BEFORE I FORGET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 77, 2 April 1902, Page 2

BEFORE I FORGET.

MR ALBERT CHEVALIER'S REMINIS-

CENCES.

Mr Albert Chevalier appears in a new role—that of literary man. Now he offers himself as an author, and his hero is none other than himself. Mr Chevalier s personal reminiscences have been written under the title of "Before I Forget: The Autobiography of a Chevalier d'lndustrie." Like all autobiographies, the volume, very properly, begins with the statement of the date of the writer's first appearance on the stage of life, an event which happened in the year 1861, in the region of Notting Hill. It was eight years later, at a penny reading in the Cornwall Hall, Notting Hill, that his first public appearance was made, and, clad in black velvet knickerbockers, with white stockings- and hair nicely curled, the youthful phenomenon used to deliver Mark Antony's oration over the body of Julius Caesar. But, alas! the-hearing of a BEWILDERING COMIC DITTY, entitled "I am so volatile," caused the Immortal Bard to be sacrificed in favour of a new role, that of lion comique. At a slightly more mature age we find him member of an amateur theatrical club. Success in the- role of "Handy Andy," in a condensed version of Lover's famous novel, was followed by an amazing performance as "King Louis" in "Richelieu," played with a strong Irish brogue, an effort' which produced such an effect on a bewildered critic that he announced to his amazed readers next day that "Mr Chevalier appeared as "Handy Andy' in Lytton'.s play, entitled 'Richelieu.' " Discoursing pleasantly, Mr Chevalier tells how, after escaping the priesthood and figuring for a while as "pupil teacher" at a school in Shepherd's Bush, he ultimately came to the stago through the kindly interest of the date Dion Boucicault, who gave him a letter of introduction to Blackmore, father of the present musical and dramatic agent. Mr Chevalier relates the incident as follows:— t This letter I presented to Blackmore pere. I remember the meeting. I was a VERY FAT, CHUBBY BOY. He stared hard at me, tigd asked "if I took much exercise," warning mc at the same time, paternally, that I. was "running a great risk ol" becoming as broad as I was long." My appearance, however, instead of standing in my way, actually went in my favour. -\ Mr Gates, representing the then Mr S. R Bancroft, chanced to be iv the oater office Ho wanted five or six boys to appear in "To Parents and Guardians," a. little afterpiece, by the late Tom Taylor, which was shortly going into the bill at the old Prince of Wales's Theatre, in Tottenham street, Tottenham Court Road. Ay I came out he went in to see Blackmore. In the doorway he stopped, and looking me up and down—a deal more down than up!—asked me if I wanted an engagement? If I wanted an engagement! Think of it! A sixteen-year-old budding histrion,_ bubbling over- with an enthusiastic desire to act? Did 1 want an engagement? Why, cert'nly. Before I left Blackmore's my ambition was gratified. I was a fullblown actor, engaged to appear at the most celebrated comedy-house in London; and what was more, the terms of the agreement stipulated—there had been no haggling, it was. DOWN IN BLAQK AND WHITE— i that my salary should be ten shillings per week, payable on Saturdays, at "Treasury." The cast included Arthur Cecil and Willie Young, both since dead. I, with my fellow 'super" schoolboys, was waiting anxiously to know what we had to do. In the 'wings" I struck up an acquaintance with another youthful super, who informed me that his name was Fred Storey. This young gentleman, anticipating the success he was to make In after years, turned but to be the teror of the dressingroom, during the run of "To Parents and Guardians." It was a small room, and he would practise the "splits"—to say nothing of his attempts at high kicking. I came off comparatively well. I was short, but the taller boys had a rough time when, imitating the late Fred Yokes, he endeavoured to throw his legs over their heads! Following this debut the budding actor is to be found identified over a course of years with Mr and Mrs Kendal, John Hare, A. W. Pinoro. Willie Edouin, Mrs John Wood, and others, during which J time, If bo was not filling his pockets, he ! was at aJI events gaining valuable ex- | perience. It was while playing Abanazar in Byron's "Aladdin." revived nt the Avenue, with Willie Edouin, that he wrote his first caster song ".Our 'Armonic Club." It was an instantaneous hit, and no doubt this success had its influence at a later date when its composer took to the halls. His first venture in this direction was at the London Pavilion, and he confessed to feeling very nervous and despondent, but the public speedily recognised that they had AN ARTIST BEFORE THEM, extended a cordial reception, and his popularity, at the halls became assured. After touring the provinces, Mr ChevalieT, like many another distinguished representative of the "profession," determined to try his luck in the United States, and the pages In which he - recounts his American experiences are full of amusing incident. Naturally he received every attention at the hanas of the American journalist. On one occasion the writer was laid up with influenza, and. as the patient was lying in bed he heard tho following dialogue proceeding between his manager, Mr Alfred West, and a pressman:— "Press Rep: Can I see Mr Chevalier? West: I'm sorry to say you cannot. Press Rep: I should vurry much like to have just a few words with him. I represent the New York West: I feel sure, if he could, Mr Chevalier would be only too pleased to see any representative of the Press, but, unfortunately, he has been suddenly taken ill. Press Rep-: Yes, I know—l've been over to Koster and Bial's. I've hearcl all about it I'm vurry sorry that he's sick. West: He's very iIL Press Rep: Sorry he's so sick. Can't I see him? I won't keep him five minutes. West: I regret to say "No," but he must obey the doctor's orders. Press Rep: Is he really so vurry sick? West (somewhat irritably): He's seriously ill, I tell you. Temperature somewhere about 105 deg. Press Rep (after slight hesitation): Humph! Well, can't I see him to ask how he feels with his temperature at 105 deg.? I heard the front door slam as the anxious inquirer made his exit. The author's talents as a composer have not gone unhonoured in high quarters, as will be seen in the following. LORD° ROBERTS AND THE BAGPIPES In November, 1893, I received an invitation to a banquet given at the Mansion House, in honour of Music. At first I thought there must be some mistake; but as I was reflecting a barrel organ outside reproachfully struck up "Oh, 'Lizer?",. —so I accepted the invitation. I was not the only composer present. Oh! No, no! All the others were there. We mustered in foree —Sir Alexander Mackenzie, and the rest of us!- r L#ord (then simply Ben-eral Roberts, re j sponded to the toast of "Tne Army." He seemed rather at a-loss to know how he could work something about music into his speech; but he got out of the difficulty remarkably well—although it must have taxed even his unfathomable resource to do it He started by saying that his knowledge of music was limited, and- wound up with a tribute to the bagpipes. His evident sincerity, in speaking of this instrument as 'inspiring," almost tempted me to invest in a set. I noticed however, that he emphasised the necessity of distance as an aid to appreciation. When I broke the' news at home of my intention to become a piper, my wife quite fel in with Lord Roberts' view as to the importance of the conditions under which such music can. best appeal. She.did not urge a formal separation, but living in London, she suggested Glasgow as a suitable rehearsal ground. Owing to prior bookings down south I was unable to carry out my threat; but some day I hope to add a "wee bit Scotch" to my repertoire.