Scene from “Moon Queen and King Night,” at the Surrey Theatre. — Arrival of the Baron
1849
Engraving
Source: Illustrated London News
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We are enabled, by the activity of our Artiste, to present two anticipatory scenes from two of the Pantomimes to be produced for the gratification of her Majesty's liege subjects on Wednesday next.
First is Alfred Crowqulll’s “Moon Queen and King Night; or, Harlequin Twilight,” at the Surrey Theatre, where of late years some very good harlequinades hare been produced.
The “Moon Queen” opens with a Prologue, spoken by Burlesque and Pantomime; a scuffle ensues, and the latter shouts his triumph thus: —
No fustian now—no mighty paradoxes
Shall puzzle pit, or gallery, or boxes;
But good, old, joyous English Pantomime;
And let as hope that it will last our time.
Bringing together in a circle here
All that was scatter'd by the bygone year.
Not wiser than our fathers, let us fairly laugh;
"Care," says the song, “is but a silly calf!”
I wave my wand — (waves boot-jack) — let it not be in vain;
Beneath my spell be children all again!
The personages in the opening are - Immortals: King Night, Mr. J. W. Collier; the Moon Queen, Miss E. Bromley; Silver Ray, Miss Laporte; Silver Ripple, Miss Daly; Light the Lake, Miss Bloomfield; and other little Rays that the Moon can raise at any time; an Electric Light, Mons. J. Lupino. The “mortals most immortally bothered” are: Baron Blazenoff (afterwards Pantaloon), Mr. Naylor; Kurleywiggins (the Baron'tbarber), Mr. Rogers; vassals, retainers, slaves, &c. Myrra (a miller’s daughter, afterwards Columbine), Mdlle. Luiza; Fritz(the lover, afterwards Harlequin), Moos. Lupino; Qrindumfyn (the miller, afterwards Clown), Mr. Dewhurst; Huskygrain (his man), Mr. Rivers.
The opening scene is the cavern of Night. A lurid hue is thrown upon the grotesque figures hewn oat of the rocks. In the centre of the stage is a gigantic chamber candlestick, with an extinguisher, which rises slowly and discovers King Night upon his throne—sitting cross-legged upon the sconce. His helmet is an extinguisher, encircled by a bright and glittering diadem. His sceptre is a latch-key. He descends from his seat with a solemn air, and waves his latchkey sceptre. His dark troops riso through the candlestick, and form Into line. A comic review here takes place, after which King Night addresses his troops. After a chorus, the troops return to the candlestick dépôt, King seats himself upon his own sconce, the extinguisher descends and covers him. The candlestick floats away, to slow music. A rise and sink, discovers a wild, romantic pans. Towering, snow-capped mountains—moonlight, but no moon seen — music, “The young May-moon.” The scene moves slowly, until it becomes the starlit hemisphere. In the centre a gigantic moon; in the midst, the Queen Moon seated on a jewelled throne — her Court enters — they have silver bows and arrows. The Queen comes forward and sings. After a dance, with bows and arrows, the Queen addresses her Court, and men they disappear, dancing.
Next is the Hall of Baron Blazenoff; then the Miller's House, where the miller, his daughter, and her lover, have a chase with me antagonistic Baron, who arrives in a Hansom’s cab.
The change is to a fairy bower and lake. The lovers are together in a car; me Fairy Court of me Queen are floating about in nautilus shells, with wreaths attached to the car. The Baron and his followers are seen through a grating in the bower. A bevy of nymphs rush from me bowers. A dance ensues. As the lovers are being borne off in triumph. King Night rises from the Lake and severs me wreaths attached to the car ; darkness immediately hides the scene. The Baron rushes from his confinement. All is closed in by a very savage rocky landscape. Enter Silver Ripple, Silver y, and Light the Lake; the scene becomes much lighter; they look as if followed. King Night rushes on; the scene becomes dark again, and, after a struggle, the lovers are dragged in by Night’s attendants, and the maid is banded over to Blazenoff.
The scene changes to me Celestial Hemisphere, with Queen Moon, and her Nymphs; and the transformations take place. The comic business men begins; and. Judging from me programme before us, the pantomime will be replete with fun.
Bibliography
“Christmas Pantomimes and Extravaganzas.” Illustrated London News. 15 (22 December 1849): 416. Hathi Trust Digital Library version of a copy in the University of Michigan Library. Web. 26 December 2015. The text above was created from the Hathi page images with ABBYY FineReader. — George P. Landow
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Last modified 26 December 2015w