The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1818-08-27 00:00:00

ENGLISH OPERA.

Tl.e comic opera of The Privateer was last night
revived at this theatre. It is an alteration of Mr.
CUMBERLAND'. comedy of The Brothers. some
relief being given to the " heavy lightness" of the
original, by the introductioss of many sweet and
appropriate melodies. We were present, when it
was produced • few years ago. It bad then the
advantage of comprising, within the circle of its
dramatis persoltee. several of the most excellent per.
formers of the day—individuals who had long been
honoured with the highest degree of public favour.
The old theatrical amateur must not become
gloomy when we state this—he most not, in a fit
of despondency, sighing after the times which he
can never see again. supreme that no ability was dis-
played by the performers who, All this °cease ttttt
filled the placer of the Gods mid Goddesses of his
antiquated idolatry. We can assure him, and we
trust the declaration will not depress his spirits,
that very great talent was displayed last night—
talent that 'would not have disgraced the best
days of the drama—talent, which will ever lie
found, where judgment. on the part of the Ma-
nager, induces liberality on the part of the
bc. But to particularise. And here, fur we would
be cheerful, let us dismiss the only melancholy
event of the night. We allude to the indisposition
of a very amiable woman, uud a very interesting
actress, Mrs. W. S. CRATTEULLY. This laxly, from
an imperative sense of duty—anxious that the
public should not be disappointed, und that the a:-
rangements of the thdatre should tow be utter-
ed, appeared in the chariicter of Viuletta, though
she was evidently sinking under severe illne.
—She faultered greatly on her first appearance.
and attempted, in vain, to address the audi-
ence. Her situation increased her nadisposi.
riots, and she could not speak. Mr. BARTLEY
apologiSed. He entreated the indulgence of the
audience for the fair sufferer, observing, very justly,
that " her anxiety to perform her duly had ex-
ceeded her prudential feelings, in appearing before
the public while so dreadfully oppressed by ilk
'less." We feel a little angry ourselves at her te-
merity—for we know not how long lier exertions
last night may deprive us of the pleasure of wit-
ileasing her talents. We sincerely hope, how-
ever, that her recovery will be very speedy.—
The character in which she appeared iv of a ow-
bicholy nature—it dors not require, generally,
soy strong exertions—and the lassitude comae-
quent on illness, did not ill beeonae ports of
it. We are convinced, when Mrs. W. S. CHAT-
TWAY has recovered her health and streegth,
that, in her hoods, Violeta will he a most
interesting character. It is unfair to separate wife
and husband—and, as Mrs. W. S. CRATTERLEY
list given us some pain, it is just that her lord,
who personated " the wrathful Dove," Sir Benja-
min. should administer a
illitAtlerspaleLarreh.dilz
ccthise succeeded
ficult part, Mr. W. S. CT
Mr. LOVEGROVE, and we congratulate him on
the issue of his adventure. We call it • difficult
part, because, after the victory has been obtained
over Lady Dove, many players have supposed that
Sir Benjamin should, in good earnest. set up for a
hero, without a particle of fear ur folly about him.
Mr. W. S. CHATTERI.Ey entered fairly into the
character—and, in swaggering about—the " burly
burly being done"—made Sir Benjamin appear,
though somewhat less mean, every whit as ridiculous
as before. The whole of the scene, commencing
with his attack on Young Betfleld, and ending with
the defeat of Lady Dore. was richly comic, and
was loudly applauded. The part of Captain Iron-
sides was assumed by Mr. HARLEY. It was a per-
formance of sterling merit. He depicted the rough.
honest, open character of the tar, with great suc-
cess—mid set off, with appropriate tones, looks,
and gestures. the blunt sarcasm, and good-siatured
effusions, of the upright-hearted veteran. He saug
with great humour, and was honoured by two
entores. One of the songs thus encored, in which,
before the rhyme is completed, an opportunity a
given ( sod the vulgar never lose it) of filling up
the hiatus somewhat indecently, we were sorry
to find perpetuated, as it formerly occasioued
some unpleasant feelings. Mr. PEARMAN, as
Young Beyfeld, sang very tastefully. A duet, with
Miss KSLLY, was highly honourable to the vo-
cal powers of each. The character of Sophie.
sustained by Miss KELLY, is somewhat of a owns
d, script. As Faisfiff says of Dome Quickly, it is
" neither fish nor flesh—a man doesn't know where
to have it." It is half sun-shine, half ram. Now
rising to the highest flow of spirit, and anon ebb-
ing almost to the lowest point of melancholy. Muse
Ket.wir's powers are, however, of that versatile na-
ture, that she can either raise or depress our feelings,
as the scene in which she appears is lively or sad.
She played with her accustomed excellence, suit
left it " a moot point" with some of the vs:dirtier,
whether she should confine herself to the merry or
serious scene. Fur our parts, we hope she will nut
declare exclusively in favour of the one or the other
—but that--