A PLAY INTERRUPTED

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 187, 4 May 1920, Page 7

A PLAY INTERRUPTED

EXTRAORDINARY SCENES AT GARRICK THEATRE. London, April 30._ There were extraordinary scenes in the Garrick Theatre. Interruptions from the gallery compelled the abandonment of tho' first night of Mr. John Hartley Manners's play, "One Night in Rome," in which Lauretta Taylor, the famous 'Teg o' My Heart," was .appearing. The brilliant andienco included the American Ambassador, in a box draped with American flags. Some fitato that the demonstration was due to tho scenery not allowing those in the gallery a proper view of the stage; but possibly it was connected with Miss Taylor's attitude during the war. Paper pellets, filled with snuff and red pepper, were discovered in the gallery, proving that tho demonstration was or-san-'sed. £ Miss Taylor made a' speech, and attempted to placate tho disturbers, promising them stalls on another night, but faile-l Mr. C. B. Cochvan, • the manager, then stopped the play, and promised another first night. Tho disturbances recall tho old ' price riots" in Covent Garden in 1709.- .\fcss Taylor, Mr. Cochran, and Mr. tfarlly Manners profess to be at a loss ,to divine the cause, though the action was certainly planned, as stink bombs were dropped into the stalls. Scores of coppers were flung on to the stage, and snuff pellets affected - many people in the stalls.

DEMONSTRATION OF SYMPATHY. London, May 1. On the "second first night" of Mr. Manners's play there was a big demonstration of public sympathy with Miss Laurette Taylor. The reason for iho disorders is still undisclosed, but it is generally believed they are traceable to certain remarks Miss Taylor made m New York after her last English visit. -Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. . - • , .