Aladdin at the Alhambra is a genuine "Ballet Extravaganza," the story being told in pantomimic action, illustrated by M. Jacobi's sympathetic music. Aladdin was an excellent subject for Mr. John Hollingshead to take, though I venture to think that our old friend Blue Beard would be a still better one. The only fault I find with Aladdin is that it is too soon over. It certainly will take rank among the most superb and the most dramatic spectacles ever placed on the Alhambra stage. Aladdin ought to have been made much more of, as a sort of L'Enfant Prodigue. What a chance there would have been for him in games with the street-boys! Mlle. Legnani—so called, of course, from the graceful facility with which she remains for several seconds at a time on one leg—is both a pretty and nimble representative of the Dancing Princess. The Slave of the Ring does not appear in this story, as far as I could gather, only the Spirit of the Lamp, Signorina Pollini, puts in an appearance, and a very splendid appearance it is too! Mr. John Hollingshead is to be congratulated on having struck out a new line—though how he or the Lord Chamberlain could "strike out a new line" where there is no dialogue, will ever remain a mystery, even to M. Jacobi who knows most things well, and music better than anything. Mlle. Marie is a sprightly Aladdin, her pantomimic action being remarkably good. How many Aladdins have I seen! Whatever may become of other fairy tales—though all the best fairy tales are immortal—this of Aladdin will serve the stage for ever. At least, so thinks Private Box.
CHEAP LAW IN THE CITY.
Probable Development of the new "London Chamber of Arbitration," for the economical Settlement of Disputes without recourse to Litigation.
Basqueing in a New Language.—Much interest has been excited by the report that Mr. Gladstone, during his stay at Biarritz, used up his spare moments by studying the Basque tongue. Autolycus hears that, contrary to his usual habit, the Right Hon. Gentleman has in this matter an ulterior purpose. Occasionally, in the heat of debate in the House of Commons, Mr. Abraham drops into his native tongue, and addresses the Speaker in Welsh. Mr. Gladstone, desiring to add a fresh interest to Parliamentary proceedings, will, in such circumstances, immediately follow the Hon. Member for the Rhondda Vally, and continue the debate in Basque.
Evident, "When you come to think of it."—At what most patriotic moment of a most patriotic French exile must his feelings be most bitter?—When his love turns to Gaul.