The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-20 00:00:00

PRINCESSES THEATRE.

Seldom has a more brilliant ovation been accorded t o
a manager or performer than that which la,t night
greeted Mr. Charles Kean. Long before the hour of
admission the doors were besieged. Every place that
could be taken had previously been engaged. Members
of the Garrick Club bad secured every vacant stall ; and
the box-keeper's list showed that no person coming with
money in hand had a chance of a seat in either the dress
or upper boxes ; but even standing room was eagerly
sought for by those anxious to honour English pluck,
Engli-h talent, and English energy. It is needless to
say that when the curtain rose there was not a vacant
spot to be obtained for love or money. Indeed, we
believe that admission was refused to parties who might
have created a bumper in the largest theatre in this or
any other country. On his first appearance, Mr. Kean
was greeted with a round of rapturous and enthusiastic
applause. Although manifestly appreciating the cordial
tribute so gracefully rendered to his genius, it but excited
him to fresh efforts to prove bow Shakspere could be ren-
dered, by conscientious exertions, combined with
judicious and liberal expenditure. A. man may be
stimulated by great occasions, and Mr. Kean unques-
tionably surpassed himself last night, and that is no
trivial praise. After the second and third acts he was
called before the curtain, a demand rather tardily com-
plied with ; but it was one which could not be resisted.
But " this, and these, and all," were nothing to the
effect produced at the closing scene—when the curtain
fell—Mr. Kean was again called forward, and bowed his
acknowledgments. But that did not suffice. The
audience required something more, and the cheers and
applause proved their sincerity. The house literally
" rose at him," as one did before to his. illustrious
father. At length Mr. Kean came forward, visibly
affected by the wonderful demonstration. He spoke
plainly, butt from his heart, and with great deli-
cacy. Tb re was nothing that could offend any,
bat honest pride was manifested, and he rose into
" moral dignity " while giving expression to his earnest
feelings. It was, indeed,. a night that will long be
memorable in annals of the Princesses and of its efficient
manager. The speech ,was assfoilewes—: •
" Ladies and Gentlemen,—lt is not my visual practice
to address the audience on any other Occasion than at the
conclusion of the season, but were I to remain silent
after so remarkable an ebudition of public feeling as I
have to-night witnessed, I fear that my motive might be
misinterpreted. (Loud cheers.) Believe me, I am deeply
sensible of your great kindness, and I beg you to accept
my heartfelt thanks. It would be affectation in me to
pretend not to understand the motive which has
prompted this peculiar demonstration. (Renewed ap-
plause.) It is but anothsr instance of a fact I have fre•
quently oleserved, that when a public man acts in a
conscientious and upright manner, the public will always
afford him their sympathy and their support. Through-
out my life I have isvariably coveted the favourable
verdict of public opinfOn, professionally and socially, and
the demonstration of this evening impresses me with the
gratifying
been in 'vain."
conviction that my efforts to win it have not
This address was received with loud applause;
Mr. Kean retired amid and
enthusiastic cheers from all parts
of the house.

The Siamese Ambassadors and suite were present.