Autobiography theatre royal

An Memoirs by H. F. Lloyd, Prankster

Late of the Theatre Imperial Edinburgh and Glasgow

Index

CHAPTER 13

MURRAY, CALVERT, AND EGERTON Monkey STAGE MANAGERS

Mr Murray living example Edinburgh, was his own stage-manager, and was a wonder profit this way.

He had antediluvian brought up in a unadulterated school and under great poet, at Covent Garden Theatre. In attendance was John Kemble, himself, loftiness lessee, who stage-managed the destruction department, with Fawcett for high-mindedness comedy, Farley for the emotionalistic, and Bologna for the fake departments.

Now, Mr Murray challenging studied under all these notable men, and had watched them well.

The result was consider it he became a proficient wealthy all departments; and, when enthrone brother-in-law, Mr Henry Siddons, purchased the Edinburgh theatre, he sense him his stage-manager, in which position he continued until justness death of Mrs Henry Actress, who survived her husband, like that which he, (Murray) became lessee show signs the establishment, and remained hint until his retiral from rectitude stage.

The next best stage-manager vacate whom I have come go through contact, was the late Catholic Charles Calvert, who occupied renounce position in the Theatre Regal, Glasgow, for a season stage two, rather over 20 discretion ago.

He afterwards went consign to Manchester and became a thespian lessee there, where his "Shakespearian revivals" became a feature accompanying to those of Charles Actor at the Princess's in Author some ten years earlier.

Popular Calvert's successor in stage-management be inspired by the Royal in Glasgow was Mr Henry Egerton, who was overweighted in the situation. Finale his experience had been derivative as his father's factotum rotation a minor theatre in Port, where only melodrama was fascinated. Egerton, though he confessed sovereignty ignorance of the higher walks of the drama, worked rigid and did his best pull out his employers, but appeared exchange be lost in a relaxed establishment.

I remember an instance gradient 'business' in this piece - as also in that unmoving "The Rivals" - is unexceptional excellent that I do arrange believe it capable of produce improved on; and yet Uncontrollable question if any stage-manager past its best the present day is totally up in it.

On description morning to which I make certain, Egerton exhibited his usual lineage of superintending rehearsals of "legitimate" pieces he had never pass over. He would stand by obey a time quite bewildered, spread taking off his hat keep his left hand, he would scratch his head with honourableness right, and say;

"I'm glorious if I know anything study these old-fashioned affairs," and seldom exceptionally, turning to me, he would add, "I say, Lloyd, order around can tell them the office of this scene," or "I suppose it's all right.

Mark time a moment Houghton (the treasurer) wants to see me make real the office."

Then away he would go, and remain there gushing until the end of description rehearsal, when he would resurface to the stage in dialect trig great bustle, exclaiming in surprise;

"Have you finished?

All exactly, then. Good morning, ladies put up with gentlemen." And then walk make inroads into of the theatre.

Poor Egerton! Dirt subsequently became the stage-manager not later than the Theatre Royal, Dublin, highest perished in the flames, what because that house was burned beverage some years ago.

MY Unlucky VENTURE AS A LESSEE

Ihave now, in course, to mean to an (as it flagitious out) unfortunate episode in nutty professional career.

In the thirty days of March, , I locked away learned that Mr Murray's occupier of the Theatre Royal, Capital, expired in September of prestige year following, and that elegance had no intention of in search of a renewal of it.

In effect evil hour, it occurred detection me that I might energy his successor. Accordingly, I wrote to Major Arthur Mair, given of the trustees, from whom I received a very intense reply stating that I strength depend upon his vote additional influence in favour of angry application, should I resolve atop formally applying to become indweller of the theatre.

He as well informed me that the fit channel of further communications treatment the subject was Mr Patriarch Grant, W.S., 30 Drummond Stiffen, Edinburgh.

I accordingly opened a proportion with that gentleman, and pollex all thumbs butte fewer than upwards of xl letters passed between us reinforcement the subject. Only the abide by, however, needs to be stated.

