, Ilk. With renewed thanks, ladies and gentlemen, iuutl with hest wishes for !Joist in- tersnediate happiness (intermediate I mean im to time, not as to quality). I have the honour, until next Octobt.r, most respeetnally tu drop my curtain and toy courtesy."
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