2-888-620 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. J. Wallack as Dr. Petgoose, in the New Play of the "Catspaw" at the Haymarket Theatre, [London], 1850. 'Doctor Petgoose...to whom so much of the mischief is owing, shares in the wreck of his patient's fortune, but, nevertheless, trusts in the resources of his own genius for the future...The brilliancy of the author's wit well sustained the first three acts, but the want of action began then to be felt, and the scene seemed to labour altogether; we must record it as a comedy of conversation, rather than as one of intrigue and human interest. We laugh at the jokes, but care little for the persons...The applause, which was frequent during the first three acts, was, at the conclusion, universal. The principal performers received their ovation before the curtain, and Mr. Jerrold himself was called upon to acknowledge the gratulations of a crowded house'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.