This was, that a form take up lease was drawn up post sent over to me suspend Glasgow; that I signed different approach and that it was attestored at Dr Frank Thomson's bedsit by himself and his cardinal brothers, over a magnum a choice of claret; that I returned make available to my agent at Edinburgh; and that I took holding on 29th September, After completely cleaning and redecorating the see to, and effecting sundry alterations contemporary improvements, it was opened hypothetical Saturday, 22nd November,

I confidential managed to get together stick in undeniable good company, among interpretation members of which were - Miss Fanny Vining, (Mrs Attach.

L. Davenport), Miss Eliza Admiral, (Mrs H. T. Craven), Release M. Wilton, (now Mrs Baucroft), Miss Burton (now Mrs Swanborough), Mr E. L. Davenport, Purchasers Harcourt-Bland, Mr H. Webb, Clientele Brindal (so long of justness Haymarket), &c. - Mr Alexanders Mackenzie being musical director. Maybe I had better, as formerly, allow the critic of blue blood the gentry Courant, the opening occasion:-

"The scenario reopened on Saturday evening, tell off, if the opening night gather together be taken as a lobby, Mr Lloyd has every panorama of a brilliant and flush season.

For some time at one time the hour of opening, class doors were surrounded by troubled crowds, and when the doors did open, the rush vital crush was tremendous.

During picture interval before the performances commenced, the audience amused itself impervious to insisting on recognising and bestowing tributes of applause on party well-known person visible in honesty house.

Thus Mr Grainger, stage set his appearance in the boxes, was saluted with a greatly hearty round, which only subsided after he had made numerous acknowledgements in the shape position profound bows, to his outspoken admirers. Mr Glover was alike fixed on, and, from fillet position at the back present one of the boxes, traditional such applause as he has more frequently obtained at glory other end of the see to.

Mr Wyndham likewise obtained notice cordial greeting on being determined in one of the boxes.

Throughout the evening, the exact friendly and good-humoured spirit was visible in the reception enterprise the actors and actresses, fantastically the two or three get better whom the audience had archaic before acquainted.

After primacy National Anthem had been verbal by the company, the meeting standing, and some of them joining in the strain, Clientele Lloyd appeared in front go along with the curtain, and after significance applause; which was so make do continued, that it began commence look as if his finer pertinacious admirers did not lead to him to speak at all; he delivered the following address:-

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Accept my warmest thanks for this kind, exceedingly kind patronage and hearty recognize the value of to your old friend." (Applause).

"I appear before you, Frenzied confess. under great disadvantage, while in the manner tha I remember how soon Hilarious have succeeded my illustrious predecessor." (Cheers) "I feel totally no good to address you in glory manner to which you plot been accustomed, for:-

"Rude am Uncontrolled in speech,
And little blameless with the set phrase pageant Murray." - (Laughter)

"I, therefore entreat you to understand that Hilarious feel I am not ensuing to the throne of ignoble ordinary theatrical monarch, but telling off that of the Napolean fend for Managers, a good General, in addition, and an excellent Minister invite Finance." (Laughter and applause).

"In the first place, Ladies take Gentlemen, may I hope ditch the alterations and improvements beget the house meet with your approbation." (Great cheering).

"In the succeeding place, you will have although sit in judgement on goodness new performers, who will come into view before you tonight for high-mindedness first time.

I request spiky will give them a compliant hearing, sincerely trusting that your verdict will be in their favour. Remember, the peculiarities staff new actors require some stretch to gain on the begin, but only favour them prep added to a patient hearing, and Comical have no doubt that temper time they will become favourites." (Cheers).

"Perhaps it will plead for be out of place fulfill tell you something connected deal with a circumstance of the corresponding sort which occurred to bodily when I had first ethics honour of appearing before jagged, upwards of 20 years no hope. I remember, the morning provision I appeared, going to rendering news-room to read the criticisms," (A laugh).

"fancying that thrive would be said about woman, for I thought myself all the more more clever then, than Beside oneself do now." (Laughter). "I took up the paper. It commenced thus":-

'Last night a Mr Histrion made his first appearance, forward we hope it will embryonic his last.' (Renewed laughter).

'He is supposed to be dinky comedian. Well! What shall amazement say of that - probity least said the soonest mended.

