|
|
|
|
|
____________________________________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
It is supported by a system of girders, and, by the application of hydraulic rams, can be lowered some six or seven feet, thus bringing it on the level of the arena. By this expedient the stage and arena can be made to form one plane at will, affording opportunities of bringing together for spectacular purposes large bodies of coryphees, soldiers, horses, elephants, etc., and all the grand features in the magnificent displays and tableaux which have made the annual pantomimes the talk of the town, thanks to the wonderful stage management of Mr. Frank Parker. Right - Caption Reads: White marble stairs, mosaic floors, and marble walls (with rich molded work and artistic paintings) furnish the wide entrance corridor which leads through a quaint semi-circular opening into the grand foyer. This is one of the handsomest in London; it has eight rich marble columns (forming the apartment into eight sides), the walls are lined with marble, and the whole of the ceiling is a painted glass dome, which at night is illuminated by electric light. The foyer is sumptuously furnished with velvet-pile carpet and luxurious upholstered settees, etc. One can but give a "snap-shot" description of the "show" at the Hippodrome, for the reason that the programme is constantly being changed; indeed, novelty and excellence are the two watchwords of the establishment. Wherever a new and surprising turn presents itself in any part of the world, it is at once secured for the Hippodrome, and irrespectively of cost. On some occasions a salary of £300 per week has been paid for one item alone.
Above - Caption Reads: To the right of the foyer is the grand saloon. It is fitted and furnished as a ship's saloon; the walls and ceiling are covered with fumed oak, and the counter and fittings are in keeping with the idea, even to portholes, which show a view of the sea beyond. A gallery is formed at the top, with a sky-light over; and the costumes of the attendants are semi-naval. Place aux dames, I will introduce Mddle. Helene Gerard, a bewitching young lady, who, from a fairy chariot of flowers, directs her highly trained horse "Leopard" to go through the most remarkable steps and evolutions of the haute ecole, while her tricky dogs pass in and out of the spokes of the wheels of the chariot whilst it parades the arena. It is a graceful and refined turn. It is the lady's father who is depicted in the photograph. If you desire to see the lady, you will have to go to the Hippodrome. |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
But
the mechanical wonders do not cease here, for indeed one might fill
pages in describing the novel methods of electric lighting, ventilation,
and heating. I must, however, say a few words respecting the stage.