The Statesman.
London, England, 1820-04-14 00:00:00

COVENT GARDEN.

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The revival of the tragedy of Kiag Lear at this
Theatre, and the introduction of Mr. Hoorn, in one of
its principal charactera, naturally excited a great de-
gree of public ieterest and attention. Of the merits of
the tragedy itself it is unnecessary to speak. It has
always been a favourite with those who are content to
study Shakespeare in the closet ; whilst his warmest
admirers must admit, that it is not well adapted to excite
that sort of feeling which is essential to the success of a
stage representation ; and that, unless the chief cha-
racter is delineated with superior talent, the attention
and curiosity of an Audience must be exhausted lung
before the conclusion of the play. The person whom
the managers of this Theatre have chosen to sustain
that ardnons character, is, (as we have before men-
tinned) no less a personage than Mr. JUNIUS BOOTH.
We cannot avoid suspecting, that in making this selec-
tion, the abilities of the performer himself have not been
so much regarded, as the wish to produce an actor, who,
by treading to the same line as Mr. KHAN, might in
some degree diminish the attraction which that gen-
tleman's name has been so long accustomed- to
produce. The attempt was bold—candour obliges us
to add that it was unsuccessful. Mr. Bonet, in
some passages. certainly evinced considerable judg-
ment, and a correctness of conception, which met, as it
deserved, with considerable applause; but we must con-
fess, that, jodglng of the whole performance, according
to is& Walt histrionic skill, the Lear or yesterday
evening did sot strike us as justly representing the
character which is pourtrayeil in the drama of SWAIM
pats.. Mr. BOOTH evidently mistook rage for dignity,
and the violenee of angry passion for the heart-broken
parental anguish which filial neglect, desertion, and in-
gratitude, had produced. Of the stormy fretfulness of
age, he indeed gave ns as .h as could he wished for;
but in those tisanes, where the dignity of the king might
to be mingled with the tenderness of the father—in the
scene of his real madness, so skilfully contrasted by the
poet, with the affected insanity of Edgar—and especially
in delivering the dreadful curse, which, in the hands
Wows KH3eHilt, was so awfully and so deeply interest-
ing—in all these parts Mr. lloortes performance im-
pressed us with nu other idea than that of a complete
sad decided failure. His bursts of feeling and sudden
transition from one point to another, were but mica-
tires, and very had caricatures, of the known style and
manners of Mr. KEAN.

We have ventured to make the above remarks
upon the strength of our own judjment (probably
an erroneous one), and in opposition to the opi-
nion of a good-natured audience, who. if we may judge
from their rapturous applause' last night, were never
so much amused before. But we must not forget that
the rothusiamo which always attends the re-appear-
ance of an old favourite is often better meant than
well= edged, and that the applause Which is in general
so plentifully bestowed upon such occasiods, ought to
be regarded more as a manifestation of the good wishes
of the audience, than as a proof of any new claims
which the actor himself has produced. Mr. BOOTH, who
was yesterday so warmly congratulated on his appearance
in Mug Lear. stadia probably have met with an equally
graCions reception from his friends in the gal ferv, fbe had
crossed the stage walking upon his hands. After having
thOs freely expressed our opinion npon Mr. Booru's per-
sonification of this c ha racter,we feel aoxious to assure him
that we do not wish to discourage his attempts, or to
under-rate hie talents, when exerted in their proper
sphere. Hu eis evidently not formed for the highest
of rim ter, nor can he conquer, as KEAN has
tire ti obstacles will& nattie has later-
' Is Lite charade» he idly becooke es-
ti ; but he those which he now attempts he eta
only (So use the best term) be deemed respectable.
It is unnecessary to remark, that the Edgar of.
CHARLES KEMELI, and the Edmorad of Macaea DT, were
each correct and successful representations. Miss Boors,
though by no means fitted for the character, gave some
interest to Cordelia; as did 3lissCosrmita an bliss YATES
to the characters of Coneril and Regan. At the con-
clusion of the play Mr. Moms came forward to
announce the next eveningi performance; but the au-
dience would not be satisfied until Mr. BOOTH himself
appeared upon the stage, to receive their congratulations
in person. This was complied with, and King Lear
was anmounced, amidst boisterous applause, foi repre-
sentation on Saturday and Monday nett.