ABSTRACT
Since it was given, February 11th, 1843, at Drury Lane Theatre, with Mr. Phelps as Tresham, The Blot in the ’Scutcheon of Mr. Robert Browning has, we believe, been a stranger to the stage. A revival attempted under the patronage of the Browning Society at St. George’s Hall, though carried out by amateurs, has, accordingly some interest. The general representation, though justice was not done to the strongest situations, was creditable. The impression conveyed is that which naturally presents itself on perusal, that the piece is a dramatic sketch rather than a drama. When once the stronger passages are reached the interest is sufficient to hold the public in a firm grip. Many passages are, however, too purely psychological for dramatic effect, and the period of their introduction is not seldom inopportune. It is pleasant to hear the more nervous passages, just as it is pleasant to read them. The work gains, however, comparatively little from representation, and will always be more of a favourite in the closet than on the boards. In giving it at the St. George’s Hall the action, with the consent of the author, was carried back a century to the early Stuart period. Under these circumstances one or two trifling alterations of text were called for. The reference to periwigs becomes an anachronism, and should be omitted.
