STAGE FAILURE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 196, 12 April 1932, Page 7

STAGE FAILURE

£10,000 PLAY WHICH RAN FOR ONLY THREE NIGHTS. GORGEOUS PRODUCTION.

LONDON. The other night a gorgeous production was given before a distinguished first-night audience at the Globe Theatre, The play was "Punehinello," hy John Hastings Turner, an elaboration of the'"Punch and Judy" story of the street corners. Maurice Browne, who struck gold in "Joruney's End,"- financed and managed the production. Laurence Irving was given "carte blanehe" with the scenic effects, and some of the stage pictures he effected have never been surpassed for beauty. John Hastings Turner, the author, I prodhced the play, and'used it as a vehicle for the return to the stage of his lovely wife, Laura Cowie. Robert Farqpharson, who lives in : Italy (where he is a counti in his owu | right), and acts for a pastime, was i given the leading role. . j When the eurtain went down three | critics met in the foyer and said ; "Good-night." Change of Cast "Well — see you here again in a week," said . one as he went to drive : his quill into the malformed body cf "Punehinello." | The players hoped for the best, The next day's audience was poor, the 1 Saturday afternoon's audience was hardly as large as the Cabinet. j On Saturday night hurried confer- ' ences went on "off stage" throughout the performance.

Changes of cast were decided on. Robert Farquharson's throat had gone back on him, and another actor prepared to take over. The author began rewriting. Rehearsals were called for, Then Maurice Browne turned up. The conferences went on. When the eurtain rang down Mr. Browne made a short speech. It was the funeral j oration of "Punehinello." The author smiled, He had reeeived no f ee as producer, and his royalties were nothing. The lovely eyes of Laura Cowie filled with tears. As wife and actress, [ her grigf was doubled. "It's a great life," said an actor who had secured his first engagement in a year. "The public is always right," said Madrice Browne.