The Sun.
London, England, 1833-10-14 00:00:00

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.

Coleman's Jealous IVife is one of those comedies
which, without any pretensions to superior brilliancy,
elegance, or elaborate finish, will always interest, from
the perfect knowledge of the world it displays in every
scene. The chief chaacters, too, are not the creatures of
conventional artifice, unintelligible away from the
fashionable world ; but ate such as the community at large
can readily recognise. We allude, of course, to Mr. and
Mrs. Oakley, whose infirmities (especially the lady's)
are to be met with in all times, at all places, and under
every possible variety of circumstance. Passionately at-
tached to her husband, who has much of the Jaffier cha
racter of vacillation about him, yet with jealousy
fully equalling her affection, she realizes in her every
thought, speech, and movement, the truth of Shakspeare's
adage, "Trifles light as air are, to the jealous, confirmation
strong as proofs of holy writ." Miss PHILLIPS, on Saturday
night, pl iyed this (in unskilful hands) hazardous character
with marked spirit, care, and propriety. Throughout
her performance we did not detect one solitary instance of
slovenliness. Her very voice was in her favour, and con-
veyed the nature of a woman who was given up to constant
fretfulness and exacerbation of temper. A critical friend
at our elbow observed that in her closing scenes, where
an explanation takes place, she dismissed her jealous dis-
trusts too readily. We cannot think so. It is the
character of such an infirm temper to be ever in extremes ;
at one moment all confidence, the next all suspicion.
Mr. MACREADY'S Oakley was a careful and thoughtful
piece of acting. Perhaps it displayed more depth of
refl:ction, more intellectuality, than its author intended,
hut this was a defect on the right side. Besides, it had this
advantage—it threw a finer interest over the character, and
thus enlisted the sympathies of the audience more warmly in
its favour. HARLEY'S SirHarryßeagle, though sufficiently
broad in its humour, was yet chastet than this mercurial ac-
tor's performances usually are. His interview with Harriette,
when, in compliance with her father's wish, he comes to
demand her band, was in admirable keeping, especially the
rich gusto with which, when she scornfully rejects bins,
he says, " If you won't go in a snaffle, you must be made
to go in a curb." DowToae, as Russett, was rather too
quiet and subdued in spirit. He should read Fielding's
Squire Western (of which the character is a copy) before
he next attempts to play it. A little more uproarious,
blunt downrightedness of manner, would have become
him. Miss E. PHlLLlPS—sister of the celebrated actress
of that name—made a quiet, interesting Harriette. S'.e
had little to do but look demure and pretty, and in this
she succeeded. Considering it was this young lady's first
appearance on any stage, and that she can scarcely yet
have escaped ber teens, she evinced a coolness and presence
of mind that surprised ua. In person she is slight and
airy, with an engaging cast of countenance, and strikine
contour of head. She has also a great resemblance to
her elder sister. Mrs. GIBBS played Lady Freelotie with
epirit ; but in the more animated parts trenched a little
upon extravagance. The character is one of the higheo,
and most carefully regulated fashion, that never, even for
an instant, eives way to a natural impulse. Mrs. Goss
threw too much heart into it at times. Of Mr. GREEN
as Lord Trinket—the courtly fop of other days—we
would fain speak favourably ; but the truth he imitated
JONES so closely, indeed we may add eervil.ly, as to afford
us not one opportunity of ascertaining of what material•
he is himself made. He was, however, favourably re-
ceived. Mr. BERNARD, from the Brighton Theatre, made
quite as much of the absurd, improbable character of
Captain 0' Cutter, as it deserved. BARTLEY'S Major
Oakley was correct and spirited throughout ; indeed we
never saw this bluff, cordial, off-handed actor to more
advantage. The house was full, but not crowded, and
the favourite portions of the comedy were received with
loud demonstrations of applause.