The Sun.
London, England, 1829-02-23 00:00:00

DRURY LANE THEATER.

A new play, in three acts, entitled, Peter the Great, or
the Battle of Pultowa, was produced here on Saturday
night. It is a lively, bustling piece, fui: of incidents,.
the majority of which, however, are the pure luvention
the play-wrights, Messrs. MORTON and Kzt nr, to,whoisc
it is whispered we are indebted for the piece. 7!se poy
opens at the period when Peter, Mr. Yours, is prepar-
ing to repel the attack of Charles .Xll. The adherenia
of a banished nobleman have formed a plot for his destruc-
tion, and have induced the exile's son, Alexis, Mr. J.
NrusiNc, to place himself at their head. The plot is dam-
covered to the King by means of a paper found on an olif
soldier, Schwartz, Mr. W. FARREN, whom Peter pi
dons, and then goes, in disguise, and alone, to the place
at which the conspirators have fixed. their ineetiLg.
As soon as Alexis has quitted them, the Czar
discovers himself, shoots the ringleader, and the rest of the
traitors are seized by the guard, who enter on the report of
his pistol. This scene is very dramatic, and full effect was
given to it by Mr. YOUNG'S manner of playing. The next
scene, in which the Czar pardons Alexis, and places Elia
at the bead of the conspirators as his officer, is extremely
effective. The war begins. Peter, in an attack he has
headed, is cut off from his army, and obliged to take re •
fuge in the house of the miller Addlewitz (Mr. LisroN),
who has been recently married. The miller is from home
Peter secures the assistance of his wife and soother (Miss
LOVE and Mrs. C. JosmEs),—puts on his clothes, and not
only passes with the Swedish soldiers for the miller, but
endeavours to persuade Addlewitz on his return that he is
not himself. This is a very clever and well-managed part
of the play, and was most favourably received. Charles
himself (Mr. COOPER) appears in person ; relieves sit
exhausted sentinel, and takes his place; some Cossacks
come in pursuit of the Czar, and avow their intention of mur-
dering him if they fall in with him. Charles, who com-
mands them to abandon this design, •is attacked by them,
and rescued by Peter, who then discovers himself, offers
to treat for peace, and, upon Charles's refusal, s'eturns to
his own army to continue the war. Charles is wounded
at Pultowa and his army dispersed. Among the
prisoners is Dorinski, a Russian nobleman, who • has
joined the enemy. He is the father of Pauline (Miss E.
TREE), who has been brought up by her maternal grand-
father, Schwartz, and is betrothed to Alexis He is now
condemned to death.; his daughter learns her relationship
with him f r the first time, attempts to effoct his escape,
and failing, sends Schwartz with a ring which Peter had
given her when she assisted him to assume the disguise of the.
miller, to implore time Czar's clemency. The prisoner is led to
execution, but is pardoned by Petfir,..and the lovers are-mar-
ried. It will be perceived from this slight sketch of the piece
that it is throughout of a highly entertaining charac-
ter.. The acting, in pas titular, is- admirable.
.Yousio's
delineation of the blunt lion-hearted Czar, was as
fine as any thing we have ever seen of the same kind, and
the drinking song, which he sings in disguise, was so ably
and spiritedly executed, as to call forth a unanimous en-
cote. LusTox's Miller possessed much point and drollery,
and W. -.FAIMEN, in a part far inferior to his deserts,
rendered himself amusing and characteristic. Mr.
Coorea's Charles XII. was passable, like the majority of
this gentleman's performances, and Miss E. TREE'S
Pauline displayed much tenderness and simplicity. On
the whole the play, if we except one or two hisses deseiv-
edly ealled forth by some indecencies put into Miss Love's
mouth, and an inappropriate chorus sung.by someerimi •
nals who are going to be hanged, was received with great
applause, and will, we doubt not become popular.