Academy of Music.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2966, 17 August 1878, Page 2

Academy of Music.

" Our An_erijan Cousin " was repeated at the above place of amusement last night before a large and fashionable audience, and it is me('less to say that while Lord Dundreary was aa usual perfectly au fait, the lady and gentlemen amateurs improved on .acquaintance. The greatest credit is due to all for the excellent way in which they sustain their parts, as there is not one that would not compare favorably with the average stock actor, while as regards dress and a conscientious desire to do their level best they are to be specially commended. We have rot space for a lengthened notice of the performance last night, but it may bo stated that inanities of Lord Dundreary were irresistible, and his " gentleman's gentleman" Buddicombe brought down the house by a local hit in reply to "his lordship's" question— " What's the news, Buddicombe ! " Tonight the comedy of " David Garriok " will be produced, and we can say that it is a very attractive comedy, and especially so to those who have made themselves acquainted with the life of the great'actor. The idea of the comedy of " David Garrick " is founded upon an incident in Gaivick's^ife- He fails in love with the

daughter of a wealthy London merchant, and his affection is returned. But the alliance,does not meet the views of the mercenary"father. He works upon the honorable nature of Garriek, and the latter agrees to cure the daughter of .her romantic folly, not knowing' that she is the object of his own affection. He 'agrees to simulate drunkenness, and in tliesecond-scehe he is introduced in an apparently intoxicated state. The merchant is on the eve of success; for his daughter, in disgust at the supposed misconduct of Garrick, orders him from the house, and agrees to marry her pousin Dick, when the eaid Dick comes in in a state of real drunkenness, and, in the presence of the daughter, tells how Garrick had only been assuming drunkenness. This leads to explanations, and the usual happy results. Of Mr Sothern's David Garrick a Southern contemporary says : —" Such a p.-rt as David Garrick gave Mr Lytton Sothern an opportunity for the display of versatile acting, of .which he was not slow to avail himself; His representation of a drunken gentleman was masterly—being free from the vulgarity i generally displayed in stage drunkenness. It is really difficult to remember that he is merely aciing ,• and his momentary forgetfulness, when he forgets that he is drunk, and appeals to Ins mistress as David Gaivick, sober and passionate, is a masterly piece of realistic acting." A grand concert will conclude .the performance to-night.