Theatre

THEATRE - A Mr. Spencer, recently arrived from Hobart Town, made his debut on Monday evening in the character of Gloster, in Richard III., probably, with one exception, the most difficult character that was ever conceived by a performer, and one with which most playgoers are familiar. Mr. Spencer was well received on his first appearance, but had hardly got through his soliloquy before evident marks of disapprobation were shown; indeed, from the hurry to hiss, which was evident, it appeared as if a few persons were determined that Mr. S. should not have a fair trial, but they gained "nothing by the motion," for this evident desire to depress Mr. S. had the effect of making the other portion of the audience rather warm in his defence, so that at least it may be said that "the Ayes had it." Mr. Spencer, by his dress and general manners on the stage, showed that he will be an acquisition to the Sydney Theatre; but what could induce him to make choice of such an arduous character as Gloster, for his first appearance it is hard to conceive, as he must have been aware that he could hardly make a hit, when had he come out in any minor character he would have been sure to please the public. From the manner in which he played in the fifth Act, we should imagine that melo-drama rather than tragedy could be Mr. S's. forte, for his action was certainly not very tragic. Mr. Spencer gave the public what they seldom enjoy the benefit of in Sydney, the words of the author from first to last. Although Mr. S. will probably be permanently engaged by the Managers, it is not likely that he will again appear in Richard, and in any character of a common description he will be almost sure of succeeding. The other characters were mostly […] played; Knowles’s Buckingham, Simmons’ Richmond and Master Jones’ Duke of York being well supported. Mrs. Downes, as the Duchess of York, looked like anything but a Lady of fourscore. Mrs. Taylor played Lady Anne with no spirit; indeed, tragedy is out of her line. On Mrs. Jones' Queen Elizabeth it would not be fair to pass any remarks, as she had but a very short notice to play the character, which was intended for Miss Winstanley, who in consequence of a quarrel with the manager, has left the stage. The visitors of the Theatre will be sorry to hear this; for although Miss W. had little versatility of talent, yet her pleasing, unaffected demeanour, while on the stage, had rendered her a great favourite. Mrs Jones was to have played the Prince of Whales, a character which was assumed by a little girl (a sister, we believe to Master Jones) who went through the part with the same tone of voice, and with much the same gestures that children repeat poetry at school. The house was very full, every portion being crowded, a proof that however ill it is played, the public are and will be admirers of what is properly called legitimate drama.