THE Evening Star PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi.. SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2918, 22 June 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi.. SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1878.

.At the Theatre Boyal last night, just before the curtain rose on the second act of "EastLynne," there was an unrehearsed scene. Mr Wm. Bowe, proprietor pf the theatre, appeared at the footlights and appealed to the large audience on the smoking-in-theatre nuisance, which subject was commented on by a correspondent in our columns on Thursday. Mr Kowe stated that he had lately spent a considerable sum of money on the theatre to make it attractive fo managers and actors, and he was determined to put down smoking. It was a habit that was most objectionable to many visitors, and highly dangerous to his property, and he trusted that the good sense of the people of the Thames would induce them to assist in putting down the practice. Mr Bowe was applauded by many, and hissed by some; but his remarks had the effect of considerably lessening the nuisance, although a few boys had the temerity to light their pipes durring the next interval. We have* many a time and oft, deprecated the practice of smoking in theatres, and would do so again. It is not only the comfort of the audience and the players that has fo be considered. The safety of the theatre and of a large block of buildings in the Borough is endangered, and it behoves every one to assist in putting down this pernicious custom. Ample time is afforded between the acts for habitue's to have their smoke outside, and all those who cannot refrain from smoking for twenty minutes or half an hour at a time should stay away from the theatre altogether. This should be insisted upon and enforced. Some people smoke in self-defence. When they go to the pit they have to inhale the smoke from scores of pipes, and light up to protect themselves from the whiffs of smoke invading them from all directions. If it were firmly put down the theatre would attract many people who have now to deny themselves because r of the fearful extent to. which the nuisance has attained. It will be noticed that the management have appealed to theatre goers on this matter, and having giving the requisite notice, it is scarcely necessary to inform people that if they persist in smoking that will render, themselves liable to summary ejection. Let all who go to the theatre bear this in mind, and if there be any who cannot do without the unintermittent smoke, let them stay away.