The Sun.
London, England, 1838-07-16 00:00:00

SHAKSPEARE.

(FRost A CORRESPONDENT.)
A novelty, we understand, is shortly to be forthcoming at
the English Opera House, which is likely to create a great
sensation. This novelty is neither more nor less than a
dramatic sketch, which is said to be written by a direct de-
acendant of Shakspeare. The period of this drama is in the
reign of Elizabeth. The immortal bard is introduced, and
the author of the sketch, whose name is stated to be William
Shakspeare, is to personate the character of his great
ancestor. We understand that only a few days ago Mr.
Shakspeare addressed a letter to Mr. Pcake, the manager
of the English Opera House, stating the fact of his having
written the drama in question, and expressing his desire
to perform the principal part himself. The wattle alone had
charm sufficient to induce Mr. P. to wait upon the stranger,
to hear him read his drama, and the result is that the public
will shortly have an opportunity of forming an opinion of
its merits and of the author, as an actor. Mr. Shak-
speare's person is said to be good, and his voice melodious
—the form of the brow, and the general features, arc also said
to bear a strong resemblance to the various busts of his illus-
trious ancestor. The following hat been handed to us as a
detail of the circumstances, out of which arose the introduction
of Mr. Shakspcare to the London stage. The narrative pos-
sesses some interest, and we publish it as it has been commu-
nicated to us :—" A member of the Shakspearo family has
been recently discovered in Warwickshire. It appears that
this young man had been brought up to the business of a
wool staid. r, but, urged by a bent, which perhaps his very
name inspired, he forsook his trade, and, turning actor, joined
an itinerant company. An Irish barrister paying a visit in
that quarter, happened to cast his eye on a board affixed to a
small house, on which was inscribed William Shakspeare,
wool stapler. This barrister being an enthusiastic ad-
mirer of the ' immortal bard,' was struck by the name,
and cculd not resist knocking at the door of the
house, and inquiring if he could see William Shakspeare.
An old woman rather angrily replied to his summons that
William Shakspeare had been absent from his home for a
week, but that she had heard that he had been fool enough to
join the player folks.' This information produced a strong
excitement in the mind of the barrister, and he determined to
seek this same Shakspcare. Ile had no further to journey
than to the next town, and, In, in a barn in tha outskirts, he
discovered a theatre rural ; Richard the Third was the play,
and, of corns, Richard was enacted by the manager, but in
the w rift:at play-hill the characters of Tressel, Buckingham,
and the Earl of Richmond, were to be performed by a Mr.
Slia,pcare. The barrister aai speedily seated in
the barn. and was greatly struck by the modest pro
pritty with which the text was delivered by the young
actor; he was inure astonished at the resemblance of the
features to the busts and acknowledged portraits of the
great port, and he could not resist asking the actor to his
inn, to sup with him. After eupper, encouraged by the
kindness of the barrister, the actor ruodeAtly hinted that he
had attempted also to become an author, and at the strong en.
treats' of his new pstron, Shakspeare read various little son-
nuts, and several sketches of dramas ; all very crude, but in
the opinion of his critic the germ of genius was apparent.
Theiuterest of the barrister was now excited to the utmost
terteotr, }at
n; and
appearancehe
in
determinedL ond
Cordon
; endeavourthi s
matter to
has been new). get the young
acrated, and we understand that this descendant of the poet
of all time' will shortly make his debut at one of our popular
summer theatres, and in a dramatic sketch of his own com-
position. IC this young person can prove his lineage—if he
should possess talent—this will bid fair to become the greatest
theatrical hit -of modern days ; but, there is much virtue in
an ii:"--aforning firs aid of last week.