"ONE NIGHT IN ROME."

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 104, 1 May 1920, Page 7

"ONE NIGHT IN ROME."

TROUBLE IN THE GARRICK. PERFORMANCE HELD TIP. (deceived 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 30. Kxtrn ordinary -scenes occurred at the Garriek 'JTieatre, when interruptions from the gallery compelled the abandonment of tl:c first night of Mr. Hartley Manners' flay, "One Night in Rome," in which Mis* Laurette Taylor, who made herself famous in "Peg o . My Heart," appeared. A brilliant audience assembled, including the American Ambassador .whose box was draped with American flags. Some state that the demonstrations were due to the scenery not allowing the galleryites a proper view of the staffo, but poeeibly they were connected with Miss Taylor's attitude during the war, as paper pellets of snuff and red pepper were discovered in the gallery, proving that the demonstration was organised. Miss Taylor made a speech, in which she attempted to placate the disturbers, promising them stalls for another night, but this failed. Mr. Cochran, the producer, then stopped the play, and promised another first night. The disturbances recall old price riote at Covent Garden in 1709. Miss Taylor, Mr. Cochran, and Mr. Hartley Manners profess themselves at a lose to divine I the cause of the trouble, though it was I certainly planned, as stink bombs were dropped into the stalls and scores of coppers flung oh to the stage. The snuff I pellets affected many in the stalls. ! Mr. Justice Horridge, who -was j present, suggests a Sinn Fein plot, but probably the real cause will be disclosed to-day. Details were not procurable owing to the late hour. —(A. and N.Z.)