3-028-125 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from "M.P.," at the Prince of Wales's Theatre, 1870. London stage production. 'Our Illustration is taken from the first act [of Mr. Robertson's new comedy], and has the advantage of representing most of the characters in a comprehensive group, including portraits of the performers in certain expressive attitudes, which in combination result in a pictorial composition abounding in artistic points...in the centre [is] the tall figure of Mr. Talbot Piers, the popular candidate and future "M.P." (Mr. Bancroft); and by his side Mr. Dunscombe, the insolvent country gentleman (Mr. Hare), in anxious conversation with Isaac Scoome (Mr. Addison); while his daughter, Cecilia Dunscombe (Miss Marie Wilton), and Ruth Deybrooke (Miss Carlotta Addison) are arranged on his left hand. In the opposite corner Mr. Chudleigh Dunscombe, the son (Mr. Coghlan), is shown absorbed in the thoughts of Ruth, whose modest attitude implies that she likewise is engrossed with feelings that she would wish to conceal from the world. A play like this depends rather upon its dialogue than its action, and it is fortunate for the actors and the management that the former has been so well cared for by the dramatist. This play sparkles with wit, point, and dramatic suggestion'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.