20 MARCH 1880, Page 25

Gretchen : a Play in Four Acts. By W. S.

Gilbert. (New- man and Co.)—Mr. Gilbert's play was withdrawn after five nights (in what certainly seems to us, as he states, an unjustifiable way), and he appeals from the theatrical authorities to the public. We have read Gretchen, we may say, with much pleasure ; and this is saying something, for, as a rule, plays are not very readable. Its literary talent is very considerable, but we must honestly say that we should not care to see it acted.