The Express.
London, England, 1867-10-17 00:00:00

arama.

ST. JAMES'S.

There appears to be considerable vitality in 'sir.
Stirling Coyne's comedy of Ererrfto /y's leirmf, which
was first produced at the Haymarket in the early part of
18#t, with Mr. Charles Mathews, Mr. Compton, Mr.
Buckatone, Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Wilkins, and
Mimi Reynolds in the principal characters. This vitality
has perhaps been shown more decidedly in America than
in England ; and when Mr. Walcut returned to London
a few seasons ago, and appeared at the Olympic Theatre,
EreriGudy's Friend was the comedy. and Major De Boots
the character he selected in which to make his appeal to
a metropolitan public. Mr. Walcot is hardly forgotten,
before another comedian, named Mr. John S. Clarke—
and this timejwe believe, pure American, and not Anglo-
American—has had sufficient faith in the same
piece and character to try them once more in
London. This trial was made last night at the
St. James's Theatre, after the play had been re-edited and
renamed by the author. Reerybody's Friend is now
merged in the title of A Widow Hunt, and several modifi-
cations have been made in the story and dialogue, princi-
pally with the view of giving greater prominence to the
character of Major lie Boots—a character that Mr. Clarke
is said to have played with great success in America for at
least two hundred nights. Major Dc Boots is a part that
admits of much extravagance in representation, and gene-
rally gets it—the tone of the comedy being decidedly
farcical. This extravagance is not reduced by Mr. Clarke,
but, if anything, is a little increased, much dependence
being evidently placed upon tricks of deportment and
facial expression—the latter amounting to what in
England is called grimacing. Mr. Clarke has an open ex-
pressive face and great self-possession, but much of his
humour appears to be a little forced. Some of his tricks
are prolonged morel than is altogether consistent with
good taste, though they are amusing enough in themselves,
and their excess is acceptable to the gallery. It would be
obviously unfair to Mr. Clarke to pronounce a too de-
cided opinion upon his merits and defec as a comedian
before seeing him in a character requiring more art than
Major De Boots. As a stranger, he is entitled to this
courtesy. His efforts last night were well received by a
good audience, and he obtained much applause, much
genuine' laughter, and two recalls. The cast of the
comedy included Mr. Henry Irving, Miss Button, Miss
Cavendish, and Miss Larkin.

DEATH oF Mi.s AvoxiA JoNZS.—The playgoing
public will regmt to learn the death of the well-known
actress, Miss Avonia Jones. Intelligence was yesterday
received in Liverpool to the effect that she died on the
afternoon of the Ith instant, at her residence in New York,
from rapid consumption. Miss Jones, at the time of her
death, wee on her way to Cuba—having pot aside several
engagements—for the purpose of wintering in the South.
The deceased lady was born in Richmond, N irgmu, and
was the daughter of the Count Joanne' and Mrs. Melinda
Jones. A few years ago she was married to Mr. G. Y.
Brooke, whose melancholy fate in the lass of the steamer
Leaden is still fresh in the public mind.

THE BRADFORD ELECTION.