The Sun.
London, England, 1834-10-16 00:00:00

THE THEATRES.

COVENT-GARDEN.
Last night in the play of Henry VIII., Mr. Vandenhoff
played Cardinal Tirobey, and Mrs. Sloman sustained the
character of Queen Katharine. Mr. Vandenhoff well sus-
tained the reputation he has achieved for precise and elaborate
attention to his author. The early scenes, including that of
the trial of Queen Katharine, did not call forth any remarkable
exertion ; but the third act was one of masterly excellence.
The effect of the mysterious upbraidings of the king was also
admirably depicted ; but the proud Cardinal lost none of his
high bearing when flouted by the obtrusive peers who had
taken the monarch's frown for the signal of assault on him to
whom " forty hours before" they would have bowed the knee.
His scorn of them was of the most withering and subduing
force. But the greatest, perhaps the concentrated merit of
the performer was his interview with, and his advice to,
Cromwell—where there are language and sentiments of the
sublimest character. Mrs. Sloman's Queen Katharine was a
very sensible performance. The celebrated trial scene, which
Mrs. Siddons made so much her own as almost to terrify any
successor from very confidently attempting the character, was
a dignified and energetic effort. The house was well attended,
vt he or
yu g
likely
k ne
loyt
ts oo d
rc ov
ew do epde r
aa santod givespspectacle
ctsigns&te ftrhoamt
tShhea ks
tas pgeea,r eorwatos
occasional representations.

VICTORIA THEATRE.
The performances at this house last night were the Rent
Day, The Irish Gentleman, and the three last acts of Virgi-
nius. The Relit Day is front the pen of Mr. Jerrold, and
is altogether a most affecting picture of rural distress. Mr.
Elton supported the character of Martin Heywood, the dis-
tressed farmer, with great truth; while Mrs. Selby, as Rachel,
his wife, drew tears from eyes which, judging from external
appearances, were seldom visited by these refreshing
showers of the heart. Old Crumbs was well represented by
Mr. W. Keene, who certainly evinced a striking example of
the complicated influence of avarice, fear, and revenge all at
work in the same seared and guilty bosom. Mr. Mitchell, as
Bullfrog, the appraiser and auctioneer, was very amusing, and
went through his part admirably. Mr. Wallack and Mr. Rens-
ford, as Silver Jack and Hyssop, formed a striking contrast to
each other, and more than convinced us that there are as many
degrees in ruffianism as there are graduations in arriving at a
fellowship at one of our Universities. The acting of both in
the drun en scene was capital ; as was Wallack's representa-
tion of Silver Jack in the cottage, attempting to seduce Hey-
wood's (Elton) wife with the sight of the purse of money. Mr.
Forrester played Toby Heywood in such a manner as to call
forth the frequent applause of the audience. By the way,
Forrester appears to be a favourite at this house, and we think
not unworthily. Mr. Selby wanted earnestness, and was b. y
no means equal to himself. His Appius Claudius in I:ir-
ginius, is excellent ; but his Grantley, in the Rent Day, is a
meagre performance. He ought to study the character more,
and throw into it some of the nobler feelings of an English
gentleman. Altogether the performances went off well, and
the house was crowded from floor to ceiling.

The Festival of the inhabitants of Ramsgate to his
Grace the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is fixed for
Tuesday next, Sir William Curtis, Bart., in the Chair. The
tickets are selling very rapidly, and it is expected that there
will be a very large number assembled to meet his Grace.
Lieutenant-General Sir William Inglis and Major-General
Dever are among the Stewards.