The Story of " Charley's Aunt"

Manawatu Herald, 20 January 1894, Page 3

The Story of " Charley's Aunt"

Mr Charles Arnold was present at a little supper in Chambers ab Lincoln's Inn, nearly 18 months ago which may now be regarded as of historic interest. It was to celebrate the approaching introduction to English playgoers of a newly written farcical comedy which in the cource of the evening was named " Charley's Aunt." Mr Brandon Thomas (the author) and his wife and Mr W. E. Penley and his company formed the party, and the conversation turned upon the new piece, which all declared was so comical at rehearsal that it " went with a bang," even in a theatre swathed iu holland and green baize. The next day the company started upon a tour of the small towns on the Thames. Windsor, Richmond, and various surburban theatres were visited, and everywhere the same

results werepbtaintd— much laughter from small audiences. However, the time was nvfe wholly lost, as daring the tour the amber constantly attended performances and built up the piece fiom a playing time of 1$ hours to 2J. Finally, their faith in the piece in no way , diminiwhed by its ill success, author aud actor joined in pursuading a financier to back them with £1000, ' and •• Charley's Aunt ' was staged at the Royalty Theatre. This tomblike little playhouse, where so many dramatic failures have been buried during the year, at once became fashonable. The piece was then j transferred to auother theatrica : morgue, the Globe Theatre, which it peopled in turn : and after 12 nights' run in its new quarter Mr Penley was able to announce to the London press that be had banked £600 for " advance booking." When Mr Arnold left London in August, the dullest period of the year, all aval able seats were booked for two months in advance. It is pleasant to learn that several people connected with " Charley's Aunt " have made fortunes by it. The city financier was only called upon to advance £400, and bis half share of the net profits has averaged £600 » week ever since. Mr Penley has also drawn £600 a week throughout 1893, out of which he has paid the author £160 a week. He has also retained the provinoal (two companies); rights, the American (four companies), and the Australian rights, , Altogether it is estimated that Mr Penley has already realised £78,000 by ♦'Charley's Aunt,'* and the author is richer than he was on the occasion of the little supper at Lincoln's Inn by £50,000.