Star.
London, England, 1820-12-21 00:00:00

THE WESTMINSTER PLAY.

Tuesday se'nnight, the classical friends of the West-
minster "juvenes togati," were again regaled with a
scenic representation of the Phormio—a drama re-
plete with sprightly gaiety and genuine attic humour ;
and, although it is not considered as the happiest pre-.
duCtion of our old school-acquaintanee, TIM encE, yet
so powerfully was the effect of his Comic Muse as-
_ sisted by the abilities of the actors, that the risible
faculties of a more numerous audience than we ever

recollect to have observed, upon a similar occasion,
were kept in continual exercise. All the old 41 West-
minsters" and their friends appeared to have been
congregated in one vast body, and had obtained
possession of both pit and gallery long before -the
classic banquet was commenced ; a decided prefer-
ence being given to these milites emeriti, whilst the
claims of strangers were completely overlooked.—,-
This circumstance gave offence to the less favoured
visitors, and certainly prevented numbers from get-
ting even a transient glance at the AnglO-Roman
stage. Those who were fortunate enough to gain
admittance, and whose physical powers were capa-
ble of sustaining the melting heat of a small pit,
crowded to the greatest possible degree of endurance,
were amply repaid for their patience and perse-
verance, by the histrionic efforts of the juvenile
performers. The exhibition of youthful talent
is always highly gratifying, and we may say, with
truth, that the most fastidious taste could, not fail of
discovering, in the performance of Phormio, the rich
and vigorous germs of future excellence, which a
little practice and experience would soon ripen into
comparative perfection. It is not our intention to
examine the performances of these youthful amateurs
with the rigid severity of theatrical criticism, yet
we will venture to assert, that 'some of them might
stand, without fear, upon the boards of a regular
Theatre, and bid defiance to the puny critic's" ferula.
Their conception of the various characters was just
and correct, nor was there a single individual who
did not fully enter into the spirit of the author.—
The Prologue, as well as the Epilogue, was written
expressly for the occasion, and both were perfect'
specimens of the Terentian style. The Prologue
was delivered with much force and propriety of
elocution; it would have obtained a greater share of
approbation if certain expressions of a pontical ten-
dency had not been introduced ; hence arose partial
symptoms of dissatisfaction, but good sense and
good temper predominated, and the cloud blew over
an a few moments. It would be invidious to notice
the good acting of any individual performer, when
all are deserving of commendation; however, we
cannot forget the merits of Mr. H. DODGSON, in Geta,
who personified the facetious Roman slave with faith-
ful accuracy and admirable naivete. The dialogue
between him and Davus, in the second scene of the
first act, was irresistible; it would have relaxed the
face of Melancholy herself into a smile. The parts
of Chromes and Densipho were admirably supported;
the thin small voice, tire tottering step, and the que-
rulous peevishness, together with the other pecu-
liarities of old age, were painted to the life. Mr.
VERNON was an excellent Phormio. He made many
excellent hits in the course of his performance,
which literally set the Theatre in a roar. The Dorio
of Mr. Sritaxny was, perhaps, taken as a whole, a
most faultless piece of acting. The young Gentle-
men were, without one solitary exception, remark-
ably perfect in their parts; a prompter was never
once required, and this is more than can be said of
many an old stager of the present day. The Epilogue,
a spirited satire upon those who are afflicted with
the Bildiomania, was enthusiastically greeted with a
deafening peal of universal applause. We can assute
our Readers, that it is not from any want of talent
in the other Performers that we have not made par-
ticular mention of them ; and we exceedingly regret
that the demands of more important matter compels'
us to abstain from dismissing at large the more than
common beauties which were exhibited in the per-
formance of every one who took a part in the busi-
ness of the Play. Amongst the company we noticed
the Dukes of YORK and WELLINGTON, the LORD
CHIEF BARON and family, Sir W. G ILAN r, Mr. Justice
PARK, &c. &c. Many Ladies were also present; and
we observed more than one with a volume of TERENCE,
carefully following the performers through the dif-
ferent scenes.
The third and last representation of Phorado took
place last Monday night. It went off with eclat, and
attracted a crowded and splendid audience, inclu-
ding Lord GRENVILLE, several of the Cabinet Mi-
nisters, Sir A. MACDONALD, Mr. JEKYLL, &C. &c.

DRURY-LAVE THEATRE.—This Theatre was well
attended last night to witness the revival of that ex-
cellent Opera The Lord of the Manor. The names of
Mr. BRAHAM and Madame VEsTnis are sufficient to
slim with what talent the vocal department was
fiLed. The former, according to custom, introduced
to my favourite airs from other sources, which he
executed in his best style, and the latter was also in
excellent voice. The characters which they sup-1
ported were those of Trnemore and Annette. Mr.'
BARNARD perfollioed that of Young Contrast, the
fop, with excellent effect. Mr. KNIGHT, as Ralph,
the young rustic, was quite at home, and Mr. WIL-
LIAMS, in the absence of MuNDEN, exhibited the mas-
culine peculiarities of Moll Flagon with a good deal
of humour. The whole was much applauded.