tf4t 64tatrts.
On the various stages of the metropolis, there has been nothing like novelty this week; but an announcement has appeared in the public journals, which will doubtless produce great excitement in theatrical .circles. A number of "old Etonians," comprising two Dukes, one Mar- quis, seven Earls, two Viscounts, five " Lords," and several illustrious Commoners, among whom is Mr. Gladstone, have formed themselves into a committee, for the purpose of giving a banquet and a testimonial to Mr. Charles Kean, whom they affectionately designate their "old school- fellow." This spontaneous acknowledgement of the high worth of his- trionic art, made by a body representing the most aristocratic school in England, is eminently in harmony with the enlightened spirit of the age, and it is hard to say which party is most honoured by the movement— the artist who, by the unwearied exercise of his genius for the mainte- nance of the high drama, has earned for himself a distinction new in the history of the stage, or the " n3bility and gentry" by whom his deserts are so fully appreciated. The committee, though composed exclusively of Etonians, invite the public generally to join in the demonstration, gracefully claiming that " the right of acknowledging Mr. Kean's ser- vices belongs to the nation at large." The banquet will take place at Et. James's Hall, on the 20th of July, with the Earl of Carlisle in the chair.
Previous page
