The Sun.
London, England, 1847-12-23 00:00:00

EI MIN D-E CE M ItEjt

MR. AND MRS. CHARLES KEAN.
(From the Dublin Pilot of Dec. 20.)
Mr. Charles Kean and his gifted lady are about to
leave our city after a most successful engagement of
22 nights. During their stay they have " won goldan
opinions from all sorts of people," and will depart
with the best wishes of those who esteem worth and
appreciate genius. Our respected manager could
scarcely have struggled through-the present crisis of
gloom and influenza, unaided by " his firm allies, the
noble Keens." No other performers could have so
signally triumphed over illness and despondency !
They will shortly re-appear in London, where we
anticipate the same brilliant career for them in 1848
which attended Mr. Charles Kean's debut at Drury-
lane Theatre in 1838. Having steadily progressed in
his art, he conquered many difficulties and overcame
the prejudices of some who denied the existence' of
hereditary genius. At that period he placed himself
at once at the summit of his profession by a brilliant
career of twenty-one representations of Hamlet,
sixteen of Richard, and six of Sir Giles Overreach,
on the same boards, and with almost the • same suc-
cess that hailed his father before him, in the
memorable season of 1814 ! His triumph as Hamlet
has, indeed, been unprecedented on the stage. In
the words of the Times of that day, it may justly be
regarded as a most graceful and elegant performance.
Such wonderful success must have satisfied the ardent
ambition of the young actor, and rewarded the years
of anxious probation he had undergone in the pro-
vinces : at the same time, perhaps, it raised the stan-
dard
of party feeling, as there was an evident endea-
vour to stem that success, lest it might diminish,the
brightness of others. The mere fact of such an ex-
traordinary attraction in the first walk of the drama
must convince every unprejudiced mind of the exist-
ence of great talents to achieve such a wished-for end.
His reception in Macbeth, and the result 'of his per-
formance of that and other characters subsequently
at the Haymarket for a succession of seasons, was
scarcely less_ distinguished than that of Hamlet. Mr.
Charles Kean possesses one characteristic above
others which enhances his representation of the philo-
sophic Dane—a bearing and manner which implies the
true born' gentleman, and oneinahe enjoyment of inter-
course with the most polished society. Consequently,
'though we admit the merit of many, there is no other
so pleasing ; for' in that refinement there is a charm
which attracts all classes, though some may scarcely
know what may be the ingredient so gratifying- to
their taste. —Mr. Kean's acting should be often seen,
and duty studied, to be fully appreciated, abounding
as it does with so many delicate touches and pencil- '
lings. We may, occasionally miss those wonderful 1
flashes of genius which his father shot like electricity ;
through the hearts of his audience, and rendered the
elder Kean himself alone.; but there is, on the other
hand, a finish and completeness that reminds us .of
the Kemble school, and at once pronounces Mr.
Charles Kean a great actor. It has been most grati-
fying to all lovers of the drama to see our venerable
ex-Chancellor, Lord Plunket, surrounded by his
numerous family, so constantly in attendance
on Mr. and Mrs. Kean's ' Shaksperian repre-
sentations, and to hear his warm expressions of
admiration. If Mr. Charles Kean stands unrivalled
as Hamlet, how perfect is the entire picture when
we hear the sweet tones of Mrs. Kean's warbling the
pathetic snatches of song in Ophelia t The exquisite
grace and tenderness of this lady'are most charming;
and are beautifully illustrated in her performance
of this difficult character—a character which, we
safely aver, we have never before seen represented.
In domestic tragedy and high comedy Mrs. Kean 'is
without a rival. What heart does not respond to her
sorrows as Mrs. Beverley and Mrs. Hiller, or is not
charmed with her playfulness as Rosalind and ber
brilliancy as Beatrice ? The introduction of two
such artists in the same play is an intellectual enjoy-
ment granted to us for the present, and one which we
should cherish while yet in our power : for once re-
moved by time or circumstances, we may look in vain
for the repetition of such combined talent.
The performances to-morrow night conclude their
engagement, and will be undar the express command
of Major:General Sir Edward Blakeney, the Com-
mander of the Forces, on which occaiion the tragedy
of Macbeth will be given, and in addition Planche s
elegant vaudeville of The Follies of a Night, in which
Mr. and Mrs. Kean appear to so much advantage as
the Duke and Duchess.

SURREY THEATRE.
An English version of the Figlia del Reggimento
has been brought out at this theatre, in which Miss
Poole, who is now Mr. Bunn's prima donna, sustains
the principal part. This young lady, one of our best
stage artists, combining much vocal skill with very su-
perior talent as an actress, is better adapted for this ex-
periment than any other English singer that we know
of ; and she has consequently met with very decided
success. Her execution of the catching " Rataplan "
is fresh and cheerful; and she is encored in this, as well
as in one or two other morceaux of this pleasant and ex-
hilarating opera. It may be remarked that the exigen-
cies of the music incidental to the principal 'character
have been considered with reference to the voice of
Miss Poole, and that such transpositions have been
made as are necessary— we may add, not much to the
detriment of the general musical effect. The other
parts are as well sustained as the state of Mr. Bunn's
operatic company will allow, and the enBemble is
satisfactory to those who are not too exigent, and are
pleased with zeal and good intention. There cannot,
however, be any want unattained as regards the bluff
and paternal Sergeant Sulpizio, which is capitally
played and sung by Mr. H. Phillips. Mr. D.:W.
King personates the rustio lover Tonio, and Mrs.
Daly the Countess. The English text has been sup-
plied by Mr. Fitzball, who is a ready hand at adapta-
tions of the sort.