TACTFUL

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1295, 25 November 1911, Page 11

TACTFUL

Managerial injunctions against the wearing at the theatre of what used to be known as "matinee hats" are becoming more frequent- aud peremptory. The Covent Garden management, for example, in the prospectus which announced the coming performances of "The Ring of tho Niblungs," in London, bluntly said: "No restriction will be made as regards dress at the Ring performances. The only rule that will be rigorously enforced is: that ladies must remove hats, bonnets, or any headgear whatsoever, and the management relits on the co-operation of the public to strictly enforce this rule" Even a split infinitive may be forgiven .in so well-intentioned a notice, though, perhaps, an equally good effect will be secured by Sir George pleasantly programme intimation at tho St. James's: "Ladies are respectfully requested to remove their hats, and so add to the comfort of all." This is more terse than, but just as tender as, that same actor-manager's earliest notification of a dozen years since—and he deserves honourable mention as having been one of the first in London to move in the matter—which ran thus: "Mr. George Alexander would, respectfully request those ladies_ who visit the St. James's Theatre intent on viewing the performances to recollect the similar purpose iu those who sit behind them. If, therefore, every large hat were removed, tho lady so doing would confer a gTeat benefit on her immediate neighbours." It must have been a hard-hearted lady indeed who could resist so tenderly-worded an. appeal.