The King at the Theatre.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 44, 22 February 1927, Page 10

The King at the Theatre.

(By HORACE WYNDHAM.)

How Royalty Goes to the Play.

Broadly speaking, King Cleorge goes to the theatre in much the same manner as does any private gentleman. For instance, having decided what particular piece he wishes to see, and having a free evening to devote to the purpose, lie gives instructions to one of the Bond Street "libraries" for a box to be reserved for him at the theatre in question. This, it should perhaps be explained, is always paid for at the customary rate, for Royalty under no circumstances is placed on the "free-list." Should the box set apart for His Majesty's use be already engaged (as has happened on more than one occasion of late) it is gently, but firmly, intimated to the individual concerned that ho must forego his claim. The request is complied with as a matter of course, for in all theatres the Royal box is sold only on the understanding that it is not required by the management. To compensate the displaced purchaser, other seats arc always put at his disposal in a different part of the house, or else lie is offered another box. It need scarcely be said that this decision is always accepted without demur. As a general rule, when Kinj; George intends to witness a play, a couple of days' notice is sent to the business manager of the theatre at which the performance takes place. This, however, is not always possible, as His Majesty may only be sending' a single night in London.- On these occasions, accordingly, all the intimation of his intended patronage given to the manager is a telephone message from the "library," through -which the seavs are booked a few hours before the curtain goes up. Work for the Business Manager. As soon as the instructions are received the whole of the theatre staff ia plunged into tremendous activity. There are a thousand things to do, a little army of cleaners has to be summoned and »et to work to smarten up every corner of the auditorium; then the electricians have to see that the lighting arrangements are thoroughly in order; and, finally, the Royal box itself is completely overhauled with a view to insuring that its furniture and decorations are in a suitable condition. King George always makes a strong point of being punctual in his attendance at a theatre. As a rule he arrives about five minutes before the advertised time of the performance. He invariably uses a private entrance (usually adjoining the'stage door), so that he may avoid the natural curiosity of people assembled in the foyer at the moment of his arrival. On alighting from his motor the King is met by the 'manager, who escorts him, together with such members of his suite as are accompanying him— usually an equerry and a couple of personal friends —to the Royal box. Having seen him seated therein, and the party provided with programmes, he withdraws. Theatrical programmes on the occasion of a Royal visit are, by the way, specially printed on white satin. As a result of the many years during" which he has been a theatre-goer, King George has now quite a collection of these souvenirs. A great many imaginary accounts of how His Majesty dines in his box when visiting the theatre have from time to time been published. As a matter of fact, the King never dines at the theatre, any more than does any other member of the audience, if only for the simple reason that he naturally does so beforehand. What he does do, however, is to retire to a private room during one of the intervals in order to enjoy a cigarette, and perhaps chat with any intimate friend who may be present. Absence of Ceremony. Royal visits to the theatre are nowadays marked by -far less ceremony than was formerly the case. Thus it is no longer the custom to denote either the arrival or departure of the King by the playing of the National Anthem. His Majesty is also so averse to permitting his presence to o'reasion anything in the nature of a demonstration on the part of the audience that lie usually takes the opportunity of leaving a few minutes before the piece is actually finished. At one time, however, such visits were marked by a great display of ceremony. For example, in the parly days of Queen Victoria's reign, the Royal party would be attended by a guard of honour, and thr street outside would be lined with troops.