THE THEATRE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 449, 6 March 1909, Page 9

THE THEATRE.

"Tho world's a theatre, the earth a stajo. - Hcywood. (By Sylvius.) "An Englishman's Home." Tho air of mystery in regard to "An Englishman's Homo" before its sensational production at AVyndham's Theatre last month was so rigidly maintained that the rehearsals were conducted not at Wyndham's but at some other theatre whose' name was not given to the public. Tho author now announced as Major du Maurier was simply described on the programme as "A Patriot." Mr. Frank Curzon, under whoso management tho pieeo was produced, know who "A. Patriot" was, but otherwise his identity remained a secret until it was torn from the reluctant keeping of those "in tho know," presumably by enterprising interviewers after the play had caused a furore. It was supposed on this side of the globe when news came of the remarkable enthusiasm exhibited at Wyndham's Theatre, that the new drama must have been materially assisted by spectacular scenery, but tho contrary is the case, for an advance paragraph in tiio London "Daily Telegraph" shows that the three acts pass in one scone in 24 hours, and that an interior—"the playroom of Mr. Brown's house, Myrtle Villa, Wickham, in Esssx." This indicates that "An Englishman's Home" has won popularity by its stirring appeal to patriotism, and no doubt by its striking dramatic situations. The question whether it was wise in the view of public policy to produce such a work, purporting to show that England was not prepared "for war, was duly considered by the management, and at times the fate of the new piece trembled in the balance; but at last it v.-as decided to go on—with what result everyone knows. The east was as follows :— Mr. Brown Mr. Charles Rock Reggie Brown Mr. George Bealby Syd. Brown Master Jack Hobbs Geoffrey Smith Mr. Lawrence Grossmith Paul Robinson Mr. Arthur Wontner Maggie Brown Miss Elaine Ineseort Amy Brown Miss Mona Harrison Ada Jones Miss Christine Silver Prince Mergan «.. Mr. Edmund Maurice Lieut. Rian Beva Mr. H. Stephenson Sergeant Brinel Mr. Philip Knoi Sergeant Mors Mr. Forbes Dawson Captain French Mr. E. AV. Garden Lieut. Jackson -•• Mr. Max Leeds Doctor Mr. Charles Allan Captain Lindsay Mr. Rudge Harding An Officer Mr. Howard Sturge A Colonel .' Mr. Leslie Carter Col,-Sergt. Harris Mr. Charles AVeir Harry Shine Reminiscent. Harry Shine let a pressman into a secret the other day, when he betrayed the fact that his (irst appearance in Australia was not mado under his own name, but as Henry Carson. It happened this way. Mr. Shine came out under engagement to "The Firm," to appear in "The Gondoliers," but that opera had been produced when ho arrived, so Harry had to "walk round." AVhile engaged iu that diverting occupation a benefit was organised for Fred B. Knecbe, then stage-manager at the Theatre Royal. Many of the best-known actors of the day promised contributions, among them being Edward Sass, Teddy lloyce, and George Walton, and tho programme concluded with a mock melodrama, "The Kosebud of Stinging Nettlo Farm," "by" tho full strength of tho company. At the last moment the gentleman cast for the aged parent of the heroine had a difference with tho other members concerning the exact quantity of malted liquor he was entitled to and "returned his part." Harry Shino was told that ho would havo to play it, and tho stage directions given him were, "Just weep and say 'Mβ chcild,'" whenever you seo a chance. Apparently tho same sketchy instructions wero ;iven to tho rest of the cast, for no one iad the slightest idea of what ho or she had to do, and tho performance meandered on in the most absurdly ludicrous stylo, everybody adding bits from all tho plays they know, and Mr. Shino helping the chaos with the most heartrending sobs that ever shook a parental breast. In tho middle of tho riot, tho beneliciairo arrived in a very bad temper, and a brand now dress suit. Hβ was cast for tho heroine, but all ho would do was to don a skirt reft from a lady's dressing-room. Ho refused to fall down, to kneel down, or to be mis-handled by tho villain in any way for fear of spoiling the suit. Altogether a most exciting evening was spoilt, though history sayeth not what tho mystified audience thought of it all. People We know. Some interesting news of the doings of Australians in tho United States is contained in a recent letter to J. C. Williamson from Will It. Barnes, an