1829-3 Theulncul Matters. oA't 



a stronger prominence by an actor of another class. And in Kenible's 

 conception the humourist prevails over the coxcomb. He gives the 

 broadest force to the pleasantry, and makes Mercutio less the cavalier 

 fluttering about ball-rooms and wandering after serenaders, than the 

 vigorous burlesquer of human weakness, whether of the head or the 

 heart. His delivery of the matchless description of Queen jVIrb's 

 career through human brains, is very various, ingenious, and effective. 

 It is Falstaff in a Veronese doublet, and without his " mountain of 

 flesh" — Falstaff, when he might have danced a saraband, or sat a saddle 

 without breaking his charger's back. His performance is highly 

 popular. 



Several marks of private approbation have, we understand, been 

 given to Miss F. Kemble : amongst the rest, a note of 100/. from an old 

 nobleman, an amateur of the stage. 



Her next performance is to be Belvidera. Warde is to be Jaffier. 

 We hope the actor will recollect that Jaffier is a lover, not a judge of the 

 Court of King's Bench ; or, at all events, that he is neither a Methodist 

 nor a IMonk. 



A new IMelo-drama has appeared, entitled The Robber's Wife, founded 

 on an Irish tale, which had previously been dramatized. The object 

 of the writer is to produce strong scenes. This is accomplished. The 

 situations deserved the applause they received. Power acted with great 

 spirit, and did full justice to the characteristic whim of his countrymen. 

 Keeley had little to do, but that little he did well. Some beautiful 

 scenery, by the Messrs. Grieves, greatly contributed to the success of the 

 piece. 



A new comedian of some popularity in the North, Jones, has jTiade 

 his appearance as Lord Ogleby. The character is difficult, but he 

 played it with skill. 



We hope that Covent Garden may be considered as decidedly estab- 

 lished. The loss to the multitude of persons connected with the theatre 

 would have been ruinous, if it had continued shut for the season. And we 

 rely upon the good sense of the manager to take advantage of the public 

 feeling, and return it by unremitting exertion. 



Druuy Lank has opened with a strong company, and with every 

 prospect of success. A very pretty and clever girl, IMiss Mordaunt, has 

 appeared as the Widow Cheerly, in The Soldier's Daughter. The debut 

 was successful, and she promises well. She has since played Miss 

 Hardcastle, still better. 



The Haymauket has closed, after a season in which we recollect not 

 a single instance of novelty in the performances. There were, of course, 

 some half J'rench trifles, but they disappeared as rapidly as they came. 



The Adelphi has been busy with melodrame, burletta, and, unluckily, 

 with that bane of theatres — law. 



The tragedy of Epicharls, by ]Mr. Lister, the author of a novel 

 entitled Granhif, having failed, after two or three representations, the dra- 

 matic spirit of the manager is put on the alert, and he is stirring up liis 

 corps of authors. 



Several novelties are in active preparation at Drury Lane theatre; 

 Planche, Kenney, and Poole, are each said to have promised dramas. 

 Miss Mitford's tragedy is, we understand, nearly finished. A translation 

 of Auber's celebrated and recently-produced opera of La Fiancee {the 

 Betrothed) is about to be brought forward at Drury liane theatre. 



M. M. New Series Vol. VIII. No. 47. 4 A 



