Press Clippings for the week ending
Saturday, 20 December 2003
A random selection of cuttings
from newspapers and magazines
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E.T. Smith in court, London, 1856;
'Court of Queen's Bench.
'Pantomimic Advertising. - In for the Derby, and Out for the Oaks. - MATTHEWS v. SMITH. - This wan an action brought by the executor of the late John Moore, printseller, West-street, St. Martin's-lane, to recover from Mr. Smith, lessee of Drury-late Theatre, £28 19s 6d for picture frames, made by Mr. Moore for the defendant. The defendant pleaded not indebted, and also a set-off. - The plaintiff, Mr. Matthews, deposed that he had seen the defendant on the Drury-lane stage, and received a promise from him that he would send a cheque for the money. He, however, did not. - Mr. Thomas, clerk to plaintiff's attorney, corroborated plaintiff's testimony, as to defendant's admission of liability to the estate of Moore. - Mr. E. James, for the defence, said: Mr. Smith undertook to exhibit Moore's shop in a scene in the pantomime, by way of an advertisement, for a stipulated sum of 20 guineas. "The scene was set," and the shop was accordingly exhibited, with the attractive signboard, "Moore's Racing Sweeps, St. Martin's lane." The changes in the scene were amazing, and produced astounding effects. The Harlequin went in a flying jump right through the window hearing the inscription, "Latest Betting upon the Races," and presto, down went a "flat," with the words, "In for the Derby" (laughter). The Clown next tried a jump; but he was repulsed, and down came another "flat," with the answer of "Out for the Oaks." The mechanical contrivances were prepared at considerable expense by the defendant; and, for a place on the stage for such advertisement, there was great competition by those who wishes to do "a little tumbling," and catch the eye and plaudits of "the million." The charge for their "appearance on the stage" was from 20 to 30 guineas. - Mr. E.T. Smith deposed that Moore agreed to pay him 20 guineas for the introduction of his shop, and he (Smith) said he would take it in frames for the engravings which he had presented to him. The shop was exhibited during "the run of the pantomime" - ten weeks. Mr. G.V. Brooke had been with his prior to that time. The tragedian did not receive a salary, as the arrangements between them were that they should divide the whole of the expenses of the house between them, and then go share and share alike in the profits, after they had settled the accounts for which they were jointly liable. Moore sent in a bill to him for £20 19s, and when he subsequently saw him on the subject, he pointed out to him the two items which ought to have been charge to Brooke, Moore ran his pen through those items, and it was then agreed between them that they should settle for exhibition of the shop in the pantomime; and he wrote on the bill, in the presence of Moore, "Twenty guineas to be deducted for the pantomime. - The Jury returned a verdict for the defendant.'
* * * * * * * * The Oxford music hall, London, Christmas, 1886
'The Christmas novelty provided by Mr. Jennings is a spectacular ballet entitled Jubilee, invented by Mr. Paul Valentine, and the music arranged by Mr. Corrie. The principal dancer is the clever and popular Miss Annie Elliot, and she is assisted by a competent corps de ballet. The panoramic and transparent effects, illustrating notable incidents and personages during Her Majesty's reign, are interesting and refreshing t the memory of the spectator. The scenery is pretty, the dresses brilliant in colour and original in design, those of the ladies representing various nationalities deserving special note. Needless to say that the poetic effusion "Our Empress Queen," with music by Henry Russell, is received with the loyal enthusiasm patriotic utterances deserve. In all respects Jubilee is fully up to the usual Oxford standard of excellence, and on Thursday met with the favourable reception it deserved.'
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Evie Greene and May Leslie Stuart |
Evie Greene (1876-1917)
English vocalist and actress
(photo: unknown, probably London, circa 1914)
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'Miss Evie Greene, the original Dolores, got a most enthusiastic reception on her first appearance, and her beautiful singing and fine acting enraptured her audience. The years that have elapsed since Miss Greene first played this part seem merely to have strengthened the magnetism of her personality. She has never sung "Queen of the Philippine Islands" better than she did on Saturday night; indeed, her performance has lost none of the sprit and charm of the original impersonation... As Lady Holyrood, Miss Ada Reeve's original part, Miss May Leslie Stuart displays a fresh sense of humour and gives a very natural performance, clever and full of piquancy. She sings "Tact" excellently, and also a song, "Jack and Jull," of which the words and music have been specially written by [her father] Leslie Stuart for this revival, and which wins hearty applause… In response to great enthusiasm Miss Evie Greene made a little speech at the end of the evening, acknowledging herself to be an old friend, but trusting that she did not "look the part."'
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© John Culme, 2003