114t tOtatrts.
We are now able to announce that Her Majesty's Theatre will be opened this season—probably within a month. The necessary arrange- ments for that purpose having been definitively made in the course of last week, Mr. Lumley is now at Paris, employed in engaging perform- ers and making other preparations; and his return is expected in a few days. In the mean time, the theatre is full of workmen, busied with repairs and decorations. Most exaggerated accounts have been given of the alleged decay of the house consequent on its having been closed so long : we are informed, on the contrary, that the interior of the building is quite, sound, and that the work to be done is chiefly of an ornamental description. Thus far our information is positive. In regard to the composition of the company, it is scarcely worth while to indulge in conjecture when the truth will so soon be known. Mr. Lumley's negotiations with performers will of course depend on their re- lations with the rival manager, Mr. Gye. Notwithstanding the demi- official announcement lately put forth, that Mr. Gye was preparing to open the Lyceum, there seem still to be doubts on that head. We hear DO "note of preparation" given by the sound of hammers about the place, and it is currently said that no bargain with Mr. Arnold has yet been concluded. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine what Mr. Gye could do at the Lyceum. In such a place he cannot possibly keep his immense establishment together. He must reduce its scale to that of a theatre of the second class, like the Opera Comique : and even then he could not make it pay. It is generally understood that Covent Garden Theatre will not be rebuilt. Its °colligation as an English theatre was gorie for ever when ii was converted into a great Italian operahouse. Great theatres for our " legitimate drama" are no longer wanted, the public having learned to prefer small houses. Rebuilding it, or erecting any other theatre of similar magnitude, for the Royal Italian Opera, is equally out of the question. We have said from the beginning, that neither London nor any other city can support more than one such theatre ; and experience has proved that such is the case. We have Her Majesty's Theatre ; it is sufficient for all our wants, and is moreover the most beautiful opera- house in Europe.
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