DUKE OF YORK THEATRE SOLD

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 244, 16 July 1928, Page 8

DUKE OF YORK THEATRE SOLD

WOMEN WHO OWN PLAYHOUSES Dominion Special Service. London, May 17. The sale of the Duke of York’s Theatre for a sum of £120,000 is tin event of more than ordinary theatrical interest. Built in 1892 by Miss Violet Melnotte, and owned by her ever since, the houra in St. Martin’s Lane has long held a distinctive place in the West End. Thirty-six years ago, St. Martin's Lane was an unimportant locality, and the erection of a theatre there was regarded with mingled amusement and surprise. Under the regime of Mr. Charles Frohman the theatre saw tbe fir t production of “Peter Pan.” “What Every IVoman Knows,” and other Barrie plays, including “Rosy Rapture, Sir James's revue In honour of Baby Deslys. and plays by Pinero, Galsw .-thy. Maugham, and other distinguished dramatists. In later years, when Miss Melnotte resumed her interrupted management, it maintained its renutation and succe'> and “Thunder in'the Air.” the latest production, Is funning to full houses. Miss Melnotte, now a handsome, white-haired lady always to be seen in a |)O3f at her theatre on first nights, has been in management for over forty years, and has a knowledge of theatrical work in all its branches possessed by few in the'profession.

The purchaser, Mr. William Hutter, a young London business man, Ims never engaged in actual theatrical work-, being interested in a catering business In the West End. Other women who own theatres in London are Miss Mary Moore (Sir Charles Wyndham's widow), who still takes a personal interest in two theatres: Miss Toni Bruce, the actress, and Lady Gilbert. who, though she owns,, takes no part in running, the Garrick, which has been leased.