Mr E. T. Smith then obtained possession on very advantageous terms, and in a short time was fortunate enough to find a tenant in Mr Nation, who paid £5000 for the unexpired term of the lease. This not proving a profitable investment, the theatre was again in the market, when Mr Boucicault, with the same view of ‘regenerating the National Drama,’ which he subsequently essayed at Covent Garden with _Babil and Bijou_, obtained a lease, made great alterations, and renamed the building the Royal Westminster Theatre, advertising it as ‘the nearest theatre to the West End, through the parks, which extend to the foot of Westminster Bridge, close to which the theatre is situate.’ The inhabitants of Lambeth laughed, and the dwellers in Belgravia wondered; but the Royal Westminster was not frequented by the play-goers of either quarter, and after an unsuccessful season the theatre was again closed. Mr Batty again trying to dispose of the property, but without effect, it remained closed for a considerable period, until the present proprietors obtained possession of it, and opened it for the Christmas holidays. The experiment of keeping both Astley’s and the Agricultural Hall open at the same time did not, however, answer their expectations, and they ultimately concentrated their forces at Astley’s, having purchased the property upon extremely advantageous terms. They expended a large sum of money in having the interior almost entirely remodelled, the well-known theatrical architect, Mr Robinson, being employed for the purpose. Under the present arrangement the building is adapted for the accommodation of nearly 4000 persons. During the winter season the Brothers Sanger remain in London; the other portion of the year is passed in visiting the principal provincial towns, where the extent and splendour of their parade invariably attracts large audiences. The performances are given, sometimes in a huge tent, and sometimes in the open air, in a large field near the town. Their stay in one place is usually from one to four days, according to the population. Their expenses are necessarily very heavy, and their takings, as a rule, enormous.