Transcription
ASTLEY’S AMPHITHEATRE.
Legitimacy wanders into strange places nowadays, but perhaps, of all wondrous migrations the most astonishing is that of Richard III. to the boards of Astley’s Amphitheatre. Shakespeare’s play as modified by Cibber is, indeed, further modified to meet the exigencies of equestrian drama, and three acts do the work of five, but, nevertheless, the chief situations are preserved, and the original language is spoken by the personages. Of course as much is made as possible of the events on Bosworth-field, and the death of “White Surrey,” who falls under his master, in the midst of a combat against superior numbers is a most striking equestrian incident. The field of a battle at the end, with the dead horses dispersed about the stage, is admirably contrived, and the docility of the stud is shown by the pertinacity with which they retain the semblance of death, while the swords of Richards and Richmond are clashing over their heads. Mr. Holloway, who usually does “first business” at this establishment, plays Richard in a style which shows that he is fully aware of his increased responsibilities, for all the speeches associated with the names of so many great actors are preserved intact. While he shoes a fair knowledge of the tradition he abstains from that exuberant rant which might have been expected under the circumstances, and his performance may altogether be pronounced most creditable.
