The Sun.
London, England, 1858-04-15 00:00:00

PRINCESS'S THEATRE.

The revival of " Faust and Marguerite" con-
tinues
to atti act full and fashionable audiences to
this house. Perhaps the talent of Mr. Charles
Kean has seldom been more aptly displayed than
as the all-powerful, wily, arch-fiend, in the mortal
shape of Mephistophiles. He identifies the sinister
malice of the fallen angel, with the plausible (ate-
rior of human reason, in a manner that impresses
all who witness the personification, with a strong
.vase or toe tik..tn- o wl• stly-Aiza,wkivlv..

One of the chief excellencies that distinguishes
the Lucifer of Mr. Kean is the total absence of all
attempt at vulgar, exaggerating burlesque, which
such a character might easily induce a less re-
fined actor to merge into. Let Mr. Kean
play what part he may, from Hamlet downwards,
we are sure to find the "gentleman" predominating
in the histrionic development ; and iu no instance
is this individual trait more ostensibly displayed,
than lin his Mephistopheles, being at once suffi-
ciently crafty and terrible to qualify him for the
lowest Pandemonium, yet without betraying a
taint of coarseness that could startle or offend the
most fastidious lawn-robed sinner. The whole
cast of the piece is in keeping with the correct
tas..e and judgment of the `• ruling power." Mr.
David Fisher is as good a Fattst as the slender
materials he has to employ will allow him to be.
Mr. Cathcart's Talentine is earnest and vigorous;
and Miss Leclerq's Marguerite is charming enough to
afford a tangible excuse for human frailty. The Siebe/
of Mr. Saker is, perhaps, rather too potently charged
with broad farce ; and a " toning down" would
give much greater effect to the part. The Martha
of Mrs. Winstanley deserves especial notice ; for,
like every portraiture entrusted to the kauds of
this talented actress, it is carefully and consistently
given. The " make up" of the old woman is artis-
tically typical of the objectionable duenna position
she holds, without being severely repuhive ; and
her acting throughout, exhibits true professional
knowledge and diligent study. The " side dishes"
of "Samuel in Search of Himself," and "The Stork
Exchange," are so very light, that the process of
brain digestion attending them, is not likely to
endanger the mental health of the consumers ; but
The Princess's does not pin its faith or its fame on
Farce, and wins sufficient "golden opinions" with-
out paying court to Momue as well as Melpomene.

MISS ARABELLA GODDARD'S SOIREES.

Miss Goddard has attained that high degree of
perfection in the executive phase of music, which
stamps her as a first rate artiste, and the series of
soirees she is giving are among the most recherche
and gratifying attractions, to those who are not
prone to indulge in pleasures of an average class.
We attended the first concert of the second series
last evening at Willis's Rooms, and derived an
exquisite amount of delight from the combination
of the most eminent professional talent and the
selection of choice and classic subjects. Miss God
dird and Mr. Sainton (violin) opened the concert
with a Sonata in E flat, by Mozart, followed by
Hummell's last Sonata in 1). The works of Ham-
men are well worthy of the attention of our finest
musicians ; and Miss Goddard has displayed
equal taste and discrimination in making us
better acquainted with this great composer.
Bach's " lettga Scherzando," in conjnnctiou with
the great Fuge in A minor, were executed by Miss
Goddard in a style that left nothing to be wished
for. Her power of manipulation, delicacy of ex-
pression, and bribiancy of touch, place her in the
first rank of pianistes, and the applause bestowed
on her performance, testified that her efforts were
thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed. A glorious
specimen of Beethoven's genius was afforded in
his Sonat s in A, the difficulties of which were ren-
dered with fdcile ease and finish by Miss Goddard.
The concert was concluded with the Quartet in
minor by Mendelssohn, achieved by the united aid
of the gifted pianiste, M. Sainton (violin), Herr
Goifrie (viola), and Signor Piatti (violoncello). A
greafer musical treat we never experienced; a treat
which was fully participated in, by a crowded and
clis.it gu.shed audience.

The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and family wit
Lave Selkirkshiie, for Montagu Holum, White
ball, on the 24th inst. _

The Duke and Duc;less of Montrose and Lady Agnce
Graham come to town early in the ensuing week for the
eaon.

Frances Marcbionness of Londonderry and Lord
Adolphus Vane Tempest, M.P., hove arrived at the
Pavilion Hotel, Folke Acme, from Boul.lne.
Toe MAiqui-i and Marchioness of Caolmondeley ar-
rivLd (n Carlton House-terrace 3 eAeiday, from Obol-
mondeley Castle, Cheshire.

_ .
The Marquis and Marchioness of Ailesbury have ar-
rived in town, from Saveruake Lodge, near Marl-
borough,
The Earl and Countess of Digby have arrived at
Claridge's Hotel.
Viscount and Viscountess Combermere have returned
to town from Combermere Abbey, Cheshire.
-Nr Count Falmouth has left tae Ciareudon for Mere-
worth Castle, near Maidstone.
Lord Chew:oo has arrived at On rAviliou Hari,
Folkestone,