Theatre Royel.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2914, 18 June 1878, Page 2

Theatre Royel.

Mr R. J. De Lias' company appeared at the above place of amusement last night for the first time in a season of six nights, the opening piece being "King Henry IV., Part. I." Of course the version presented was the acting edition, and therefore considerably abbreviated, but it seized to introduce the principal charao ters in the drama, and to preserre con" neciedly the incidents pourtrayed. Mr John Jack impersonated the fat and lying knight, Sir John Falstaff. In point of make-up we should say that he was nearly perfect, and his rendition of the character was such as to give a realistic portrait of a character which appears iv more than one of the immortal bard's works, and which has found few who would attempt the character for fear of failure, especially in these days, when Shakspere has to giro place-to the modern emotion? lor sensational drama. Mr Jack, however, shows that he has studied the character from, "beginning to end, and though he does not make it the burlesque which some do to please the gods, he interprets the text in a n?anner that cannot i'ail to to enlist the sympathies of Shaksperian students. It is a character tbat predominates the whole piece; it is full of humour; so v doleut of bombast, aad timely excuse or reuaetauon when fornd out: and the best points are only discovered in the Knight's self extrication from difficulties when come.cd. and his resources of position and language so pregnant with wit. Mr Jack has evidently made the character a siady, and he may: be congratulated on his success. He does credit to the creation, and gives it a real living entity. Miss Firmin as Prince Hal, the constant companion of the Knight, is very happy in some part), but scarcely realises the conception of the roystering Prince in the earlier parts of the play. Later on she displays.more matured powers, and in the challenge to iioispi"*, in which occurs the passage-

"For my pa: 'c, I may speak It t j my shrine, . I have a.truant been to chiv JLy,; Aod so, I hear, he doth account m 3 too; Yet tins before my father's majesty— I am content that he shall take the odds Of bis great iißme and estimation; 1. id w?'l, to save the blood on either side, Tij fortune v 'tb/L'ui in a single fight." Miss Firmin showed capabilities for the part of Prince of Wales which might become a man. In the scene with Percy she also evinc-d an acquaintance with its niceties which gained for her much applause. The.part of Hotspur waH entrust ito Mr Steele, who sustained it well throughout in evei-y essential. During the first act he was the IHe of the play, and in pleading with the King for his prisoners he made a great point in a speech wherein he depicts the coming of the dainty lord for the release of said prisoners, especially at the part where he says :

" And as the soldiers bore deed bo(" Jes by He called them untaught knaves, unmannerly, „ To bring a slovenly, vnhandewne corse Betwixi;thew!:id and hhnebiliiy."'' la the subsequent scenes Mr Steele was equally effective, and made very much of the character, establishing; it as the heroic, against the comedy part of Sir John Falsfcaff. The pr.vfc of tine King was taken by Mr C. Burford in a conscientious manner, but with Mr Burford's mannerisms, and Mr Burford's mannerism par excellence is "mouthing" the text —to ; smch an extent sometimes as to render it unintelligible. Besides this, Mr Burford wore over his r >yal robe, on his breast, the insignia of the Royel Standard of Great Britain, including the harp of Ireland and lion rampant of Scotland, an anachronism that would have been better ignoted considering the date of the historical incidents enacted. Mr Burford, however, is a conscientious actor, and in some other parts he will more faithfully adhere to the niceties of the drama if he has not lost some of his best claims to public favor. Mrs Walter Hill's part was a small one. She appeared but once, and then she received a recognition at the hands of the audience that must have been as gratifying as it she had received applause for the most arduous part in the evening's performance. Mr Musgrave as the Earl of Worcester appeared oh every occasion—whether in the presence of his King or in, the forest, without a hat. It may be right, but it seeiL >d slightly incongruous in thepresence of young princes and knights who were always covered. Mr Musgrave we know as a fine old man, and hope to see in more congenial parts. / I cannot expect to shine with equal lwtre in every play, but we

know that if Mr Musgrave gels a chance he will show that he is m de of the right kind of "stuff for a really good actor, especidly in oM man comedy or domestic drama parts. Miss Jess;e llayoion'd, who as an old favorite we omitled to mention in ovv preliminary notice yesterday, did excellently weH as Dame Quickly, showing an intelligent appreciation of the part. She did Dot escape recognition on her reappearance. Miss Lily May had a small part to play, bat she did it as well as could be expected. Mr J. O'iiiien was a little behind in the conception of Ned J?oins,.but he was conversant with the text. The other characters were well filled; Bardolph was well made up, and Sir Walter Blunt spoke his part intelligently. Francis, servant at Eastcheap. was : very good in his small part; and if some of the characters were doubled, /which is probable, we do not do them justice in this notice, but they deserve credit all the same. The orcLesira, under the leadership of Mr Cope, played the overture to " The Bohemian Girl" very nicely before the play commenced, and the sub* sequeut music in good style. The audience was better than we expected to see considering the weather, and alto* gether we may congratulate, the enterprising manager on the success attending the opening night of tile... season. We trust the'''attendance will improve, acd that Mr De Lias venture will be remunerative.