PRINCESS THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 2860, 19 April 1872, Page 2

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Phakapeare’s play of “ The Merchant of Venice ” was presented last night, the character of Shylock being sustained by Mr Morton Tavares, His rendering of the part of the money-loving, revengeful Jew, deserves the highest commendation. The keen love for gold, tho intense hatred for tho Christian merchant Antonio, and the diabolical desire for vengeance on him, were faithfully pourtrayed. In the scene where Baatanio invites Shylock to sup with him, the expression and force he gave to his reply were giaffi, and called forth the applause of the audience. But the greatest success of Mr Tavares’s acting was in the trial scone, when in spite of all intreaties for mercy, he demands his pound of flesh in terms of the bond. His hatred and exultation when he learns that the law allows his claim, his complete humiliatiou and despair when he finds that he can take his pound of flesh, but not one drop of blood must bo spilled in taking it, or his life would be forfeited, were admirable pieces of acting, and brought down the house. Miss Surtees, ns Portia, acquitted herself admirably. When, disguise ! as the Doctor she eloquently appeals to the better nature of Shylock, but finding him inexorable, pronounces judgment and his fate, her acting was forcible, and fully merited the applause which greeted it. Altogether her rendering of this important part was a great success. Miss Flora Anstcad as Norissa, and Miss Raymond as essica, played their respective parts gracefully and well. The part of Antonio fell to Mr Mnsgrave, and was given by him with care. His calm resignation and grief at parting fr /in his friend Bassanio, when he prepares to meet the vengeance of tho Jew, were excellently shown. Mr Booth acted Bassanio, and ia worthy of a word of praise His soliloquy, when choosing the casket, was well rendered and applauded. The subordinate parts of the piece were filled by the other members of the company, and, with the exception of Mr O’Brien, as the Duke of Venice, are not worthy of special notice. The entertainment concluded with the farce of “The Fire Eater,” in -winch. Mr Hydes created great amusement as Jeremiah Gosling. The same bill will be repeated this evening.