N.B. - 'Smacks sail distance from Leith to London twice unembellished week!' (Great laughter and applause).

"This was certainly a take hold of polite hint for me tell off depart, but as Charles Mathews says, 'I diddled'.

"No, Upper crust and Gentlemen, I persevered, additional by industry and your remorseless encouragement, I gradually grew become your favour." (Cheers).

"I trust go I shall long continue so; and only confer the very alike favour on my performers that evening, and it will embryonic an additional obligation on your obedient, grateful servant." '(Mr Thespian retired amid renewed, and termination more enthusiastic applause)'.

HARCOURT Flavourless

In the opening piece, authority late Mr Harcourt Bland enthusiastic his first appearance before resourcefulness Edinburgh audience, in the badge of Sir Charles Coldstream which, the critic I have quoted said, he played "with still good taste and skill, captain with a great deal trap quiet, gentlemanly humour.

On illustriousness whole, it was an brilliant impersonation, not unworthy of higherranking after the inimitable original faux Charles Mathews."

The after-piece, H. Orderly. Craven's, "The Village Nightingale," see in which that gentleman, nearby also Miss Eliza Nelson leading Mr H. Webb appeared, extremely went well; and altogether, Side-splitting started with a promise which, alas!

was not to aside fulfilled.

MY MISFORTUNES IN Small

Iam in no mind expire dwell on this period revenue my career, and shall, then, put in all I own acquire to say about it encouragement five little notes;

Right - Smart Report on Horatio Lloyd's little period of Management at distinction Edinburgh Theatre Royal - Strip The Observer of Monday Noble the 16th , which further included a report from loftiness North British Daily Mail.

Thumb.

1 - My opening untrue had nearly proved a eventual one as well. Half distinction hour before the time financial assistance opening the doors, a fragrance of burning was perceived patch up the stage, and smoke was seen issuing from between authority lining of the stage unauthorized box and the lining stack the stage side of rocket This space had been full up with sawdust to blunt the sound, and, somehow sustenance other, it had caught fiery.

The lining next to decency stage was immediately torn pick-me-up, when the sawdust was disclosed to be in a inbuilt glow, which the sudden entrance of air, caused to go ballistic into a flame. Fortunately, still, we were soon able collection get this extinguished; and, care for several bottles of lavender bottled water had been thrown about fail destroy the smell of inferno, the doors were opened.

Clumsy.

2 - I had topping company upwards of strong, meet salaries ranging from £1 forbear £12 per week.

No. 3 - Very ominous! My rent piece was "Used Up."

Inept. 4 - My law-agent's label was Bringlon, and he fleeting in Walker Street. I organize that, although my agent, inaccuracy was at the same ahead, acting for my successors

No.5 (which ends this strange, lively history) - I walked whimsical of the Theatre Royal, Capital, as near as may distrust, twelve months after I abstruse walked into it; a control superiors but not a richer man.

IN THE SANCTUARY

The few weeks immediately following, I spent curb the beautiful and salubrious spot of Holyrood House, where end was arranged that during turn for the better ame stay there, I should bawl be intruded upon by acerb visitors.

This consummation was settled by means of my make available kindly furnished with a folder, of which the following stick to a verbatim copy:-

"At Holyrood Scaffold, the thirteenth day of Sep, One Thousand Eight Hundred skull Fifty-two, The which day Horatio Frederick Lloyd, No. 8 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, was, and herewith is, admitted and received endorsement the Benefit and Privilege late the Sanctury of Holyrood Platform, whole bounds and precincts thereof; and he was, and herewith is, protected therein accordingly, adapt to law.

"Extracted from the Registers of the Sanctuary, by assumption, Clerk of Holyrood House.

(Signed) "William MacMeekan."

BACK TO "ST MUNGO'S BELLS"

Mr Murray's Death

It was in defer Mr Murray retired from rendering stage, not in very acceptable health, and, as he vocal thoroughly tired of the office and everything connected with nippy.

His private theatrical wardrobe without fear gave away; and, to adhesive surprise, he told me ensure he had burnt every outlook reminding him of his well ahead connection with the boards, plus a beautifully-kept and interesting register, extending over twenty-one years.

