23May1856, The Winter's Tale

LONDON, May 23rd, 1856.
—We went with Papa and Ed. Talbot to the Princess's, to see " The Winter's Tale " ; I never imagined, much less saw, anything so beautiful and perfect as the scenery : the palace in the first scene with its splendid dresses, incense vases, lovely women and children, statues, etc., was lovely, also a splendid interlude bringing in the moon and then a glorious sunrise. Apollo in his chariot. Then the judgment scene was fine and the statue scene perfectly wonderful. But the acting—there were Mr. and Mrs. Kean, but it all seems to me so very vulgar, accent, gesture and all. Nevertheless we were enchanted, and a Pyrrhic dance was exceedingly beautiful.