The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1820-01-26 00:00:00

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. .
• • . betrit-Latek.
Mr. Reale appeared last night, for the first time,
lo the character of Corbin:Mi. We suppose that
that gentleman's warmest admirers would not affect
to deny, that for the perfect representation of this
noble part be labours under many physical disad-
vantages and deticiencies, for which no abilities or
study can compensate ; when We recoTlecr, more-
over, the great actor who imenediatety preceded
Mr. KEAN in the performance of the proud Roman,
and the various qualities, particularly -exterior.
which he had so liberally received from nature for
the exact exhibition and almost appropriation of the
hero, we must acknowledge that even a moderate
degree of success would indicate no common powers
and no mean genius In its next representative. Mr.
Ke;tit's effort of last night, however, is entitled to
much higher praise than this. The character of
Coiolanus is almost composed of two features,
nearly allied to one another—innate dignity and
heroism ; and, on the other side of the picture,
C.lA*6B;6g pride, and a contempt of the multi-
tide, from a consciousness of superior worth.—
Whatever Might he supposed wanting last night to
the complete painting of the for Mer trait, by those
who have been accoketifea to associate certain
images of a commanding port and lofty bearing
with tlseir idea of the hero, Scarcely any thing was
to be desired f 0 the most full and felicitous deli-
neation of the latter. In the bills the manager had
announced his intention of restoring the genuine
text of S ii•KSPEA RE, omitting only the least imper.-
taut features, with a view to reduce the whole with-
in the limits allowed by custom to an acting play."
This we must remark in passing. is a decided proof
of his taste and judgment, and an exampft Well
Worthy of imitation. The alterations were princi-
pally observable to the first act, a great part of
which, suppressed on former occasion*, was refire-
wilted last night. The effect of this change was not
very favourable to Mr. KERN, for we think he ap-
peared in some of the re-introduced passages to less
advantage than in any other part of the drama.
They included the martial achievements of Cain:
Mcisleias before Corioli, and the taking of the town,
tit which Mr. Ksix's comparative smallness of
statere and weakness of voice were unquestionably
adverse to his exertions. We by no means, how-
ever, mean to insinuate that he failed in com-
municating an idea of this feature of the part,
In the opinion of a large portion of the audience
lie was eminently happy in it; plaudits, constantly
reiterated, accompanying and cheering his efforts.
The second and third acts were 'throe 'which afford-
ed the best scope for the developeinitit and display
'if Mr. KEAN'S strongest powers, the expression of
drrisinn, sarcasm, and hatred. The scenes where-
in makes his reluctant Aiit to the ple-
beians fur the consulship—quarrels with the tri-
bunes--opposes, but at length yields to his lon-
elier's entreaties to attempt a reconciliation—and
heara the Sentence of banishment, braving
tud mocking his persecutors. were all masterly
purers of acting. The deli Very of the retort on Si-
enna:—

- -
“ Shall ►emain!
Here you this, Trlton of the minnows? mark you
Ilk absolute saatir

had such charm. fir many of the audit Ore, that
there was a loud (and we must add foolish) call to
have it tiicored. The same compliment was paid in
pelt or two other instances. In the concluding scene,
r. KEA N appeared to us to remain standing too long
atter receiving the fatal stabs from the Volscians.
Ofi the %%mole. the performence, though indisput-
ably isil,rior to that of many or Mr. KtAN'S pre.
# sinus parts, displayed a rare and exalted talent,
and will certainly add to his reputation. Mrs.
lli.sivrrt give a tensible and feeling representation
of t s weirs. Mr. MEREDITH'S personation of the
First Cisi:ea, possessed considerable merit. An
Ovation was exhibited in act the second, which
combined the fasces, eagles, and other various
rimigiiia of Roman dominion, with the costume in
classical precision, and formed a viscid spectacle.
lii the tonne of it an Ode of Triumph. written by
Mr. 0. Soaks?, and composed by Mr. T. Cootie,
was introduced, and executrd in good style by a
powerf!il chorus, male and female.
When the curtain had dropped, • very general
call was raised for" Mr. 1w0.," particularly from
the pa. Mr. PENLET Tettlus Aufidios I made
two successive effort" to address the house, but to
tin Inirprive. Ultimately Mr. KEAN appeared, and
raking the other performer's hand iii his, gave out
tht- play for repetition, amid thunders of applause.
The shoutiug and waving of hats continued a
intuute (A two after they had retired.
COVENT-GARDEN.
A musical play upon the story of the Antiquary,
which his been long in preparation, and curiously
after in the theatrical circles, was brought
out last night before a very lull and delighted au-
ditory. 'Elie piece is attributed to Mr. TERRY.
For this we cannot at present answer; but whoever
dramatised this enchanting story, he may take the
credit ill' having realised the characters, fortune.,
and truculent. of the novel as fully as the theatre
could possibly allow. The incidents and dialogue are ,
ellinist wholly preserved from the original, as were
all judiciously and successfully done in the dm.
inane preparation of hob Roy. The story com-
ifielites at the time Sir Arthur. Wurdeur (Mr.
Cii•rsiAN) and Miss Wardour (Miss STEPHENs)
are paying their visit to Oldluck (Mr. LtsTott), its
sister (Mrs. DAVENPORT), and his niece (Miss
Marrivews). There also is Mr. Level (Mr.
Duausre), on a visit. A qnsrrel, which springs
out of the conversation (the readers of the novel
aid forgive this repetition of the circumstance),
causes Sir Arthur to quit his friend in dudgeon.
lusirtul of taking the road by which they ex-
pected their carriage, they stray tido the cele.
Mated and perilous pass of Montt Craig, from
which station (and it is certainly one of romantic
.1111 i palpitating interest), they ate relieved exactly
as the novel relates, by the advice of the beggar
riehihre (Mr. EMBRY), the gallantry of Love!, and
is, skill of the fishermen, Sounders Muckkbathst
(11r. PARLEY). They return to Monekbarris.
Itleantime, in the fisherniOn's hut, Oehihre arrives
111101 MS the group of the death of the Countess
Joirelya, who is to be buried by torch-light. it
(Mr. Feucti), the blind mother of Mutkle-
h4rket, who has been sitting is the carper uuheeded,
passereed of the news, with no Miser design in the
party than that of awning her. She starts VP at the

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