SCENES AT A THEATRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1920, Page 5

SCENES AT A THEATRE.

STINK BOMBS AND SNUFF PELLETS. By Telegraph.—Press Asan.—Copyright. London, April 30Disturbances have occurred at the Garrick Theatre which recall the old Price riots at Covent Garden in 1709. Miss Taylor and Messrs. Cochran and Hartley Manners profess to be at a loss to divine the cause, though they were certainly planned, as stink bombs were dropped in the stalls, scores of coppers flung on the stage, and snuff pellets affected many occupants of the stalls. Mr. Justice Horridge, who was present, suggests a Sinn Fein plot,, but probably the real cause will be disclosed to-day. Details were not procurable, owing to the late hour. There were extraordinary scenes at the Garrick Theatre. Interruption from the gallery compelled the abandonment of the first night of Hartley Manners' play, "One Night in Rome," wherein Laurette Taylor, the famous "Peg o' My Heart," was appearing. Ther.e was a brilliant audience including the American Ambassador, whose boxwas draped with American flags. Some state that the demonstration was due to the scenery not allowing gallcryites a proper view of the stage', hut it' Was possibly onneoted with Laurette's attitude during the war, as paper pellets of snuff and red pepper were discovered in the gallery, proving that the demonstration was organised. Laurette, in a speech, attempted to placate the disturbers, promising them the stalls another night, but failed. Mr. Cochran then stopped the play and promised another first night.—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn.