are, the theatres of Drury Lane, Covent Garden, the Lyceum, and the Haymarket.

Of these, the two first are in a style of magnificence and grandeur, scarcely surpassed by any theatre in Europe.

It is just, however, to state here, that a general complaint has been made, by persons who frequent the theatres, that the principal houses are much too large for the convenience of seeing and hearing: to which may be added another evil, that the enormous expense occasioned by the magnificence, &c. of the erections, outstrips the just proportion of professional profit.

Opera House.

THE Opera House, situated in the Haymarket, was originally intended solely for the representation of Italian operas. Of late years, however, dancing has constituted a prominent part of its amusements, to the great injury, as some suppose, of the operas, which are generally curtailed of an act to allow time for the ballets. The decorations of this theatre are splendid, and its band is considered as inferior only to that of the Opera House at Paris.

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The present and progressive improvements in Pall Mall have been extended to this house; and, by eventually insulating it, and surrounding it with elegant piazzas, will add to the future splendour of its appearance. It is built

on the plan of the Opera House at Paris, and may justly be considered as the most fashionable place of amusement in London. It is chiefly under the management of Mr. Waters.

Covent Garden Theatre.

COVENT GARDEN Theatre is the most eminent for dramatic exhibitions. The present building was erected in the year 1809, from designs of Mr. Smirke, jun., architect. It occu pies the site of the former theatre, with connecting houses, which were destroyed by fire in September, 1808; and it is worthy of remark, that the whole of the present edifice was raised in one year. It is on an extensive scale; and the whole stage management was formerly vested in Mr. John Kemble, who has certainly made many improvements and interesting reforms in the internal economy, science, and costume of dramas.

This theatre is more celebrated for tragedy than Drury Lane, and is at present under the management of Mr. Fawcett.

It is now lighted with gas, which communicates to it a most brilliant and attractive appearance.

It is calculated to contain upwards of 3,000 persons; and, when filled, to produce a nightly income of near 700%

under the management of Mr. Parker, whose wife is the Columbine at Covent Garden, and she occasionally performs the same part at Astley's Amphitheatre. This house also commences its season on Easter Monday, and generally closes in October, when the company

remove to

Astley's Olympic Pavilion,

IN Newcastle Street, where the same species of entertainments are exhibited.

Surrey Theatre.

THE Surrey Theatre, in St. George's Fields, is devoted to a similar class of dramatic representations: but when Mr. Elliston became the proprietor and manager of this house, he adopted a novelty, in abridging and versifying many celebrated dramas, and playing the same with the accompaniment of music.

This theatre is now the property of Mr. Dibdin, who is indefatigable in producing those interesting novelties, which never fail to attract overflowing audiences during every part of the season. Equestrian exercises were formerly exhibited here as in Astley's Amphitheatre; but the space thus occupied is now converted into a spacious and convenient pit, and horses are only occasionally introduced on the stage.

The Sans Pareil, in the Strand.

THIS is a winter house, and is chiefly under the management of Mr. and Miss Scott, the latter of whom writes almost all the pieces which are performed here.

Another theatre, in Wellclose Square, called the Royalty Theatre, is occasionally opened; and one also in John Street, near Tottenham Court Road.

Vauxhall Gardens.

THESE gardens are the most celebrated in Europe, and are situated near the Thames, in the parish of Lambeth. It is not easy to ascertain the time when this enchanting place was first opened for the entertainment of the public. In the reign of queen Anne, it appears to have been a place of great public resort; for in the Spectator, No. 383, May 20, 1712, Mr. Addison has introduced his favourite character, Sir Roger de Coverley, as accompanying him in a voyage from the Temple Stairs to Vauxhall. Long after, we find in the Connoisseur, No. 68, a very humourous description of the behaviour of an old citizen, who, notwithstanding his penurious disposition, had treated his family here with a handsome supper. The gardens appear to have been originally planted with trees, and laid out into walks, for the pleasure of a private gentleman.

Mr. Joseph Tyers, having taken a lease of

under the management of Mr. Parker, whose wife is the Columbine at Covent Garden, and she occasionally performs the same part at Astley's Amphitheatre. This house also commences its season on Easter Monday, and generally closes in October, when the company

remove to

Astley's Olympic Pavilion,

IN Newcastle Street, where the same species of entertainments are exhibited.

Surrey Theatre.

THE Surrey Theatre, in St. George's Fields, is devoted to a similar class of dramatic representations: but when Mr. Elliston became the proprietor and manager of this house, he adopted a novelty, in abridging and versifying many celebrated dramas, and playing the same with the accompaniment of music.

This theatre is now the property of Mr. Dibdin, who is indefatigable in producing those interesting novelties, which never fail to attract overflowing audiences during every part of the season. Equestrian exercises were formerly exhibited here as in Astley's Amphitheatre; but the space thus occupied is now converted into a spacious and convenient pit, and horses are only occasionally introduced on the stage.