DRURY LANE THEATRE.

WHATEVER former general elections may have done, the present certainly has not operated favourably for the two winter theatres. The labours of canvassing, and the meetings of committees, sub-committees, branch committees, &c. in each parish, have engaged a great number of heads of families, while the anxiety which has pervaded all ranks, has been excitement enough for numberless persons who would otherwise have sought it in the theatre.

The musical novelties at both houses have been singularly unsuccessful this season, so far as it has gone. The public are becoming better and better acquainted with the art; are fast growing into critics, therefore more nice than formerly. Besides which, much talent for musical composition has not lately been shown at our theatres, for the encouragement is insufficient to produce effectual competition. Several who can write have not inducement enough to exert their abilities, knowing how much time they must bestow, how many vexations they will have to encounter, how precarious is success, and the certainty, even if successful, of being very inadequately rewarded for their efforts and labours.

Old pieces revived have proved the most fortunate; among which Masaniello has drawn many to this theatre, to see Mr. BRAHAM in the character of the ambitious Fisherman, which he performed admirably.

On Tuesday, the 18th ult., Mrs. CENTLIVRE’s Bold Stroke for a Wife, with the newly-given title of Win her and Wear her, and converted into a musical piece, was performed for the first time, BRAHAM undertaking the part of Colonel Feignwell. There is so much absurdity in the plot of this, and the language betrays so many symptoms of poverty, that had it not been for the variety in every act, and the constant bustle kept up, it would, long ago, have been banished the stage. The coarseness of the allusions, as they appeared in the original drama, at one time recommended it, but it has been much chastened since, and now has little in it to offend the most fastidious ears. We really thought that the proposed alterations in this, by Mr. BEASELEY, and the addition of music, promised well, but the attempt has not succeeded; and after having been performed twice, was not announced for a third representation; at least up to the writing of these remarks.

In the most arduous part of this play—indeed the only part requiring much talent or exertion—BRAHAM succeeded beyond expectation. Such an effort in acting he had never made before, and most are agreed that his Dutchman was excellent; his Quaker very characteristic, and entertaining to those who have no objection to see this sect ridiculed; and his old steward a really fine piece of acting.

Of the music, by Mr. BARNETT, there is some that all will agree in commending. As a whole it wants the charm of novelty: we cannot mention any one piece that bears the true stamp of originality; though we do not mean to say that the composer has, either by design or accident, availed himself of the thoughts of others. There may be a general resemblance to many things, without a plagiarism from any one. Certain phrases and cadences are common property, and he who uses them is not chargeable with the act of borrowing, though he may be denied the merit of invention. However, most of the compositions will, in all likelihood, come before us in another department, when we shall have a fairer and better opportunity of analysing and judging them.

Don Giovanni is getting up here, cast in a manner that has never been equalled on the English stage.

COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE.

On the first of last month, a dÉbutant, Mr. LENNOX, appeared as Artabanes. This gentleman is the same, we believe, who has sung in some few London concerts, during the last two or three seasons, and was a pupil of Sig. De Begnis. He enjoys the advantage of a powerful base voice of considerable compass, and sings in time and tune; but either as singer or actor we cannot venture to say more, judging him from this, his first appearance on the stage, when it is possible that the newness of the situation operated as some check on his powers. Miss SHIRREFF, in Mandane, displayed unequivocal signs of general improvement; and Miss H. CAWSE’s Artaxerxes was, as it always is, without affectation, correct and pleasing.

The ballet of Masaniello has been produced here, with French dancers, and drew some better houses than have been seen lately.