Mr. James Russell has this week commenced a series of
"Shaksperianit Readings," at St. Martin's Hall. He'seems to have formed.the notion)! of this class of entertainment from a hint given him by Sir Walter Seott,:i long before "readings" became so common as they are at the present day. Sir Walter perceived in Mr- Itussell versatility enough to fill in suc- cession a series of dramatis personal; and he still possesses in full vigour his power of varying voice and manner. His conception of- the cha- racter of Falstaff is original' and striking., based on the principle that the fat knight does not laugh himself, though he-is the cause of laughter in others. The rich though grave humour with -which he works out this. idea is admirable; and, in the absence of accessories, we do net believe there is any actor now before the public who could give a realization of Falstaff with equal effect.
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