THEATRE ROYAL

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1439, 26 September 1878, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL

In the character of Othello Mr Chaplin haß achieved another success, and further confirmed the good opinion created by his previous performances. The character is one that demands in an eminent degree for its proper representation the special qualities that Mr Chaplin possesses. His fine voice and imposing appearance told with excellent effect as the valiant Moor. The addieas to the Senate in the first aet was admirably delivered, likewise the rebuke to Oasßio in the succeeding one, but it was in the last three acts of the play that Mr Chaplin gave evidence of possessing histrionic talent of a very high order. From the time that lago pours the poison of jealousy into bis ears, the dawn, growth, and fruition of the fatal passion, which culminates in the sacrifice of Desdemona, was depicted with admirable effect. The manly tenderness of Othello in the opening of the. story, the first faint suspicion of jealousy, the overmastering passion of its victim struggling against his better nature, and his agonised remorse when the tragedy is consummated, were each in turn depicted with rare fidelity to nature. In the third and fifth acts Mr Ohapiin gave free vent to his powers of declamation, but never overstepped the limit prescribed by the canons of true art. It is a great pity that some of the actors who supported him seem incapable of taking a lesson from him in this respect. Mr J. Graham appeared for the second time in this city as lago. It cannot be said his performance was in any way an improvement on his previous effort. It is true there were many points which possessed merit, and Mr Graham's conception of the character is far from being faulty, but the general effect was marred by his over partiality for melodramatic action and a certain explosiveness in his delivery he seems incapable of getting rid of. If this actor would only acquire the invaluable quality of "repose" his performances would be much more acceptable. Miss Florence Colville made a favorable impression as Emilia, although she rather overdid the character in the final act. Miss Tilly Andrews played Desdemona with a great deal of tenderness, her appaarance serving as an admiruble foil to the Moor. The remainder of the characters, with one or two trifling exceptions, were well sustained. This evening the "Lady of Lyons" will b.e produced.