AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 385, 10 May 1910, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

GEORGE WILLOUGHBY CO. "THE NIGHT OF "THE PARTY." "The Night of the Party," to be staged by the George Willoughby Comedy Company at the Theatre Royal on Friday next, came to be written as a result of an interesting incident. Crosbie, the valet, the principal character in the piece, really lives, it might be mentioned, and the author of the play (Weedon Crossmith) met him one night, when accompanied by Henry Arthur Jones, the famous playwright. He went to the West End residence of a friend, a celebrated painter. The place was lit up, and there were sounds of music and mirth, and in the drawing-room were assembled a gathering who danced and held high revel ry. The master of the house was out, but his servants had invited the "retainers" of the neighboring mansions, and the valet was playing the part of host, 'which he did in fine style. Weedon Grossmith and Henry Arthur Jones joined the (party and had a most enjoyable time, for the servants were caricaturing their masters and aping their manners. On leaving the festive gathering both the comedian aid the playwright suggested the writing of the comedy embodying the events and circumstances of that evening. Jones embodies these in a play, which he called "The Laekys' Carnival." Grossmith's impressions and ideas resulted in "The night of the Party." The former was a failure. The latter will be played by Mr. George Willoughby's new English company, headed by David James, the eminent English comedian, who will be supported by a very strong combination of comedians, including Mr. George Willoughby. The season Ibeing for two nights, a change will be made on the second night (Saturday), when the great success, "What Happened to Jones," will be produced. The plan is now on view at Collier and Co.'s.