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

PRINCESSES THEATRE.

Seldom has a more brilliant ovation been accorded t
a manager or performer than that which last 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 had secured every vacant stall ; and
the box-keeper's list showed that no person coming with
money in hand bad a chance of a seat in either the dress
or upper boxes ; but even standing room was eagerly
sought fur by those anxious to honour English pluck,
English talent, and Eoglish energy. It is needless to
say that when the curtain rose there was not a vacant
spot to be obtained for love or mosey. 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 RO gracefully rendered to his genius, it but excited
him to fresh efforts to prove bow Sbakspere 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, aid these, and all," were nothing to the
effect produced at the domino; scane—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. Keaa came forward, visibly
affected by the wonderful demonstration. He spoke
plainly, but from his heart, and with great deli-
cacy. Th re was nothing that could offend any,
but honest pride was manifested, and he rose into
" moral dignity " while giviag 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 as follows :
_

" Ladies and Gentlemen,—lt is not my ugual 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 ebullition 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 thii peculiar demonstration. (Renewed ap-
plause.) It is but another instance of a fact I have fre-
quently observed, that when a public man acts in a
con.cientious and upright manner, the public will always
afford him their sympathy and their support. Through-
out my life I have invariably coveted the favourable
verdict of public opinion, professionally and socially, and
rreetsirsedwaa me
the demonstration of this evening impresses me with the
gratifying
keen in vain."
This conviction that my efforts to win it have not
received
enthusiastic
i,
Id with
e cheersi
tleo uwde were
applause,eropmr e
allsen
pt
.aa :t d
Mr. Kisea address o
of the house.
The Siamese Ambassadorsi