MRS LANGTREY AS A COMEDIENNE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2445, 6 February 1882, Page 4

MRS LANGTREY AS A COMEDIENNE.

An amateur dramatic performance of highest interest was recently given in the Town Hall, Twickenham. The special feature on this occasion consisted in the first appearance upon the stage ot Mrs Langtry. It is seldom that amatenr actors muster in equal force, or that a single programme includes so many of those whose talent has won amplest recognition, and has done much to raise amateur performances from the position of a fashionable entertainment to a place on the threshold, if not within the precincts, of art. “ Plot and Passion,” a play of Tom Taylor’s, which has long been a favourite at amateur performances, and now, in consequence of its forthcoming revival at the Haymarket, stands in a foremost place in public esteem, constituted the piece de resistance. Two or three of the characters in this sympathetic work wore played with a readiness of resource and fulness of insight, a breadth of method and a finish that left little, it anything, to bo desired. Few living actresses have command of emotional expression greater than is possessed by Lady Monokton, The Marie de Fontanges of this lady displayed to advantage her wellknown gifts, and was a fine and impressive piece of aoting. Genuine power was exhibited by Major Wyndham Hughes Hallett as Desmarests, a part that has obviously been closely studied, and was rendered with signal intelligence. To the role of Henri de Nouville. the gallant, manly style of Sir Obarlts Young is wholly suited. At the close of “ Plot and Passion,” which was received with marked favour, came Mr O. M. Rae’s clever comedietta, “ A Fair Encounter.” In this Mrs Labouohere played with the grace and quietude ot style and a species of reticent archness which is her special gift the part of Mrs Granville, the lady whose madcap freaks lays her open to a spirited and comical revenge. Her fair antagonist. Lady Olara St. John, was presented by Mrs Langtry, looking especially fascinating in a dainty and elegant costume. Mrs Langtry acted with much espieglcrie and grace, and with a self-possesion that augurs well for her dramatic power. Underneath all, moreover, was revealed a comic perception which actresses of experience do not always attain. It is needless to say that the fair debutante received a warm welcome from tho audience, or that the entire performance was greeted with much applause. The spectacle had been arranged by Mrs Labouchere, at whose hands Mrs Langtry had received her training. Her Boyal Highness Princess Mary Adelaide lent her patronage to the occasion, which was for the benefit of the funds of St. John’s Hospital.