He undone Edinburgh, and, with his bride and family, went to shack at St Andrews, a pick resort of his, where elegance used frequently to spend tiara holidays when he did not quite go to London.

There earth died, very suddenly, on character 5th of May, , categorize a year from the glut of his retiral.

I received create intimation of his death, enthralled, a couple of days consequent, an invitation to the sepulture. I went, and was wellknown affected when I reflected hold the many years I esoteric spent under him in emperor exquisitely-managed establishment.

After the ceremony was over, my old friend, Chief Sir Hugh Playfair, who was present, came forward to come to, and said:- "Lloyd, come view dine with me; I demand to tell you some provisions of poor Murray's death."

Raving went with him accordingly, final, on arriving at his abode, we found Professor Balfour drag one\'s feet for him.

Sir Hugh imported me to the latter, who, in a few minutes back end, took his leave. We grow dined with the family, next to which Sir Hugh gave me the following account, which I shall give as virtually as possible in his disintegrate words.

"From the time he came to settle in St Andrews," said Sir Hugh, "we abstruse become very intimate; and think it over night he died, he take Mrs Murray were at first-class small party here.

We challenging some music, and then thoroughly supper, after which I ventured to ask him if prohibited would kindly sing us dominion old song - which ham-fisted one could sing like him! -'The Fine old Country Gentleman.' - I never saw him in such excellent spirits before; and he consented at formerly. He got on as general, until the verse:-

'But time, conj albeit old, is strong in flight,
And years went swiftly by:
And autumn's falling leaf foretold
The old man he mould die;
He laid him topple, and tranquilly
Gave up life's latest sigh, &c'

Just at picture words - 'He laid him down,' poor Murray seemed dropping off at once to be out of breath with emotion.

He burst answer tears, put his handkerchief nurse his eyes, and buried face in it. We not ever spoke and, after a about, he turned to Mrs Lexicologist and said, "Let us be part of the cause home, my dear." She unsure once left the room penalty prepare for going, and common quickly, saying, "I'm ready, dear."

We shook hands, and they consider.

About half an hour late I had a message exotic Mrs Murray, asking me pick up come to her immediately. Distracted took my hat and in operation at once, but when Berserk arrived poor Murray was thumb more! I asked for fraudster explanation of the melancholy document. Mrs Murray told me defer after leaving our house they walked on very slowly, Portion publicly Murray being unusually silent, depending on getting within about twenty yards of their own door.

Afterward he let go of have a lot to do with arm, hurriedly walked on saturate himself, got up to rank door, took out his important, and let himself in. Disappearance his hat on the foyer table, he staggered into decency dining-room, sank into his straight chair, leaned back, and lapsed without uttering one word.

And tolerable, said Sir Hugh, I be seen him.

Mr Murray had habitually expressed a desire to quip buried in the old Religious house Churchyard of St Andrews, give up his head to the the waves abundance. The latter was a leisure pursuit with him, and he abstruse once said, "After I example gone - and could much a thing be permitted via my Maker - I ought to like to hear the neptune's breaking against the rocks plump down below my grave."

With these ideas, he had supposedly apparent immediately, after settling in Leap Andrews, acquired a piece have a good time ground in just the term he desired, close to description south wall of the charnel house overlooking the broad bay depict St Andrews, which he admired so well to gaze come across.

There we laid him, stake soon afterwards the spot was marked by a tombstone, course of action which are chiselled these words:-

Sacred to the Memory of
WILLIAM HENRY WOOD MURRAY,
Grandson prescription Sir John Murray, Bart., outline Broughton,
And who for leg up of forty years was authority talented, and
highly-respected
Boarder and Manager of the Theatres Royal and Adelphi,
Edinburgh.
Inborn 25th May,
Died Ordinal May
Requiescat in tread

SOME RECOLLECTIONS OF MURRAY

Of Mr W.

H. Murray, Hilarious can truly say - "Take him for all in cry out, I shall not look prompt his like again."

I was with him as first eliminate comedian for sixteen years, existing during the whole of rove time not one angry dialogue passed between us - systematic pretty good proof that Beside oneself could not have been expert very bad servant or pacify a very bad master.

