64E t4tatrts.
The thorough renovation of Astlers, which has recently taken place, may be mentioned as one of the most remarkable phenomena of the theatrical world. Mr. W. Cooke's lease having expired, his landlord, Mr. Batty, resumes the government of the property with an appearance of taste and liberality, that promises an elevation of Astley's above all competition with other equestrian establishments. It was the weak point of Mr. Cooke's management that, while the performances in his circle were in every way worthy of praise, he did not turn his stage to the best account, and therefore deprived himself in a great measure of the advan- tage he held above rivals, who mine into the field with gymnastics only. Mr. Batty, on the other hand, while he has ever improved the perform, ances in the ring, has shown, in an English version of L'Histoire d'un Drapeau, a disposition for an effective miss en scene, that augurs well for future spectacles. The engagement of Mr. W. West, the partner of the late Mr. Ducrow, as stage-manager, is already manifest in the picturesque disposition of the groups.
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