THE POOR GIANT.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 942, 26 March 1908, Page 18

THE POOR GIANT.

Mr John M. East, whose specialty is that of pantomime giant in which he is said to be wonderfully clever, tells some funny “ giant ” stories. Some years ago he was playing Giant in “Puss in Boots” at the Hammersmith Lyric, and being “ built up ” considerably and of Falstaffian girth did not notice that a diminutive comedian was very close to him as they were about to make their exit. John stepped forward, and to his horror fell over the dwarf, and had to exit ignominiously upon hands and knees. Going home in a tram he heard some ladies discussing the show. “ What did you think of it?” asked one. Her companion replied, “ A very excellent pantomime, indeed ; but what a pity the Giant was drunk !” Some years previously he was playing the Giant in a country town, and finding his enormous wig too tight-fitting he had his hair cropped convict-like. Tne day after production he called at an old inn and asked for a pint of bitter ale, which through illness he had been unable to take for a considerable time. He drained it to the dregs,” to the astonishment of mine host, who remarked, “You enjoyed that, guv’nor !” “Yes,” said John, taking off his hat and mopping ’his head ; “I haven’t tasted beer for twelve months.” “ Oh,” said the landlord, looking intently at John’s closely-cropped head, “ I see. ; you’ve just come out!”