The Sun.
London, England, 1867-04-15 00:00:00

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.

The estimation in which the manager of Drury-
lane is deservedly held by the play-going public
was attested in a gratifying manner on the occasion
of his benefit on Saturday evening, when, notwith-
standing the prices of admisdou were greatly in-
creased, the house was crowded in every part. The
" School for Scandal" was performed in spirited
style, the cast including Mr. Phelps as Sir Peter
Teazle, Mr. T. Swiaburne as Joseph Surface, Mr.
Walter Lacy as Charles Surface, Mr. Barrett as
Sir Oliver, Mrs. Herman Vezin as Lady Teazle, and
Mrs. IL Vandenhoff as Mrs. Candour. Then fol-
lowed a concert, in which several artists of musical
celebrity took part. Madlle. Enequist sang a Swe-
dish song delightfully, and a duet on the harp and
pianoforte, by Mr. J. Balsir Chatterton, the Queen's
harpist, and Miss Kate Chatterton, was performed
with a delicacy and brilliancy of expression which
evoked enthusiastic applause.
On the conclusion of the comedy there were loud
calls for Mr. Chatterton, who came in front and ad-
dressed the audience as follows:

" Ladies and Gentlemen,—This evening will ter-
minate my first season as sole lessee and manager of
the Theatre Royal, Drury-lane. I commenced under
great difficulties, owing to heavy liabilities occa-
sioned by my association with the late management.
On assuming the sole management, I felt convinced
that the only course to achieve success would be to
perform the works of standard authors, and to en-
gage artists of high reputation ; and, upon these
calculations, I engaged Mr. Phelps, Miss Helen
Faucit, Mr. Barry Sullivan, Mrs. Hernan Vezin, Mr.
W. Harrison, Mr. Walter Montgomery, and Mr. T.
Swinbourne. I also introduced three successful
debutants to London, namely, Miss E. Cross, Mr. 0
Talbot, and Mr. T. Powrie. The latter gentleman
appeared in Rob Roy,' but unfortunately was pre-
vented from continuing the performance in conse-
quence of a severe accident he met with on the occa-
sion of the first representation of that drama. Dur-
ing the season the most attractive tragedies, plays,
and comedies of Shakspere, Sheridan Knowles, Col-
man, Sheridan, and Lord Lytton, together with an
adaptation, by Blr. Bayle Bernard, of Goetheio
romantic poem, Faust,' have been performed. it
is with mach pleasure I reflect on the prospectus I
issued on the 2d of September last, from the simple
fact that I have not broken one of the announce-
ments I made, except with regard to Mr. Sims
Reeves, who failed to fulfil his engagement kith
me. To-night will conclude what, in theatrical
parlance, is termed the winter dramatic seasoo•
During the summer mouths I purros3, according
to an old custom, to give a lighter class of
entertainment. On Easter Monday the season
will commence with a new and original comedy",
drama, in four acts, entitled, The Great city,
written by Mr. Andrew Halliday, illustrative of
phases of modern life. On Saturday, the Ist of
September next, I intend to issue my programme,
for the coming legitimate season, which, I trust, 101
insure a continuance of that support which 37012
have so generously bestowed upon me. Nossrt
ladies and gentlemen, having, as briefly as possible+
remarked upon the past, and given you my views et
the future, allow me to return my most since°
thatiks for your patronage, and I bid most respect
fully, iu the names of the ladies and gentlemen of
toy company and myself, to bid you farewell."
This address was received with much favour, a"`;
the manager retired amid the cordial acclamatO
1 of the audience.