R370502A. Strafford.
The Constitutional, 2 May 1837, p. 3.
As reprinted in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 388.
COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE
first representation of “strafford,” for mr. macready’s benefit.
Such a reception as was given to this play last night gives the lie to any twaddling assertions, that there is no taste or no patronage left in England for the real drama. The house, in compliment to Mr. Macready—and likewise to the noble tragedy in which he was called to act the principal part—was thronged a very early hour; and it was only through a sea of waving heads and bonnets that we were able to catch an occasional glimpse of the actor and the piece.
The plot of it is known already to the reader, for the author has adhered very closely to the whole history of the times preceding the downfal of Charles I., and the impeachment of Strafford. Pym’s stern pursuit of him—Vane’s relenting when Strafford is at length his victim—the timorous and fitful attachment of Charles to his most daring and faithful counsellor,—are all admirably portrayed in this play. The part of Pym was intrusted to Mr. Vandenhoff, who performed it so well and so quietly that the audience could not, perhaps, comprehend the excellence of it, and grudged him the applause which he merited.
But there was no lack of applause for Mr. Macready, and certainly no man ever deserved it more; at every concluding act the house rung with plaudits. It would be a poor compliment to the public, and a vain task at so short a notice, to attempt an analysis of the play or its beauties; we shall take an early opportunity of examining the work itself; to-night we can only testify to its signal and deserved success.
Some very keen critics have predicted for Mr. Browning that he is to rise to such an eminence as a dramatic poet as has not been attained by any in our time. We have not had the opportunity to study sufficiently the book before us to pronounce so confidently upon his merits; but certainly if success be a criterion of desert, there are few poets who can rank more highly.
Reviewed:
Strafford (RB), London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, 1837.
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