[Illustration: Vol au Vent.]
Now that the Parliamentary Session has opened, and the Season threatens
to set in with its usual severity, the dinner question comes prominently
to the front. Even in the best-regulated households there is a sameness
about dinner which, towards the end of the week, palls upon the
appetite. Some ambitious young men have attempted to deal with the
matter and surprise their guests by introducing cheese immediately after
the soup (_souffle au parmesan_), and after a cut of beef comes the fish
(_turbot a la Russe_). That is well meant, but it is crude. _Mr. Punch_
has given his great mind to the subject, and presents to the
consideration of the dining world the following hints for a meal:--
Half-om-half.
Blauwe Landtongsche Oesters.
Hoog-Sauterneswijn.
Soepen.
Dikke Rivierkreeften Soep. Volmaakte Soep in Van Dijk Stijl.
Amontillado.
Zuschotelles.
Selderij. Olijven. Radijs. Haringen. Poukenvorm gebakken
in Berg-op-Zoomsche Stijl.
Liebfraumilch.
Gekruide Gerechten.
Gestreepte Baars, Piet Hein Stijl. Lambasteien met Zeeuwsche Saus.
Chateau Danzac.
Voorgerechten.
Hoenden Vleugels, met Haagsche Saus.
Heetkoudegemakten Ganzenlevers in Zwolsche Stijl.
Ruinart, wrang wijn, Bijzonder Perrier Jouet, Louis Roederer, wrang,
Giesler & Co., G. H. Mumm, buitengewoondroog.
Groenten.
Aardappelen in Sneeksche Stijl.
Doperwten, Fransche Stijl.
Gebakkene Kropsalade.
Sorbet, Anneke Jans.
Gebraad.
Kanefasrug Eendvogels. Gekruide Seiderij-sla.
Richebourg.
Nagerecht.
Curacaogelei. Italiaansche Ijs. Edamsche Kaas. Vruchten.
Gemonteerde Stukken.
Koffie.
Likeuren. Sigaren.
Pupen en Tabak.
It may be objected that half-and-half, even when badly spelt, is a cold
preparation for dinner; and others may take exception to _Poukenvorm_,
as likely to have an earthy taste. But did they ever try it _gebakken in
Berg-op-Zoomsche Stijl_? It is no use mincing matters. Let anyone in
search of a good dinner enter any well-appointed _restaurant_, and order
this _menu_ right through down to _Pupen en Tabak_ (which is not a
preparation of dog's meat), and if they are not satisfied, _Mr. Punch_
is a Dutchman.
* * * * *
"RICHARDSON'S SHOW" AND A "BILL OF THE PLAY."
The Vaudeville, when it was opened, was devoted to all that was light
and cheerful. Comedy and Burlesque went hand-in-hand, and the audience,
if ever asked to weep, were begged to cry with laughter. But Mr. ROBERT
BUCHANAN (with the assistance of the late Mr. RICHARDSON) "has changed
all that." _Clarissa_, the present attraction at the little theatre on
the North-side of the Strand, is a piece of the most doleful character.
The First Act is devoted to a very heartless abduction, and the last to
a lingering death and a fatal _duello_. When it is announced that the
successful fencer who "kills his man" is no less a person than that
excellent Comedian, Mr. THOMAS THORNE, it will be readily understood
that "the New Drama" is the reverse of lively. _Clarissa_ has scarcely a
laugh in it from beginning to end. Certainly, in the last Scene but one,
there is a revel, in which "pseudo-Ladies of Fashion" take part, but the
merriment with which it is spiced is decidedly ghastly. Miss WINIFRED
EMERY is exceedingly clever, but her death-scene is painfully
protracted. Mr. THALBERG, as _Lovelace_, is a sad dog in every sense--a
very sad dog, indeed. The only incident in the piece ever likely to
provoke a smile, is the appearance of some comic bearers of grotesque
sedan-chairs. When _Clarissa_ is carried out _a la_ GUY FAUX at the end
of the Second Act, there is certainly a moment's hesitation whether the
audience should cry or laugh. But the sighs have it, and
pocket-handkerchiefs remain to the front. On the occasion of the initial
performance, some slight amusement was caused by the introduction of Mr.
BUCHANAN in unconventional nineteenth century morning dress amongst the
old-fashioned costumes of the company; but, of course, the slight
amusement was for once and away, and could not advantageously be
frequently repeated. Thus, take one thing with another, the life of the
Vaudeville audiences at this moment cannot be truthfully described as a
merry one.
[Illustration: Something Lively at the Vaudeville.]
At the Avenue quite a different story may be told. People who visit this
pretty little house desirous of being moved even unto tears by that
finest of _Fausts_, Mr. ALEXANDER, will be disappointed--they had far
better stay at home, or go to see _Clarissa_. Mr. HAMILTON AIDE has
adapted from the French of CARRE (a case of fetch and carry) a Farcical
Comedy in Three Acts, which _he_ calls _Dr. Bill_, in preference to _Dr.
Jojo_ the Gallic original. The prescription from which the Doctor
concocts his mixture might have been supplied by the Criterion. Mr.
FREDERICK TERRY plays a part that would have suited Mr. WYNDHAM down to
the ground, and Mr. CHEVALIER is continually suggesting the
peculiarities of Mr. MALTBY. Miss FANNY BROUGH is Miss FANNY BROUGH,
which means that no one could play the part so well, much less better.
For the rest, the company (although a new one) work together with a "go"
that carries all before it. ALEXANDER has certainly conquered the
world--of Comedy. He may do less wise things if he rests satisfied, and
leaves Tragedy alone for an indefinitely lengthened period.