"THE CONDOLIERS" A REPLY.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2375, 3 February 1915, Page 3

"THE CONDOLIERS" A REPLY.

Sir, —As your correspondent, styling liimaelf "An Old Savoy-trd," refers to me personally in his letter to you, published in last Saturday's issue, 1 should bo glad it you would allow mo to reply. He accuses me of "gagging" when 1 say to Marco in "Tho Gondoliers": "Well, trot it out, old chap." 1 should have thought "Old Sa\oyard's" common sense would have explained to him that this was merely a stage aside of my own, and was, of course, never intended to reach tlie audience. If the audience heard the remark it was a mistake —I apologise, like a naughty little boy, and will promise never to do It? again. It is surprising tho number of letters signed "An Old Savoyard" that find their way into newspapers, all complaining of "gags." It is still more surprising how ignorant all those people are of Sir William Gilbert and his methods. 1 can ass ire "An Old Savoyard" that every one of the "gags" he complains of, not even omitting the slap on the face (Giuseppes face, by tho way, not Marco's), was rehearsed by me at the Savoy Theatre, London, under the personal direction of Sir William. Trusting you will find space for this letter.—l am, etc.. FRANK WILSON (Savoyard). Opera House, Wellington, February 1.