Something Lively at the Vaudeville.
At the Avenue quite a different story may be told. People who visit this pretty little house desirous of being moved even unto tears by that finest of Fausts, Mr. Alexander, will be disappointed—they had far better stay at home, or go to see Clarissa. Mr. Hamilton Aïdé has adapted from the French of Carré (a case of fetch and carry) a Farcical Comedy in Three Acts, which he calls Dr. Bill, in preference to Dr. Jojo the Gallic original. The prescription from which the Doctor concocts his mixture might have been supplied by the Criterion. Mr. Frederick Terry plays a part that would have suited Mr. Wyndham down to the ground, and Mr. Chevalier is continually suggesting the peculiarities of Mr. Maltby. Miss Fanny Brough is Miss Fanny Brough, which means that no one could play the part so well, much less better. For the rest, the company (although a new one) work together with a "go" that carries all before it. Alexander has certainly conquered the world—of Comedy. He may do less wise things if he rests satisfied, and leaves Tragedy alone for an indefinitely lengthened period.
Serjeant Cox, on behalf of Private Box.
Making up Dr. Bill's Prescription.
P.S.—Mr. Jerome's new piece (which he describes as "comparatively speaking, new and original"), just produced at Terry's Theatre, is rather disappointing. Its title of New Lamps for Old strongly suggests a "Night's Entertainment." But when the poverty of the plot and the quality of the dialogue are taken into consideration, it would be almost too much to say that this pleasant idea is fully realised by the evening's performances. It must be confessed, however, that Mr. Penley, rising and descending in a dinner-lift, is (at first) funny; and Miss Cissy Grahame is ever welcome.
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