aforetimo Melbourian, who has himself reached the top of tho tree as a costume designer in New York. Among others, Annette Kellerman and Sydney Deane aro both in vaudeville as stars at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. Cyril Keightley is still with Billio Burke as tho loading man in "Love AA'atches," while Charlie Hammond, Bruco M'Crea and Orlando Daly are all playing in "Lady Frederick" with Ethel Barrymoro. Tho two Majeroni's are both in evidence, Mario with John Drew in "Jack Straw," and George as the baritone in "The Top of the World." Stella Tracy is in "Tho Three Twins," David Glassford is leading with Mrs. Fiske's "Salvation Nell," Paul Seardon is with Nance O'Neil, Fred llivenhall is the comedian in' "Tho Queen of the Moulin lionge," Gladys Uro is to marry an Italian count, and Hilda Spoug was at the time of writing rehearsing a now piece. The Dulie's Motto. Mr. Justin Huntloy M'Carthy newly adapted "The Duke's Motto" last year, Mr. Lewis Waller producing the play at the Lyric Theatre, Ldndon; and to-night the Sydney public are presumably witnessing this piece, Mr. Julius Knight playing the chief rolo. Those who have read "The Duke's Motto" will realise what a fine play it should be in the hands of the author of "If I AVero King!" Henri do Lagardere, strolling player, gallant gentleman, and "tho best blade from here to the world's end" —always in debt, always in difficulties, always in love—is the rescuer of the Duke of Novers' baby daughter from tho castlo moat, and readers will recall how "the moonlight quivered with swords," how Logardere fought his way with ten ruffian swordsmen —"tho best in France and Spain together"—how he swore an oath to avenge Nevers, and protect his little charge, and took the Duke's motto, "I am here," as his challenge: Blanche grew to bo 17, and fell much in love with her gallant guardian, and that he, like a "gentleman of France," kept over true to his duty and his sword. "The Duke's Motto," stage chronicles affirm, was first produced in London in 1863, tho piece being an adaptation.from the French of Paul Feval's drama, "Le Bossu," by John Brougham, and Fechter, tho celebrated actor, made a sensational triumph as Legardcre. The principals in the cast at Sydney are:—Mr. Julius Knight, Mr. Winter Hall, Mr. Harry Plimmer, Mr. Stanley AValpole, Mr. Reynolds Denniston, Mr. Eardley Turner, Mr. Leslio A'ictor, Mr. Rupert Julian, Miss Beatrico Day, Miss Guildford Quin, Miss Elsie Wilson. Notes. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is enjoying a fino revival in Sydney, though its present season is the third since it was first produced throughout tho Commonwealth and Now Zealand, and everywhere it has met with success and borno out tho reputation it ' gained for itself in Engluid. Miss Nellie Stewart is due in Melbourno on March 17, and the date of tho first rehearsal of "Sweet Kitty Bellairs" has been fixed to immediately follow the qrriyal of tho Australian star actress. The cast is now practically completed, and comprises several popular Australian players, as well as tho specially-selected English contingent. Tho Royal Comic Opera Company are booked to commence a Now Zealand tour at AVollington on Easter Saturday. On February 27, at Sydney, they entered upon the ninth and last week of "Tho Duchess of Dantzic." Tho Hugh J. AVard Company is evidently doing well in India. Calcutta newspapers jyjeak in high terms o£ its jjariorinanse. pf

"A Bachelor's Honeymoon," "Young Mrs. Winthorp," and "Tho Fencing Master." Mr. AVard and Miss Grace Palotta, of course, rcceivo a largo shhro of tho praise, but Miss Rose Musgrove appears to havo made groat "hits" in both the title role of "Young Mrs. AVinthrop" and tho "Slavey" part of "Tho Bachelor's Honeymoon." Botli the "Englishman" and tho "Empire"—Calcutta's two leading journals—express wonder at tho versatility, as well as tho quality, of Miss Musgrovo's acting.

Miss Carrie Moore had to give up her rolo of principal boy in "Cinderella" at tho Adolphi Theatre, London, for the second week of January, owing to an attack of influenza. Miss Mauuio Thornton, another Australian in tho cast, had also to take a few nights off.

Miss Edyth Latimer, of Sydney, who made such a success of the adventurer's part in "Idols" at the Garrick Theatre, London, was to reappear there on February B'in an important rolo in "Samson," a play by Henri Bernstein, author of "The Thief," unJerMr. Bourchier's management.