2-798-867 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. Macready, as Hamlet, at the Princess's Theatre, 1845. William Macready on the London stage in Shakespeare's "Hamlet": '...the appearance of Mr. Macready was the signal for one of the most extraordinary bursts of excitement we ever witnessed. The whole house rose, cheering and huzzaing with an enthusiasm that appeared perfectly frantic. Hats and handkerchiefs were waving in all directions, and roars of welcome succeeded one another with such unflagging heartiness, that we began to think, at one time, the chance of silence ever being restored was somewhat remote. At length, however, the tumult subsided, and the play was permitted to proceed...Miss Emma Stanley is a very clever young lady in vaudeville, but the character of Ophelia is a little beyond her grasp'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.