THE THEATRES.
The Lyceum is the only theatre that has opened without alteration or improvement,—and, be it added, is the only theatre that did not stand in need of them. In the place of absolute novelty we have the revival of Mr. Planche"s Court Beauties; an elegant piece, illustrative of the times of Charles the Second, and terminating with a tableau-vivant of the Hampton Court belles, all properly framed. It has not been performed since Ma- dame Vestris managed the Olympic, and shines as brightly as ever with Lyceum decorations. The Duke of Buckingham is played with admirable ease and nonchalance by Mr. Mathews. In old days the character was acted by Mr. Bland, the best burlesque monarch in the world, but rather a heavy representative of Dryden's Zimri- " A man so various, that he seem'd to be Not one, but all mankind's epitome."
The Critic is performed with Mr. Mathews in the two characters of Sir Fretful and Puff, as it was during the engagement of that gentleman at the Princess's. Mrs. Yates, who has somewhat suddenly joined the Lyceum company, made her appearance as Tilburina on the opening night; and was received with a hearty enthusiasm unknown, we believe, out of Great Britain. A furore for the favourite of the moment may be found any- where; but an enduring attachment to a theatrical artist of long standing is peculiar to Englishmen. Mrs. Yates performance was in the best taste; a ladylike manner being judiciously blended with the exaggerated humour necessary to burlesque. Substituting Mrs. Yates for Mrs. Stirling, we shall find that the Lyceum company is about the same as last year.
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