Gilbert Writing a New Opera

There has been considerable interest manifested as to whether Mr. W. S. Gilbert, who has not yet returned from his trip to Jamaica, has been at work on another opera. It is now stated he has been so employed and that his next production will be colored by his recent trip to that island.

Henry Lee, the American actor, has been very successful in his character sketch 'Great Men, Past and Present,' in which he has been for the past week appearing at the Palace theater. His makeup in the different characters assumed is remarkable, and the dialogue and musical entertainment are artistic and pleasing.

Easter week was marked by the production of an unusual number of new pieces at the London theaters. The Adelphi led the way on Saturday last with Fyles' and Belasco's 'The Girl I Left Behind Me.' On the same evening Mr. Toole, though recovering from his illness but shortly, reappeared at his theater in 'Thoroughbred.' At the Strand theater, where the run of 'A Loving Legacy' ended a fortnight ago, a new farce, in three acts, by Messrs. Sims and Raleigh, entitled 'Fanny,' was produced on Monday evening, and turned out to be a poor piece of work. Then a new romantic drama, entitled 'The Work Girl,' was brought out at the Surrey theater, and on Tuesday last Comyns Carr reopened the Comedy theater with the long announced play by Sardou, 'Delia Harding,' which is known in the United States as 'A Woman's Silence.' Mr. Carr has completely recast the play, but it was practically a failure, the plot and incidents belonging, according to the London critics, to the school of the circus tent drama.

Weedon Grossmith on Thursday last produced at the Vaudeville theater 'The Ladies' Idol,' a successor to 'The New Boy.' The play is not a remarkable one, although Grossmith was as funny as ever. Esme Beringer, who has been in Grossmith's company for the past year, and whose sister was the original 'Little Lord Fauntleroy,' scored a success in the new play.

On the other hand, Mr. Terry has postponed the production of 'The Passport,' by Messrs. H. C. Stevens of Yardley, to Thursday next.

The future movements of Mrs. Patrick Campbell are creating the liveliest excitement in theatrical circles. John Hare was anxious to secure her for his tour in America, when she would have played in 'The Second Mrs. Tanqueray' and 'The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith.'

Beerbohm Tree wanted her to renew her contract with him in July, and a tempting offer to appear at the Lyceum was made by Forbes Robertson, who will commence management in the autumn.