Many Celebrities Greet Sir A. Herbert ’s New Play

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 167, 20 July 1946, Page 5

Many Celebrities Greet Sir A. Herbert ’s New Play

(Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent)

Received 7.10 p.m. LONDON, July 19. One of the greatest gatherings of celebrities London has seen for many years attended the opening performance of Sir Alan Herbert’s new play “Big Ben,” at the Adelphi.

Most notable absentee perhap was Charles Cochran, who beeanit ill at the Huai rehearsal and wai unable to attend his 125th pro duction and one of the most not able successes of his long career. Princess Elizabeth, who was act eompanied by the Duchess of Kent, was present, and tin- gather ing of Parliamentarians included almost I he whole of the Cabinet, led by Mr. Attlee anil Mr. Bevin Field-Marshal Lord Montgomery was in the second row of stalls.

I and received a great ovation from the crowd, when he arrived. For the first time since the vv-t Mink coats and white ties and waistcoats predominated in the stalls. The play is a musical and poLn .. satire on the “merry” England ol 1946. It tells the story of a shop-aL. who became a Membe- of Parl> ! ment. It sparkles with Hex ber tian wi. and Vivian Ellis music; it ;s full ol i good tunes and rousing ciibru es. Her- [ bert makes a ’ Tory” hero ind Labour heroine pair ootn in the Parliamentary and domestic sense and Lien turn against a common enemy -a purit’.nL cal lady who wants to close ill licensed houses.

One of the scenes, a parade of British fashions, is the most spectacular seen in any British stage show fci many years. The audience encored Sir Alan Herbert for several minutes when, >;i a witty speech at the final curtain, lie expressed regrets that Alan Cochran

‘‘the grand old man of the British theatre,” could not be present.

Crowds outside the theatre wailing to see the celebrities arrive caused a traffic jam and delayed the ringing up of the curtain 15 minutes.

While Herbert was at the theatre burglars entered his home at Hammersmith and stole jewels, a radio set, snow leopard skin coat, and petrol and clothes coupons.