Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 2).djvu/368



R. CHARLES WARNER, who was originally intended for an architect, made his first appearance in London when he was eighteen years of age, as Romeo at the Princess's Theatre. Those who afterwards saw him play Charley Burridge in Byron's drama, "Daisy Farm," could not fail to recognise his rare histrionic gifts. When the famous "Our Boys" was produced, he contributed in a large measure to its phenomenal success by his creation of Charles Middlewick. There was, however, a hidden power in Mr. Warner which few suspected, and it was not till he played Coupeau in Charles Reade's "Drink," that this power had the opportunity of revealing itself. His performance of this character stands now, in the recognition of critic and playgoer alike, as one of the notable performances of the age. Mr. Warner's reputation and position caused tempting offers to be made to him from Australia, and in our Britain across the seas he gained fame and fortune. He has this year been playing at Drury Lane Theatre with marked success.