AUDIENCES OF ONE.

Golden Bay Argus, Volume VI, Issue 73, 21 October 1897, Page 2

AUDIENCES OF ONE.

A short time ago it was announced in the papers that the German Kniporor had commanded an operatic company to give a performance at which he was. the only person present. He did not allow even his staff to share the pi rfoimauce, but sat alone in the auditorium, apparently enjoying the novely of the situation greatly.

Such an audh.eco of one is not without precedents- Stephen Kemble was paid £3O by a who had just airived in port wiih a full pocket, for the performance of " J-iiny IV.", at which, according to the terms, the tar w;is the only listener. Jack chose hie own music, saw the play thremgh, and was immeutely pleased with Kemble, whom be desciibed as "the old boy with the round fo'c's'le, built like a Dutch lugger, and lurching like a Spanish galleon in a heavy sea." Mr. S. C. Foster, an American manager, when in Ohio, was once accosted by a strai ger, playbill in band, " You play ' Richard 111.' to-night," he said. "Unfortunately I musr, leave town this evening; how much money would induce you to play ' Richard lII.' for me this afternoon ? "

Thinking his visitor was j< kiun, Mr. Fosler said he would do it for five pounds. " And how much ' The Rough Diamond ' as well ? "

" Two pounds," quoth the amused manager. His feelings underwent a change, however, when the »ti'au;.er solemnly planked down seven pounds, with the remark tbat the performance must take place at two sharp, and took his leave.

The notion of playing Shakespeare t.'-sws man so tickled the iancy of his company' >t they readily consented to the new engagement. Two o'clock came, and with it the audience. Choosing the best position in Ihe house, and plaoing his feet on the seat before him, he settled himself down to rnjoy the tragedy, applauding heartily, and, at the conclusion, calling Richard before the curtain. Then the farce was gone through with equal success, and the delighted audii uce left in time to catch the 5.45 train.