PUNCH,
OR, THE LONDON CHARIVARI.
VOLUME 98.
APRIL 19, 1890.
IN THE LANE.
Monday.—Carmen exceptionally excellent. Miss Zélie de Lussan,gifted with a light, pleasant voice, sang admirably. Can't have "Tropde Zélie." Mr. Barton McGuckin, as Don Jim-along-José, did all thatcan be done with this weak-minded soldier. No holes to be picked in Mr.McG.'s performance, though there was a portion of his costume that wouldhave been the better for the attention of Signor Soanso, the Spanishtailor. Perhaps he is one of the "Renters" of Drury Lane. The strongestand most novel situation was the entrance of a horse, which, like theold woman who "lived on nothing but victuals and drink," "wouldn't bequiet," and nearly gave poor Carmen fits. If it had given Mr. Barton McGuckinfits—a pair of them—my previous allusion to the tailor wouldhave lacked a tangible basis of fact. Fancy Carmen frightened by anordinary horse, not even a dray-horse, of which no Carmen would havebeen afraid!
The Garden Scene from the Lane.
Tuesday and Friday.—Faust. Signor Runcio, as Faust, up to the mark.Military band of soldiers returned from the wars had apparentlyconquered the drum of a British regiment. Signor Abramoff (good asMephistopheles) showed his generous disposition by sharing his redlight with Martha when he was talking to her.
Wednesday.—Romeo and Juliet, repetition of last week when the seasoncommenced with Gonoud's masterpiece. Scenery tested the resources ofsome of the greatest Drury Lane successes. The pantomime in theball-room was particularly excellent and noticeable.
Thursday.—Mignon, represented by charming Miss Moody. Supported bythe dullest of Lotharios, Mr. F. H. Celli. Wilhelm played by a verysmall tenor—in fact one who looked like a Child. The cast good allround, and a crowded house enthusiastic. One of the best revivals of theseason.
Saturday.—Wallace's Lurline in the evening, after Carmen in themorning. "Troubador" just as enchanting as he was twenty years ago. "Thesilver river," too, "flows on" as sweetly as ever. Good house testifiesto the love we all have for home-made music. On the whole a satisfactoryweek from every point of view. So far—all's well.
"A SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF INEBRIETY."
On the last occasion of the Meeting of the above Society a mostinteresting paper was read by Professor James Jambes, F.R.Z.S.,describing a series of experiments to which, in the cause of Science, hehad recently submitted himself. Commencin