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 admission 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 90
Sir Oliver, Mrs. Herman Vezin as Lady Teazle, and
Mrs. H. Vandenhoff as Mrs. Candour. Then fol-
lowed a concert, in which several artists of musical
celebrity took part. Madile. Enequist sang a Sore'
dish song delightfully, and a duet on the harp and
pianoforte, by Mr. J. Balsir Chatterton, the Queen a
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 t°
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,
W. Harrison, Mr. Walter Montgomery, and Mr. rr;
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 °GO'
sion of the first representation of that drama. Dur‘
ing the season the most attractive tragedies, playa'
and comedies of Sbakspere, Sheridan Knowles, COe
man, Sheridan, and Lord Lytton, together with an
adaptation, by Mr. Bayle Bernard, of Goetne4
romantic poem, Faust,' have been performed.
is with much pleasure I reflect on the prospeetnsi;
issued on the 2d of September last, from the simr
fact that I have not broken one of the announce;
ments I made, except with regard to Mr. Sb
Reeves, who failed to fulfil his engagement
me. To-night will conclude what, in theatrio
parlance, is termed the winter dramatic seasce;
During the summer mouths I purpta3, accordi",
to an old custom, to give a lighter class
entertainment. On Easter Monday the WO'
will commence with a new and original comedl,
drama, in four acts, entitled, The Great Citio'f
written by Mr. Andrew Halliday, illustrative
of
phases of modern life. On Saturday, the Ist _e
September next, I intend to issue my prograinl,Pig
for the coming legitimate season, which, I trust, %it
insure a continuance of that support which 1
SO I
have so generously bestowed upon me. ible,
ladies and gentlemen, having, as briefly as pose of
remarked upon the past, and given you my view re
the future, allow me to return my most sin t,
thanks for your patronage, and I bid most resPc
fully, in the names of the ladies and gentlernoi
my company and myself, to bid
This address was received with much favour'. pd
the manager retired amid the cordial acclarnat'
of the audience. you farewell."
ava