The Genius of Pantomime is reinstated at both the Great
Theatres. Harlequin figures in the civic legend of Whittington and his Cat at Drury Lane, and as Grey Faux at Covent Garden. We trust the Licenser has exercised a reverend care for the dignity of the Mnyor •7 3 Alder- men at Drury, and that no scandal shall be insinuated against the House of Lords at Covent Garden. At the Adelphi, Harlequin is among the sprites; the Elfin Queen, or tire Battle of the Fairies, being the title of the pantomime. Jach and his Brothers is the subject chosen nt the Victoria ; and the nursery-rhyme Ride a Cock-horse is the text at the Lyceum. The Olympic is mythological, as usual—VESTRIS has an Olympic Pic-nic party of the fabled Immortals ; and at the St. James's, Rasselas and the Happy Valley are brought on the stage.
The Queen's also reopens to.night, under the management of Mrs. NISBETT, with a new company, and new pieces.
Of the merits of the respective Holyday entertainments we must report next week, after seeing the most worthy seriatim. In the mean time, however, we must protest in the name of all playgoers, old and young, against the surfeit of amusement prepared for them before the fun of the harlequinade begins. Think of the fatigue and bewilder- ment to the senses from sitting out the opera of the Siege of Rochelle, and the play and spectacle of the Jewess, followed by the pantomime. This is making toil of pleasure indeed. Why, half the children will be asleep ; if their eyes be open, their senses will be shut, At Co- vent Garden it is almost as bad. This system is preposterously absurd.
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