The anniversary of " the 'Martyrdom" was celebrated as usual
on the itiolt, at the expense ot' the poor players, by an enforced holyday. As the other houses shut their doors, the Little Haymarket opened hers— but to a party of' amateurs and we, the variety, availed ourselves of a ticket to attend the " Soirl'a! Dramatique." The scene was novel and amusing. The house was crowded, and there were box-keepers and the usual appurtenances of a public entertaimnent ; but the audience had an air of sociality that gave it the effect of a large private party : one half' seemed to know the other, greetings were exchanged in the boxes and lobbies, and all scented at home, and to take unusual in-
terest in the performances. The applauses, instead of being the effect of strong excitement, or dictated by a critical approbation, were of a sympathizing and encouraging kind, and occasionally as partial as they were hearty : different parties scented personally interested in the stosseas of a particular performer, some of' whom were evidently applauded for other good qualities than histrionic talent. This friendly feeling made the entertainment an agreeable relaxation ; and it smoothed over the little gauchevies of the performance, turning them into mirthful pleasantries that the actors themselves were fain to share in. The amateurs evinced that inevitable trepidation against which the strongest nerves and most assured self-complaevney are not always proof : the intensity and duratien of the "stage' fright " marked the degree of familiarity with theatrical matters. Some gentlemen seemed irresistibly impelled to make the tour of' the stage, others were spell-hound to one spot ; but all exhibited more or less restlessness—as if the legs must be moved, lest they should become fixed in one position, stud the kinds were incumbrances to be got rid of—and sought relief in redundant action ; moreover, the dialogue was in some instances so confidentially communicated that the " aside " whisper of a regular actor was a pro- clamation to it.
The performances were A rntat's opera of I'm Diavok, and the farce of Iliqh Lift below Stairs ; and hotlx went off with eclilt—so much so, that the opera was announced for repetition. Criticism is out of' the question in this ease; but it m as gratifying to see a party of amateurs (Lorenzo was the only professional exception among the principals) singing through an opera with general correctness, and occasionally with spirit and effect—coming in at the prope'r time, keeping well in tune, and displaying musical knowledge and vocal skill of no ordinary degree of cultivation in private life. 'r he common defects of English, singers, producing the tone with effort and not throwing out the voices, were of course observable ; and symptoms of' fatigue towards the close showed a want of strength—a qualit that can only be at- tained by good and long-continued training. Ira Diarok had a sweet voice and a handsome person, and played with the ease of habitude, and the composure of a person secure of admiration ; Lord and Lady All- cash were extremely well represented, both as regards the acting and singing ; and the two Brigands were capital—Bwo in particular, who to a voice and a physiognomy resembling E. SEGUIN'S, joined a pleasant humour. Among the chorus we recognized several of "the old %mj. liar faces." The band was wholly composed of professional players, under the direction of Mr. T. G. Room so numerous and efficient an orchestra, the Little Haymarket never boasted before.
The farce was famous fun : and here particularly the superior address and tact of the women was observable. " My Lord Duke " was evi- dently accustomed to the stage, and familiar with his part; but "Sir Harry," though not deficient in courage, was brusque, and relied too much on grimace and gesticulation ; while Philip could not for the life of hint get rid of the quiet gentleman, or put on the cunning rascal even when be recovered from his extreme nervousness : Lady Charhstte, on the contrary, (who, for aught we know, may have been a real Lady Charlotte, and at all events was a very- charming woman,) was as much at her ease as in her own drawing-room ; and mimicked the affected fine-lady airs gracefully, without a particle of vulgarity in the assumption. The same remark applies to the others : the Cook bustled about with a cordial good-will and enjoyment of the fun, that showedshe was not afraid of being thought other than a gentlewoman; and .31r.s. Kitty was the life and soul of the party, not only acting cleverly herself, but giving the cue to the others—her "Juliet" scene and her minuet and gavotte with the Coachman were capital. The Coachman was superb, too ; and his light and elegant dancing set off the burlesque humour admirably : the minuet was encored, of course. The two Black servants were well per- sonated ; the master of the house had a glorious phiz for a cottntry lout ; the merriment of the supper-table was well kept up ; in short, the whole performance was pleasant and lively, and the audience enjoyed it heartily.
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