The Haymarket, which opened this day week, is to be
added to the list of redecorated theatres. Mr. Sang, who renovated the Adelphi, has done the same kind office for the Haymarket; adhering to the same style. There is not, to be sure, that idea of an old French temporary theatre as the basis of the details; but still a common type may be found in the pre- dominance of gayety and unity of colour, and fantasticalness of design, over a refined feeling for harmony and simplicity. The ceiling and the proscenium are the grand fields in which the artist has displayed his in- dustry and his fancy; and they contrast somewhat violently with the sim- ple gilt scroll on a cream-coloured border, which decorates the front of the boxes. The drop-scene, representing a screen adorned with several Shak- sperian landscapes, is effective, without any attempt at composition. It is painted by Mr. Phillips. Opinions are very likely to differ as to the style in which the Hay- Market is decorated; but all will agree that an immense improvement has taken place, and that the exertions of Mr. Charles Manby, who super- intended the whole, and caused the operations to be completed in little more than a fortnight, are worthy of high commendation. The Hay- market—one of the most important theatres in London—was also one of the most unsightly; and now we have cleanliness and gayety as substitutes for dirt and dinginess.
Let us hope, however, that the managers of the different redecorated establishments are not allowing themselves to be led into the fallacy of
supposing that a newly-adorned salle is so powerful an attraction as to dis- pense with extreme care in selecting the works for the stage. Giving all credit to Miss Laura Addison, as an energetic and assiduous actress, we cannot think that Romeo and Juliet, with Miss Addison and Mr. Creswick as the heroine and hero, was a sufficient repast to offer up for six successive nights. Surely it would be better to put something striking on the stage, and thus give a general brilliancy to the first starting.
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