WHISTLE FOR IT, a Musical Farce, is the production of the Ho, nourable Mr. Lamb, aud was first acted at Lord Abercorn's Private Theatre at Stanmore, where it was looked upon as a prodigy of genius, wit and humour. Not so at Covent Garden. The Cavern scene of Gil Blas seems to have supplied the barren plot which forms the construction of the piece. Two lovers are in the power of a banditti, and obtain their release by a whistle, on the sounding of which their friends, who have surrounded the cave, rush in and secure the robbers. The farce is completely destitute of interest or contrivance, and received much disapprobation. The galleries took the author's hint, and as a suitable return for the entertainment they received, treated him with the whistle of their musical cat-calls.

The music, by Lanza, is pretty, but quite irrelevant to the business and situations. Probably from his ignorance of the English languge, his music never expresses a single line of his author. Miss Bolton has a neat air or two, which, however, she sung very much out of tune. Incledon's song was too cold for his spirited manner. The Overture is a masterly composition, and does M. Lanza great credit.

THE OGRE, and Little Thumb, or the Seven League Boots, is chiefly remarkable for the anxiety that has been shewn by the Dra matists of the Theatre to avoid the disgrace of being considered its author. Mother Goose has now we believe, been plucked of her last feather; but here the managers will find no golden eggs. Gaffer Thumb loses little Thumb and his brother Thumbs, and Gammer Thumb, as well she might, is very angry with Gaffer. Miss Thumb their daughter, attracts the attention of a Knight Errant, who, with Scamperini his 'squire, has lost his way, and enters the cottage of the Thumbs. We are next introduced to Fee-fa-fum, where the little Thumbs have taken up their lodging. The Giant is fond of fresh meat, and means to eat up his little guests in the middle of the night,

but instead of the Seven Thumbs, kills the Seven Fee-fas. Then he puts on his seven league boots, and sets forth in search of the fugitive Thumbs. And then-and then-oh, then, there is a fine Cataract, and Master Anthropophagus (the giant) is pushed into it

and drowned.

The audience was very indignant at the intrusion of this sad stuff upon them: but the managers persist in the exhibition, and, with the assistance of their cascade, continue to boast of a nightly overflow.

The talents of the Bolognas, Grimaldi, Farley, Miss Searle, and a sister of the Drury Lane Bristow, who acted Little Thumb with admirable cleverness, were in vain exerted to give effect to the representation of this worse than foolish performance.

The overture and music are by Mr. Ware, and will increase his reputation. In this species of composition he is very happy; he fully understands the trick of the scene; his music always expresses the subject.

SADLERS WELLS.

Opened on Easter Monday with a new Harlequinade, which unites splendour with many situations of comic interest -The changes of scenery and mechanism are unusually numerous and effective, and it is needless to say such a Clown as Grimaldi, must essentially aid the author's intention. Mr. C. Dibdin, jun. writes and superintends the productions at this theatre, and in addition to the pantomime, has revived the favourite aquatic spectacle of An Bratach. Mr. Reeves is the composer, and Mr. Andrews designs and paints the whole of the scenery. A new harlequin, two new male singers, and a lady of vocal talent, have this season been added to the former respectable corps-and a most superb and interesting melo-drama is in preparation, to give scope for their united talents. The Propietors are entitled to some praise for the nightly exhibition of Daniel's Life Preserver; the grand body of water at the Wells, affords ample means of proving the wonderful effects of that valuable invention.

THE COUNTRY THEATRES.

Theatre Royal NORWICH. After a month's absence the company has returned to us. We were present at the representation of "John Bull, with the Weathercock"but from the very scanty appearance of the house, we greatly fear the managers did not add much to their treasury account; still it should be remembered by the performers that notwithstanding there are only present the "select few," an actor is not warranted either in slighting his character, or appearing slovenly on the stage. With the exception of Grove and Fitzgerald, the performers were very culpable in these respects. On the following Saturday, Mr. Hinds presented the town, for his benefit, with the play of" Adrian and Orrilla," and "Tekeli.” In the former

piece every justice was done by the performers to their respective characters. Mr. Bowles, as the Prince, was powerful and im pressive; Mr. Grove, in Couut Rosenheim, blended the serio-comic, with the most happy effect; nor should Mr. Bennet, in the Silly Michael be forgotten-The Ladies all seemed to exert their utmost abilities for the Manager; it would be difficult to say, whether Mrs. Bowles, Mrs Faucit, or Mrs. Grove, excelled the most; the Scenery in the After-piece reflects infinite credit on the taste and talents of Mr. Dixon.

It is with regret we hear that Mr. and Mrs. Grove are about to leave us. We do not pretend to know the secrets of the Green Room, but it seems strange, that as soon as performers in this company become favourites, we lose them.

The benefits at this theatre are under the following liberat restrictions. "Who would not be a manager?"

No person allowed a pantomime or ballet, except the harlequin, clown, and colombine of the company Not a bill on the day of per.ormance allowed to be set down to the manager's account. The charges, or security for the same, to be paid or given before the benefit night. No bill intended for representation or advertisement whatever printed or published 'until signed by the managers, or the benefit forfeited if published without such signature. If half a sheet of paper should be required on the night's performance, it is set down to the performer as an item among the extra expences: No bespeak allowed.

On the 23d April, 1807, were announced for the benefit of the Theatrical Fund, Lovers' Vows and the Old Maid. At the rising of the curtain there were 7 in the gallery, 5 in the pit, and 10 in all the boxes, making in the whole 22 persons, but in the aggregate the house was calculated to contain at this time only 22 shillings, for silver tickets are admissible even on benefit nights. Prior to the commencement of the performance the manager had some idea of dismissing the house, and allowing to the Fund the amount of the oil and candles, but distinguishing a rush of two more subscribers down to the first row of the shilling gallery, they determined to commence the play. At the conclusion of the night's entertainments, from conjecture there could not have been more than the sum of 2l. 58. to be added to this institution.

N. B. It is to be observed, that managers both in town and country, always give the best night, and their strongest play, to the Theatrical Fund. Kind souls!

ITALIAN OPERA,

Madame Catalani is still the great Magnet of attraction at the Opera. Mitridate, produced for her Benefit, is got up with very great splendour. She sings a Cavatina in a most fascinating stile, which is peculiarly adapted to her fine powers. A Duett with Seboni attracted particular notice and was much applauded.

A new Grand Ballet called the Siege of Troy, with magnificent decorations, has lately been produced, and affords universal satis<< faction. Mademoiselle Nora made her first appearance in this Country, and is to be considered as an acquisition of importance.