| Citation |
PG-P.767.009
22 Jan 1767:12 (1987)
As the practice prevails in our mother country, I hope you
will have no objections against inserting in your paper, the
observations that any gentleman may decently make concerning
the actors on our little theatre here.
I do not wholly rely upon my own delicacy of judgement in
the following remarks, for I have gathered and compared the
sentiments of many others, who have had good opportunities
of improving their taste of both Plays and Players. The
practice of altering the author's expressions is universally
condemned by all men of sense, and leaves no excuse for the
vanity or neglect of the actor; and I hope this little hint
will be sufficient to guard our actors against any thing of
the like nature for the future; for they ought to consider,
that one indecent, ungarded, ill judged expression, will do
them inconceivable mischief in this country, and that no one
advantage can arise from taking such a liberty, but if they
clearly avoid this rock, and are prudent in the choice of
plays, the rational entertainment, must, and will succeed,
agreeable to the highest wishes of those who are concerned
in it.
I am sorry Mr. Hallam, who is genteel in his person and
action, could not take copy from the inimitable Garrick, and
speak plain English, whenever he assumes a character that
may be supposed to understand the language. There is no
necessity of destroying the least articulate beauty of
language, thro' fury, eagerness, or passion; Miss Cheer
never loses the sweetest accent, or faulters in the
cleverness of expression, from any or all those causes,
though I believe she is equally delicate, and capable of
feeling the force of passion.
I am not alone, when I pronounce her one of the best
players in the Empire; she appears to me, from that ease of
behaviour which always shines through every action, to have
been much among people of fashion, for she well fits the
highest character she ever assumes.
I must beg leave to inform the public, that the pleasing
Love in a Village is done here beyond expectation, and must
give real delight to every person void of ill-nature.
--- Miss Wainwright is a very good singer, and her action
exceeds the famous Miss Brent. Mr. Hallam exceeds every
thing in the character of Hodge; and Mr. Woolls almost
equals Beard in Hawthorn. Miss Hallam deserves universal
applause and encouragement. I could wish to see the house
better filled whenever this justly applauded entertainment
is exhibited.
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