The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-06-04 00:00:00

THEATRE-ROYAL

Sir E. L. Bulwer's play of " Richelieu" was played on
Tuesday, and we cannot but admit that it was most admirably
done. Mr. Macready, as the Cardinal, presented us with a
fine portrait of that celebrated statesman. Declining in
years, but not in intellect; we observed the tottering footstep
and the trembling gait, but we saw also the immortal mind
existing strong and vigorous as in other times. Mr. Ma-
cready's acting was most masterly, and with all the high
finish of perfection. The scenes in his chamber—at Rouelle,
and before the king, were all excellent. Mrs. Salsberg (late
Miss Phillips) played Julie very beautifully. She appears
to have grown thin in person since we last saw her, but her
voice and graceful action are as fascinating as ever. Mr. Stuart
played Barradas with great ability. He drew with truthful-
ness the character of the plotting courtier, whose ambition
prompted him to mount—no matter how—but whose mind
had not the power to overreach the master-spirit who swayed
France's destiny. Barradas was extremely well done. Mr.
Stuart has placed another laurel in his histrionic wreath.
Mr. Holl as De Mauprat looked and acted the gallant sol-
dier well. His manly bearing and dashing appearance might
well captivate Richelieu's fair ward. Mr. Lynne (who was
engaged here last season) on this occasion played Joseph, the
humble but tried and trusty friend of Richelieu. This cha-
racter requires great nicety and attention ; many fine points
in the Cardinal would " go tardily off" if not well played up
to by Joseph. Deep in his master's secrets, obedient to
his will, and ready to do his bidding, Joseph goes sturdily to
work, without much prospect of present gain, and looks only
for the " bishopric" in futuro. Mr. Lynne balanced the
scale nicely between dutiful attention and subserviency ; and
we must say, that he did this uphill, unassuming character
with great ability. Mr. Lynne only wants opportunity—a
clear stage and no favour. He is a rising actor, and time will
show it. Mr. Bland exerted himself wonderfully as Riche-
lieu's page. It is the best character we have seen him play
for some time. He threw off his apathetic indifference and.
that" I don't careishnesa" which generally prevails through-
out his acting. He seemed to feel what he was about. Mr.
G. Horncastle played Huguet with great judgment. Miss
Barrett must be commended as Marion De L' Orme ; trifling
as is the part she took great pains with it. Several of the
scenes were new on this occasion. Mr. Macready was called
for at the close of the play. When will this absurd custom
be abolished ? The laughable farce of " The Happiest Day
of my Life" sent the audience home not exactly " weeping
to their beds." Mrs. Clarke and Baker played inimitably.
Miss Honner and Mrs. Barton did the bride and bridesmaid
with great sprightliness. Previous to the farce Mr. Aldridge,
jun.'s waltzes Les Heraut:, were performed. The house
was well attended. Last night, " Werner" was splendidly
represented ; and the theatre was filled in every part by a
fashionable audience.

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