We desire to draw attention to the admirable impersona- tion
of Hamlet by Mr. H. B. Irving which is now taking place at the Adelphi Theatre. We have no hesitation in saying that Mr. Irving's rendering of the part is one of the best, if not the best, that has been seen on the London stage during the last twenty years. There is a good taste and a discretion in his acting which cannot be too highly praised. Those who have been again and again disgusted by the overemphasis which, in spite of Hamlet's own warning, the actors as a rule insist on bestowing on the part, will welcome Mr. Irving's fine restraint But though Mr. Irving does not overemphasise, he is never tame, and one feels that he is master of the intellectual as well as the physical and moral situation. Lastly, though he marks clearly the touch of madness in Hamlet's brain, he does not represent him as a raving lunatic. Unlike too many Hamlets in the past, he does not perpetually suggest two practising physicians, a certificate, an asylum, and a Committee. Perhaps, however, the best test of Mr. Irving's success is the fact that never once during the play does he make his hearers exclaim in their misery " This is intolerable—an outrage not to be borne." His acting is always controlled by that tact and temper which, as Lamb said, create a proper understanding between the ladies and gentlemen on both sides of the curtain.
Previous page
