The National Register.
London, England, 1815-07-16 00:00:00

11t71,Y 1(3.

of his characters : notwithstanding this, there are many
farts, besides those we have mentioned, that appear to us
enually deserving of praise.
We cannot speak too highly of his Abel Drugger ; in this
character he unquestionably displays the most genuine comic
powers, and fixes his claim to a wonderful versatility of ge-
nius. Those who are particularly anxious not to transgress
the rules of Lord Chesterfield, must avoid Mr. Kean's ex-
cellent performance of the credulous retailer of tobacco,
which woulet force a' laugh from gravity itself, and keep
those, whose visible faculties are more easily excited, con-
stantly in a roar.
The remarks we have made on another occasion, upon
Mr. Kean's Leon. will in a great measure apply to Abel
Drugger ; the stupid simplicity that is only assumed by the
former, very nearly resembles the real character of the lat•
ter Ilis delineation of the Tobacconist was throughout emi-
nently successful. During his interviews with the knave
Subtle, his gait and countenance were admirably expressive
of the veneration he felt, for a being, he is supposed to
look upon, as something more than mortal. The timidity
with which he ventures to request any particular favor from
the doctor, the admiration and astonishment he regards
hint with, when afraid that what he wishes for shall he grant-
ed,—and the entire credence he gives to the prophecies of
the crafty impostor, combined with the awkward respect, he
is so anxious to evince for a person of such consequence.
were depicted in the most comic and natural manner. In
two or three parts he really convulsed the audience with
laughter, particularly where Subtle (who has previously
made himself acquainted with the birth, parentage, and cdto
cation, of poor Abel) tells him that he was born oat a Wed-
nesday ; at this, which is to hint a miraculous and convincing
proof of the diviner's skill, he appears absolutely petrified
with astonishment, his bat falls horn his head, and he'gazes
at him with silent • admiration when he has a little re•
covered from the effects of his surprise, he raises his hands,
and exclaims, •

" And so I wa4,"
in a truly laughable manner; his countenance at the snipe
moment expressing that kind of awe, it is natural he should
feel in the presence of one, whom he considers as so greatly
his superior. Upon the whole, Mr. Kean's Abel Drug-
ger is in our opinion as striking a display of comic ta-
lent as we have ever witnessed. His conception of, the
character is just, and his execution replete with an ap-
pearance of nature that never fails to command the at-
tention, and ensure the amusement of an audience.—
Messrs. Gattie and Oxberry sustained their respective parts
Nvith their usual talent. Mr. Wallack in -the character of
Face, which is not by any means a favorable one for the dis-
play of an actors' ability, was excellent and deservedly me.
ceived a great share of applause. In whatever character
we see this gentleman, we are pleased with his exertions,
and his talents are properly estimated by
.the public, as he
is evidently a great favorite. It was the last night of Mr.
Kean's appearance this season, and when the play was con-
cluded, he was cheered from all pits of 'the house with
loud and continued applause.

On Thursday last this theatre closed for the season, with an ad.
dress spoken by r. Raymond, in which, after feelingly alluding to
the lamented loss of Mr. Whitbread, he annointred the locution of
the new Committee to raise the price of admission to the Pit, Six-
pence. I'hi; prodneett a mixture of disapprobation and aPPlttltsv,,
amid a gentleman called Evans, took upon the ()trice of
plenipotentiary for the public, and 11'0111 the limit of one of the
boxec, thveiglied against the proposed anginentation. .11is speech,
however, was attended tsitli little olteer• amid II"' "31'4111'1"Y of the
evening was not lui:g With relnyt to the me.:::tte ittttit,

491

it la ill at least cave the advantage of raising the tetpeet.iOility of t. e
pit ; which, after having been for ages the seat of lastc, judgment..
and criticism has for tome years been less select in lio-001111)411.