The Three Musketeers are all alviorbing—already they occupy three houses and next week a fourth (Her Majesty's) is likewise to be devoted to an exhibition of their exploits, I went to see Mr. Hamilton's version with Mr. Lewis Waller as d'Artagnan at the Globe Theatre, a fow nights ago, and'very much I enjoyed it. The tale, as told by Dumas, has been most faithfully followed with the result that one misses none of one's favourite scones. The celebrated fight in which d'Artagnan wins his spurs; the Queer farewell to the handsome, dashing Buckingham; the scene in the lodgings where the four swear to recover the diamonds and save the Queen's good name; the discomfiture of Richelieu when he finds the precious gems are forthcoming; the discovery of the fleurs delys'and the final downfall and death of Milady—all are shown and all is well done. As d'Artagnan, Mr. Lewis Waller was, to my mind, not perfect during the first two acts; he tried to be the dashing dare-devil Gascon and succeeded in being too much a clown, and too little a gentleman. Later on, however, especially when recounting his marvellous ride, he left nothing to be desired. His dose tion of it was a perfect triumph of elocution. Mr, Sydney Grundy must necessarily include this episode in the version he is preparing for Her Majesty's, and one will naturally compare the two renderings of the accounts of this adventure which is to my mind, one of the finest features of Mr. Hamilton's version of the story.
As Milady, Miss Florence West (Mrs. Lewis Waller) was quite at her best. Miss Kate Rorke was not entirely ssu cessful as the haughty Anne, she is better suited to tender, loving parts. Mr. Vincent Sternroyd scored a genuine success as the Duke of Buckingham; he he is a young actor of great promise and should have a brilliant future before him. The piece was well staged and the dresses left nothing to be desired. Next week Mr. Waller "will have to relinquish his part to Mr. H. V. Esmond as he is under contract to appear at Her Majesty's with Mr. Tree. He will there play Buckingham as Mr. Tree has reserved for himself the role of d'Artagnan. Mrs. Tree is to be Queen Anne, and Mrs, Brown Potter admirably.
Milady—a part which should suit her
aK 28th October.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.