Autograph Letter Signed from the dramatist and editor of 'Punch' Tom Taylor, to the actor 'Charles Neville' [Charles Sugden], praising his performance as King WIlliam III in Taylor's play 'Clancarty' and giving advice on 'modulation of the voice'.

Author: 
Tom Taylor (1817-1880), playwright and comic writer, author of 'The Ticket of Leave Man' (1863) and editor of 'Punch' [Charles Sugden ['Charles Neville'] (1850-1921), actor]
Publication details: 
Lavender Sweep, Wandsworth; 18 March 1874.
£150.00
SKU: 11438

4pp., 12mo. On aged paper, with minor traces of gum from mount. Taylor begins: 'My dear Charles Neville | I was glad to receive your letter, for it showed that the seed I had taken pains to sow had not fallen, as most seed so sown in the theatre does fall, upon an ungrateful soil. I am very glad for your own sake, as well as that of fthe play, that your impersonation of William the IIId has made such a good mark, and a mark of the right kind - as a presentation of a historical personage of note in distinctive character.' Neville has 'much to learn - especially in the very difficult point of modulation of the voice, which shd. be as flexible & transparent to shroud the thought through it, as a robe of India muslin to shroud the form.' He urges Neville to 'work at this night & day', and to 'not be satisfied till you have tamed your rebellious organ'. He should 'always take good advice, & be grateful for pains bestowed upon you by those whose advice & instruction are disinterested, sound, and founded on a high conception of your art.'