THE FAKIR OF OOLU.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2077, 31 August 1875, Page 2

THE FAKIR OF OOLU.

Dr "Silvester gave his' second, and—in consequence of the early departure of the Hero—last entertainment at the Academy of Music last night to one of the largest audiences that ever assembled within the building. The doors were opened at seven o'clock, and immediately there was a rush —the gallery and pit being uncomfortably filled in a few minutes. ■ The stalls had been enlarged By taking about four seats off the pit, and nearly the whole of the seats iv this portion of the house had been reserved. f Panctually at eight the admirable band commenced the overture, and this was succeeded by the Fakir, who, as on the first evening, commenced his .entertainment with .some sleight of hand tricks, which were cleverly executed. The Talking Lion was then introduced, and this illusion :was 5 provocative of mirth as well as wonder; *Leo being unusually facetious. Th^ entranced lady was made to assume a ■number of very beautiful characters, in all o which the effects were considerably heightened by aid of the lime light. In many respects the programme was the same as on. Saturday night—the most noticeable difference being the sensational illusion called " Anoetos,' to illustrate a legend of the Hartz Mountains. The story was briefly told by the Fakir before the curtain, and it was in effect that a band of men had joined in a conspiracy against the reigning Prince. One of the band is beheaded, and after death his severed head and body are given to a famous Alchemist, who is promised honors and rewards if ho can make the head speak and repeal the secrets of his party, but death and dishonor if he fails. Having told the story in a few words the Fakir; retired, in a brief space the-- curtain went up, revealing the interior of the alchemist's abode, the head >of the traitor on a swinging tray—the headless trunk lying underneath. The alchemist exerts his power, the face on the tray begins to writhe and speak, the limbs of the trunk also are moved. The surroundings of the scene are of an appropriate order. A funereal gloom pervades the apartment, but yet there is ample light to show the veriest details of the awful scene. The alchemist walks the apartment, dressed in the weird costume of his age and calling. On one side stands the headsman .holding the sword with which lthe conspirator's head has been cutoff. And as the tray swingsJhe head tells'its terrible story. Altogether tße rlusiorfwasmost perfect—and almost terribly realistic. The Fairy Fountain was shown as a concluding scene, and it was really beautiful last night, the Fakir having introduced some new shades in color, and the ample water supply enabling him to show its several beauties of form to advantage. The Fakir in taking his leave said he hoped some time to pay another visit to the Thames.