The Sun. — 1814-12-21 (London, England)

THE THEATRES.  COVENT GARDEN.-Nothing could be more creditable to the public, judgment and feeling, in limiters of taste, than the reception which Kematal experienced last night at this Theatre, in the-character of Macbeth. As soot) as he appeared on the hridge,' there was an universal burst of applause, and most of the persons in the Pit immediately arose, and waved their handkerchiefs and hats, is zealous and continued testimony of welcome, insonmeh that he was obliged to stop, and acknowledge this fervent kindness. When •he came to the front of the -Stage, the same cheering- awaited him, and evidently operated, strongly ' on his feelings, as his voice fanltered on uttering • the-first speech. however; soon recovered, and throughout his performance we never heard 'his voice in so 'much vigour. The character of Macbeth was never so well sopported within our remembrance as it Was on this occasion.— Indeed Mr. KestaLe has so thoroughly: considered the part,_ as is obvious from the manner in which he has hitherto performed, as well as from a sindicious,tract which he published anonymously on the subject, that little, if any thing, of novelty was to be expected. Yet there were last night a few new tOuches, which proved that he is indefatigable in the study of his profession, though be -has so imig been at the head of it, and which were exactly confOrmable to nature. For instance, immediately after the murder of the King is announced by Macduff, and the other characters are expressing their horror, Macbeth retired to the back of the stage, as if afraid of observation, and was unable to cover his guilt amidst his confusion, and when he came forward to declare his regret for having killed the supposed assassins, anti is asked why he did- so by Macduff, he addressed part of his vindication to the other persons on the stage as well as to the enquirer, as if in fear of the penetrating eyes of the latter.. There were several minor touches of truth and nature, which could only be expected front a Master in the Art, incessant in his endeavour to approach, as near as possible„, to perfection. His gradual discomfiture and despair as he experiences " the equivocation of the fiends, who lie like truth," were admirably delineated, and finally, his confusion on finding the delusion complete- in the 'unborn existence of Macduff was a true and highly affecting expression of conscious guilt and the dread -of impending punishment. His deportment, as usual, was appropriate and majestic; and the whole made such an impression, that there was a universal-ea-It for the dropping of the curtain at the moment of his death; as if even the Conclusion of the drama itself was not worth attention, after the last' words' of so accomplished an Actor. CONWAYI certainly displayed improvement in his manner of performing Macdaf, particularly in the scene when he hears of the destruction of his family, in Which he was Much applauded. Mrs: RENAUD is the best Lady Macbeth that has been seen since the retirement of Mrs...irDDONS, which, indeed is paying her no great compliment. The house was not only attended by a full audience, hut by one of the best description ; and the approbation throughout was rational as, well as vehement, which is by no means alWayS the case.  aricav-LANs.---11EN2, who has been some time disabled by the _got!:, 'appeared last night in the comedy of A ('litre forlite Heart-dche, assuming his favourite part of ()hi -Rapid, which he supported with—great spirit and humour. Young Rapid was performed : by FALLISTON with bustling vivacity ; and the 'whole of the characters were supported respectably.  EPIGRAM,  On reading in the Newspapers that in an actionfor Crim. Con. .0 Hackney-Coachman had recovered 111.11s.9d.'Damages.  Honest Jervis exultingly swears that his wife Was the very best fair he e'er had in his life.