The Sun.
London, England, 1823-11-25 00:00:00

THE THEATRE.

COYENT•GARDEL—To the credit of the new
Management of, this Theatre, the Proprietors
direct their attention to SUAKSPEARE, the first
dramatic Poet that ever existed, and the Tra-
gedy of King John was last night brought for-
ward with a degree of splendour suitable to the
admirable qualities of the play. The costume of
the period in question has been elaborately in-
vestigated by Mr. PLANCIIE, the author of seve-
ral successful dramas, and who, besides, pos-
sesses a well-merited poetical reputation. In-
deed, from all the portraits which we have seen,
there can be no doubt that the habits of the time
have been accurately followed, insomuch that
the whole takes possession of the mind, and,
blended with the general merits of the acting,
carries it back to the period in question, beyond
most representations of the transactions recorded
in our history. The part of King John has been
often performed by Mr. YOUNG, and he was not
less spirited in the earlier scenes, or in express-
ing the gloomy workings of conscience in those
which followed. In person Mr. YOUNG seemed
to be lost in the representation of the Monarch.
Mr. C. KEMBLE has been lbng and justly admired
for the impressive union of heroic spirit. and face-
tious humour, which has always marked his per-
formance of Faulconbridge, and these qualities
qualities appeared in full animation last
night. The part of Hubert, which used
to be very well performed by Mr. EGERTON, was
allotted to Mr. BENNETT, and that of the King
of France to the former. We saw no necessity
for the change but, while we admit that they
both performed their characters with spirit and
judgment, it must be admitted that the transfer
would seem to imply that it was an improvement
in the general representation, and consequently
seen3s also to imply that Hubert was not ade-
quately supported before. This idea we can-
not sanction, as Mr. Ea EnToN's performance was
sufficiently correct and impressive. But, per-
haps, the change was agreeable to both parties,
and therefore, that we ought not to infer any in-
tention to mortify a Performer whose _Henry
the Eighth would have been creditable to
the stage at any period. Mrs. BARTLEY per
formed the part of Constance with such a

illation and effect, as to show that the new Ma-
nagers have acted judiciously in restoring so
good an actress to the Stage, as her judg.
meat has been improved, and her powers not

been impaired by the progreis of Time. Messrs.
ABBOTT and CONNOR rendered the parts of the
Dauphin and Salisbury more than usually conspi.
cuous. A lad named liou. appeared to conceive
the, part of .drthur with a degree of judgment
beyond his years, and displayed much feeling,
but his voice was too feeble for general effect.—
However, as it is understood to have been his
first appearance, his powers might he restrain-

ed by timidity, and he certainly deserves encou-
rageme►►t. Upon the whole, the play, on accou►►t
of its intrinsic excellence, the merit of the acting,
and the splendid mariner in which it is brought
forward, is highly creditable to the taste and
liberality of the Managers, and it would be an
impeachment on public taste to suppose that the
same warm protection which accompanied it last
night will not be equally manifested on every
future representation.

It seems now to be admitted that the new
Tragedy, forthcoming at CoventlGarden Theatre,
though doubted, is really the production of
Mrs. HEMANS. We have not the pleasure of
knowing this Lady, but we hear that her
character is held in the highest estimation
for' every domestic virtue, as well as admired
for her great poetical talents. These talents
have been strikingly shewn in 'her translations
of ancient Poems from the Welsh language,
adapted to ancient Welsh Melodies. These
translations are marked by the spirit of poetry
and patriotism, and have all the vigour of those
venerable remains of the CAMBRIAN Muse,

which are highly honourable to the feelings

and character of the hardy and heroic ail-
, cestors of the Principality. The Public,
therefore, cannot.but feel strongly interested in
the dramatic success of a female to whom they
are indebted for such beautiful and spirited
versions of the reliques of Cambrian valour and
patriotism.
Miss M. TREE will resume her professional
duty at Covent-garden in the course sf next week.
It is intended that she is to appear in the part of
Catherine, in the English Fleet, which character
she will doubtless fill with her accustomed ex-
cellonce.

ELICTIONEERING SERMON.--At an election for
the town of Bedford, Mr. WHITBREAD and
HOWARD the Philanthropist were opposed to Sir
Wm. WAKE and Mr. SPARROW. A clergyman

of the Estahlibhed Church, a warm supporter of

the patriotic candidates, one Sunday morning,
during the heat of the election, took, for his text
that passage of St. Matthew's, in which the ques-
tion is proposed by our Lone to his disCiples—
" Are not two Sparrows sold for a farthing ?"
Whence this encouragement of their perseverance
and their faith is deduced—" Fear not, therefore,
ye are of more value than many Sparrows !"
A DIGRESSION.—The celebrated HENDERSON,

the actor, was seldom known to be in a passion.
When at Oxford he was one day debating with
a fellow student, who, not keeping his temper,
threw a glass of wine in his face; Mr. H ENDER..
SON took out his handkerchief, wiped his face,
and coolly said, " That, Sir, was a digression ;