HENRY IRVING'S FUN

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 62, 6 December 1919, Page 13

HENRY IRVING'S FUN

The great English actor, Sir Henry Irving, had his own. intensely jay and humorous side, says Mr. Clement "Scott, in old Bohemiun days. His.lifelong stage manager, Harry Loveday, used to say that tho only time he ever saw "the chief" at a loss for words was at a dress rehoarsnl of "Henry the Eighth," in 1892, when tho situation appealed so strongly to his oenso of humour and sent him into sncli fits.of laughter that lio simply couldn't speak.

Wearing tho gorgeous geranium pinkrobes of Cardinal Wolscy, tho actormanager stepped off the stage, and up to the back of the auditorium, to watch tho gorgeousness of the scenes' as arranged by Seymour Lucas, A.K.A,

He was standing there all alone, and khoi'oughly enjoyed the fanfare of silver trumpets, tho magnificence of tho processions, the choristers with their lacetrimmed nibs and scarlet soutanes, the servitors, tho retinue, the retainers, Hie rose-robed cardinals who acted as the judges, when everything came to a sudden halt. A "silence that could bo felt" swept over the whole crowd. Everybody paused breathlessly.

Trving shouted as loudly as he could: "Keep it mi. Don't drop it. Get on with it. Why this wait? For heaven's sake, don't let it down at such a moment! I/ivedny—where'* I.ovcday "

On trotted little Mr. I.ovcday from the wings, not a smile on his face. "I'm hc-a. Mr. Irving."

"Whnt's wronir? Who >'s looping (he who'"' stage waiting lil;o this"

"It's your cue, Mr. Irving." replied Harry Lo'veday. quietly. "Arc you coming?"