The Queen reappears in the theatrical world as a patroness
of "native talent." Not only did she attend Mr. and Mrs. C. Kean's benefit at the Haymarket., on Monday last, but herself selected Money and The Wonder as the pieces for the evening. The visit of Royalty was only private; but the "special desire" was put forward in a very unmistakeable manner, and her Majesty could not be considered incognita: she was cheered by the audience, and responded to their cheers from her box. The Wonder, remarkable for the ingenuity of its Spanish plot and the meagrenesa of its English dialogue, had been compressed into three acts, and served to exhibit Mr. and Mrs. C. Kean in new characters. The gentleman played Don Felix with a good deal more of comic force than might have been expected; and the Donna Violante of the lady was a most graceful and finished performance.
The benefit of Mr. Macready, on Monday next, is honoured by the "command of her Majesty "-that is to say, the Queen will visit Drury Lane in state. This compliment is, we believe, without precedent: it marks the position which Mr. Macready has attained, by the intellectual cast of his performances, and by the decorum of his social as well as professional career. The pieces selected are Henry the Eighth and The Jealous Wife, both to be abridged for the occasion.
Mr. Webster's benefit at the Haymarket, which takes place tonight, and Mr. Mitchell's at the St. James's, which is fixed for Wednesday, are visible marks of a closing season. The Adelphi company is to be transferred to the Haymarket during the suspension of the regular performances at the latter theatre. The Olympic is to have a "summer season "; several ladies and gentlemen released from other establishments being engaged for the performance of light vaudevilles and farces.
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