The Sun. — 1829-02-23 (London, England)

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 preparing to repel the attack of Charles .Xll. The adherenia of a banished nobleman have formed a plot for his destruction, and have induced the exile's son, Alexis, Mr. J. NrusiNc, to place himself at their head. The plot is damcovered 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 murdering him if they fall in with him. Charles, who commands 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 grandfather, 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-married. It will be perceived from this slight sketch of the piece that it is throughout of a highly entertaining character.. 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 encote. 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