Jack Ryder's Interview with Charles Kemble.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 160, 10 July 1886, Page 3

Jack Ryders Interview with Charles Kemble.

At the end of my Edinburgh engagement, which extended, over two years, Mr Murray (who was distantly related to the Keinbles, through j,his sister marrying Airs Sidcions's sou, Henry) was so well satisfied with my industry and attention, that I induced him to give me an introduction to George Bartley, then stage manager tor Charlea Kernble at Covent Garden. As soon ac I got to town, 1 wai'ed on Mr Bartley at the theatre. He received me with very great courtesy, and introduced me to his chief. The old gentleman -was seated at his desk when I went in — I can see him now. He looked me through and through, from head to foot, and then commenced : '•Well, young man, Mr Murray gives a very flatteiing account of you. He tells me you played my part of Durimel in my play, 'The Point ol Honour,' splendidly, and on his recommendation I am prepared to give you an opening. Yes, sir, you shall pky llomeo to my daughter's Juliet " The offer took my breath away, and literally depii\\.d me of the power of speech. But the idea of my playing Romeo was very absurd. Evidently taking my silence for consent Mr Kemble proceeded : ,—, — - { Let Barriey have your ackhess, and we'll make all the requisite arrangements." By this tune I had recovered myself, and I said : - ! "Mr Kemblo, any man may well be proud to play Romeo to Miss Kemble, and lam grateful for the offer— but, unfortunately, I can't play Homeo. " "Can't play .Romeo ! Can't play Romeo ! Why not, sir ?" " Because, in the first place, I am too tall, sir." "Too tall, sir too tall ! Look at me?" And the great Romeo that was, rose and rose, till I thought he would riae to the ceiling. I did look at him, and a magnificent and majestic figure he was> ! "Well, sir," resmned Mr Kemble, "we have dispoted of the height ; what is the next difficulty'?" " "The greatest/ sir, is treading in your, steps, ana being swamped by comparison v ith the greatest Romeo in the world, Beaidea, >ou have a beautiful silvery voice; now mine is a heavy one !' I am more giateful, sir, than I_ can say, but I'm sure my Romeo! would be a failure. It, however, you pan offer me' any part for which I am qualified, 1 will do ray best with it." The old geatleman resumed his seat, ruminated ior a moment, and then said to Bartley, ."Bring me the MS. of the new play, George, This young man is hard t please; perhaps we may fit him in 'Love's Sacrifice.'", Five ruin ules, after, the MS. was placed in my hands, and' the two gentlemen withdrew for rohoarsal, leaving me to read the play. I was delighted with it. It was written by Mr Lovell, author of •' The Wife's Secret," and husband of the accomplished Miss Lacy, an actress of some note, and the adapter of '" v The Son of the Wilderness." There was one'character especially adapted for me. When Mr Kemble returned, two or three hours latorj and inquired if 1 had found a part that would suit me I replield that I thought I might really distinguish mysolf as Paul Lafont, the villaiiioua rival of Aylmer (Vandenboff). I was met, however, by the rejoinderthfttunfortqnately Mr John Cooper had already been cast for tho part. You remember, of course, that there isa milksop named Eugene de Lorme ( in fche'play, who makes love in a small way t6 the heroine. After a little fencing,, Mr ,Kemble told me thia was tbo p.art he wanted nae to play, but I replied " &,o thank you', sir j if I joave declined, to p]^y jßorneq, I, don't see by way to playing ( Ro^eo^and'.millc-and-w'atqr, with llomeo. very rn'i\ch' WjasKe^ out-", \ ' * ,„ This >vastop pa.uch.for the' gravity of the old #'en'tje < u}an, an,dj he Toughed, heartily, ' as be.eaid, ,"A>i, X'^e yos' pnoV' too' ranch !' ,Goo& aiprnirig,; sir.^ 'sp ended' my first and- lasfc^inter^iew^jy!^'-^ 0 last' ; pf l l;he' Kembles.' — John. Xolem'an, i'rf jiu "' Temple Bar."