The Sun.
London, England, 1822-12-05 00:00:00

THE THEATRES.

DRURYJdANE.—This Theatre was again very
numerously attended last night, notwithstanding
the inclemency of the weather, in order to wit-
ness the second competition, if it may be so
called, between Mr. KEAN in Jaffier and 111 r.
YOUNG in Pierre. They both, as before, brought
their whole powers to the field, and were both
highly applauded by their respective admirers.
—lt seems to be the aim of the diurnal Critics,
on this occasion, to assign the lustre of genius to
Mr. KEAN, and the palm of judgment to Mr.
YOUNG. But surely this is an erroneous estimate.
The part of Jaffier requires little more than de-
jection and melancholy tenderness, with a few
bursts of energy, but Pierre altogether demands
fire, vigour, subtlety, patriotic spirit, and every
quality that can call forth and give scope to genius.
Let these popular actors change their charac-
ters, and then the public will have an opportu-
nity of forming a due comparison of their re-
spective pretensions, and the Critics of manifest-
ing properly their judgment and taste. •
COVENT-GAILDEN.—The splendid manner in
which the new Opera of Maid Marian is brought
forward, and the general merit of the acting, has
already had due effect upon the public. It was
well attended last night. Robin hood and his
merry men excited great applause. ,Miss M.
TREE warbled with her usual sweetness, and
acted with her usual good sense and feeling. Mr.
C. KEMBLE again brought forth the sturdy
valour and jovial humour of Friar Tuck with
so much ability that we are persuaded he
would appear to considerable advantage in
Falstaff, different as that character may be
from all in which he has been hitherto suc-
cessful. We are sure that he would not fail in a
critical knowledge of the part, and the jolly
animation of his Friar Tuck holds forth a promise
of all requisite humour. We know that Mr.
JOHN KEMBLE had studied the part of Faistaff,
and had made preparations to perform it, but,
with his usual judgment, on reflection, he deter-
, mined not to put in hazard that high reputation
which deservedly stamped him as the best Actor
of his day. The Overture to the new Opera
was encored again last night, as were several of
the airs, and the piece altogether was confirmed
in public favour.

ROYAL COBOL) RG TIIEATRE.—The New and
Splendid Melo-drama, under the title of France,
now performing at the above Theatre, attracts a
crowded Audience every evening. The interest
of the above Piece, combined with the splen-
dour, scenery, and music, certainly has a power-
ful effect on the observer ; and the performance
Of Mr. HUNTLEY and Mrs. STANLEY do them
great credit. The After-piece displays the
comic talents of the house, and really passes a
dull hour in great merriment.
DUBLIN THEATRICALS.—The mirth-inspiring
LISTON is now keeping the good folks of Dublin
in a roar with his inimitable performances. From
his not being quite au fait in the habits of the coun-
try, a slight accident occurred to a particu•larpoint
in his dress on his firstuighti which, when he dis"-
covered, covered him with comical confusion.—
The expression of his countenance convulsed the
audience with laughter. The Young Quaker,
Family Jars, Peter Finn, Law of Java, &c. have
been got up expressly for him; and supported
US he is by WARD, PERCY, FARREN, T. RUSSEL,
Miss GRADON, JARMAN, ATKINS, &c. a high
treat is afforded to the lovers of dramatic excel-
lence.