SIMPLICITY AND SUCCESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14925, 24 February 1912, Page 5 (Supplement)

SIMPLICITY AND SUCCESS.

Harry Lauder, who will shortly visit New Zealand, in an interesting article on "How I Made My . First Appearance," tells the following story : — , As you all know, a very necessary feature in modem pantomime is a good catchphrase. Well, for .days, .aye, and weeks, beforehand I had rummaged my brain to get hold of such a- phra.se, but try as I might I couldn't hit upon 'ahything. that pleased me. Bight up till the afternoon of the production night I was still undecided. * As the time wore on I became, more and more so, and was in a most .unenviable state of mind. I can assure you.

Then just as I was entering my motorcar to drive to the Theatre Royal a friend came up and remarked, "My .word, you're looking well ■" That did it. Here Mas the very phrase I had been looking, struggling, gasping for ! I said nothing. An hour later I Mas carried by two Japanese chair-bearers on to" the stage of the old Royal. Nobody in the audience knew who was behind the curtains of the chair, but when I popped out my head, grinned broadly, and remarked, " My word ! ye'ro lookiiT awt'u' well!" the- house rocked with laughter. I had "got 'cm" right away with- that simple little phrase.. Instantly the audience and I Mere friends, and my success from that moment was assured. There is a "first night" experience for you! Simple, isn't it? Nothing in it. eh? Perhaps you may think .so, but, let me tell you I hat it is simple things like these that'often make a success and a reputation.''