R370507B. Strafford.
Bell’s Life, 7 May 1837, p. 2.
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 3.
Covent-Garden.—Mr. Browning’s historical tragedy, called Strafford, was performed for the first time, at this theatre on Monday night for the benefit of Mr. Macready. The author adheres in general so closely to historical accuracy that it is unnecessary to detail the plot, which embraces the last scenes in the career of the devoted Strafford, the unfortunate servant of ungrateful royalty. Mr. Macready performed the part of Strafford in a manner which would have made the play go off triumphantly had it had nothing else than his exertions to rely upon. It was a noble and touching performance, and well calculated to leave a favourable impression of his genius even upon the minds of those who are not inclined to rank him so high as his admirers have placed him. It was well sustained throughout; but in the last act, where he is a prisoner in the Tower, the scene with his children was a triumph of histrionic art, and was only equalled, but not surpassed, by the final scene with the vacillating and unworthy Charles. The character of his accuser, Pym, was also well sustained by Vandenhoff; but, as it offered nothing peculiarly worthy of remark, we pass to that of the Countess of Carlisle, which was performed by Miss Helen Faucit in a manner in the highest degree creditable to her talents. The character itself, considered as a poetical creation, is tenderly and beautifully drawn; and her love for Strafford, which is darkly shadowed forth rather than fully developed, is all the more touching in its devotedness from being thus dimly shown. In the third act, when Strafford suddenly returns from the north, with the power, as he hopes, of crushing his enemies, the Countess of Carlisle aids him, for the love she bears him, in all his schemes, and nobly takes his part when he is assailed by his traducers. Strafford, however, sees but friendship, and never dreams that love inspires her enthusiasm. In the last act the children of Strafford, who are with him in the Tower, innocently sing an Italian barcarolle, and give occasion to some fine touches of nature on the part of the father. We have said thus much in praise of this tragedy, but impartiality compels us to add that all the characters were not equally well sustained. Hampden was not made prominent enough, and King Charles found a very miserable representative in the person of Mr. Dale.—At the fall of the curtain there was a vehement cry for Mr. Macready, who after some delay, appeared, and made his bow to the audience. A similar compliment was afterwards paid to Vandenhoff and Miss Faucit, and some persons were so ill-advised as to call loudly for the author. The author, however, did not come forward; and Webster, the stage-manager, had some difficulty in silencing the rioters by the assurance that the author was not in the house. The tragedy was announced for repetition next evening with general applause.
Reviewed:
Strafford (RB), London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, 1837.
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