Press Clippings for the week ending
Saturday, 2 February 2002

A random selection of cuttings
from newspapers and magazines

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Willie and Billie Darrell (fl.1890s) American entertainers ‘Genuine "Coons" at the Alhambra [Leicester Square, London]. ‘Coon songs we have in plenty, but the original article is as yet almost unknown at the variety theatres. Ever to the fore where novelties are concerned, Mr. Alfred Moul has just introduced into the programme at the Alhambra two genuine "Coons," Willie and Billie Darrel, who, on their first appearance on Saturday [12 March 1898], obtained a flattering reception. Among other features, this entertainment includes the sheet of living music, which made such a hit in New York, and of which they were the original introducers. Some idea of the completeness of the illusion may be gathered, when it is said that a chorus of forty voices is required for its delineation.’ (The Court Circular, London, Wednesday, 16 March 1898, p.248a) * * * * * * * * Suppression of the Can Can in New York 23 December 1874 'A raid has recently taken place on a New York theatre to suppress the dancing of the "cancan." The police of New York perform the [same] functions as the Lord Chamberlain in London, and appear to do so in more summary fashion. The Metropolitan Theatre, New York, had been giving various entertainments, and among the attractions was the "cancan." On the 23rd December [1874] the performance went on as usual until, about ten o'clock, Captain M'Donnell sent a force of men to the Mercer-street entrance, and he then took a force to the Broadway entrance of the theatre. In the middle of the "cancan" Captain M'Donnell sprang upon the stage, and to the consternation of everybody the police began to press in at all passages. The most intense excitement prevailed; the spectators rose from their seats and made a rush for the door, supposing that everybody was to e arrested. The women in their ballet costumes ran hither and thither, and huddled together in the wings. The theatre soon emptied, and at length the curtain was dropped upon the scene. Captain M'Donnell's officers had secured all those upon the stage, and producing the warrants, those were selected who were named therein. The women arrested were forced into a line, and, guarded by the officers, were marched to the Prince-street Police-station. When they found that they were to be locked up, some laughed and cried by turns, others fainted, others shrieked for mercy and begged the police not to lock them up, but they were soon placed in the cells. Samuel Shapter, the proprietor of the Metropolitan Theatre, was arrested about one o'clock the next morning.' (Reyonlds's Newspaper, London, Sunday, 10 January 1875, p.4f)

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© John Culme, 2002