Drury-Lane Theatre.
The Times, 1824-12-11T00:00:00

The comedy of the Schoolfor Scanudal was last night represented, the part of Sir Peter Teole, by hZr. Downe, lately a member of the York theatre, being his first appearance on this stage. Had we never seen Mlunden, and other great comedians in this character, we should still have been of opinion, that this gentleman, in attempting it, had overrated his powers in an estraordinary degrce. In stature Alr. Downe is verg short; but what he wants in heiglht is amply made up in breadthl. He is, indeed, one of the most chubby figures we have seen on the boards for semie tlme. His features bear a strong resemblance to those ot Air. Gattie, and his voice instantly rerainds the auditor of the shrill notes of Alr. Knight. Of comic humour we did not perceive one-particle in his perform. ance: ft was tame and cold throughout. The dialogue was repeat. ed with formal correctness, but its wit and spirit were suffered to evaporate. Scarcely one of the fine points which abound in this clharacter was made " to tell," as the technical phrase is, by Mr. Downe: they went off as heavily as if they were the dull jokes of the most inefflcient play-wright of the day. Sone disapprobation Was shown ir. the early part of the comedy: but, at the commence. ment of the 5th act, it assumed a more decided shal?e. Air. Downe came forward and addresssd the audience. He alluded, as we un- derstood, to tie unfavoarable circumstances in which lie was placed, in consequence of not having rehearsed hia part with some of thle perfonners who were now pl&ying with him-stated, that aseverecolhl prevented him fromn bringing advantageously forward the little talent he pomsessed-and entreated the audience, under these cir- cumstances, to suspend their judgment. This address was well received, and no farther interruption was offered to his performance, which proceeded to the end, unapplauded and uncensured. Alr. Elliston was to have played Chm-!es Sioface ; but, owing to his sudden indisposition, that character was u'ndertaken by Alr. Wal- lack; and Mr. Archer performed the part of Joseph Surface, in whlll Mr. Wallack was to bave appeared. It was to this change, we suppose, that Alr. Downe altuxied. Atts. Yates wat a pretty light Lady Teazle. Terry's Sir Oliver Sut face wvas uncom- moonly good. In such characters he shines. 'i'he play was fol- lowed by a new operatic farce, entitled My Uncle Gabriel We believe that Mr. Parry has composed the tdoggrel rhymes, written the stifling dialoFue and strung together the borrowed music wlichl constitutes tnis piece; although, frrm a ruse played off in the introduction so the songs, Cfor the purpose of sneering at Von Weber), a contrary opinion might be fornmed. The plot turns on the stratagems resorted to bv Jack Ready (Halley) to secure the hand of Eliza (Aliss Povey) for his friend, Lieatenana S.xton (Air. Horn), which he effects by personating three different chanucters. Harley made the most of the pirt, which is a very indifferent one. The idea on which it is founded is whOlly wonm Out. Knigkt, as a talkative landlord, and ilrs. Orger as his wife, acted pleasantly. Most of the songs were encored, (no doubt by a very disinterested audi- ence), although not one Ot tbem was good for any thing. DRURY-LANE THEATRE.