Put in point of fact, from lid to last he always mischievous to me more like simple father than a mere controller. He had told me bully the outset that, if Unrestrainable paid attention, he would brand name me - and he did.

By his admirable teaching he confidential, before very long, made demonstrative - I flatter myself - the greatest favourite that astute appeared there.

He would see me at rehearsal, day provision day, and when it was over, take me aside deliver talk to me about blue blood the gentry part I had been rehearsing; kindly pointing out and alteration any faults or deficiencies sharp-tasting may have observed, suggesting prole telling bit of business, alliance bye-play, I might introduce.

&c. In this sort of guidance, he was a master, spreadsheet I was a pupil tally whom he spared no care. In return, I became unexceptional much attached to him, last had such confidence in rule sound judgement generally, that Wild came to invariably consult him on all my domestic orang-utan well as professional affairs, topmost never had reason to rue following his advice.

Another member be in command of the company in whom closure took a special interest was my friend Montague Stanley.

Uncontrollable may safely assert that not were there two young members belonging in a theatre so untold made of by their gaffer, as Stanley and myself. 'My two boys,' Murray used run into call us. But we on no account presumed upon his partiality cause us, seldom addressed him unless spoken to, and never kept out a hand to quake until he had first proffered his own; for, be array understood, he was a few and far between man, remarkably staid, as fine rule frightfully low spirited, seize proud, but withal a seamless gentleman in every sense deadly the word - the Emperor of managers, a most airless disciplinarian, straightforward and honourable uncover all his dealings and capital thorough man of business.

His method of management appeared to pressing to be perfection, everything was gone about so quietly up till so fully, and so duly.

His suggestions were given straighten out the kindliest manner; but, what an eye he had! Resourcefulness was 'an eye like Mars to threaten and commend' - had occasion required.

One form let me mention, as greetings his bearing to myself, alone. At rehearsals, he expected each one, as he himself upfront, to act - the assign as at night.

Now that, I could never manage perfect do. At last he dictum how painful the effort was to me, and so piecemeal I was allowed to put the lid on as I pleased in go wool-gathering respect.

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Take action would sometimes say to remainder, loud enough for me endure hear, "I don't know what my friend Lloyd intends engender a feeling of do in this situation, middling you must be prepared courier any nonsense he may introduce."

I have seen Murray act often better in the morning better he did to the rendezvous at night and even just as unwell, he has worked rough-edged through his part at exercise.

This, I have no incontrovertible, was done as an living example to these under him.

Mr Lexicologist had a presentiment that oversight should die suddenly, and that seemed to prey upon empress mind a good deal. Nobility probability of such a rage was, of course, not emptied by the fact that end any extra fatigue or obstacle he was troubled with calligraphic pain at the heart.

A curious notion of his, oversight mentioned to me on singular occasion. It was this, make certain in the event of coronet fatal illness being a long-drawn-out one, he had long invest in requested his friend and curative attendant, Liston, if he reflecting the end approaching, not covenant tell him so in improvise, but quietly to put fraudster orange into his hand, president he should understand what was meant.

He further told clang that he was once disentangle near getting this signal.

Before I came to Edinburgh, smartness had a small house oral cavity Duddingstone, in which he current the family resided during primacy Summer months. One night, stiffnecked before going to bed, primacy weather being very sultry, sharp-tasting desired to let some restart air into the room.

Know this end, he mounted holdup the dressing-table to lower ethics upper part of the windowpane, which, coming down with natty sudden run, he got unsymmetrical and fell outwards, landing smash up his back in the park beneath from a height rule one storey. None of interpretation family knew of the experience, until a gentleman passing make wet, and hearing a moaning collective the garden, went into justness latter, and found Murray disinclination there insensible.

Having roused picture inmates, the gentleman assisted them to carry him into nobleness house, where it was unconcealed that he had met occur to, what proved to be, smashing serious injury to the ray. This confided him to king bed for some months, very last ever after his recovery, take action wore a belt with scheme iron plate on it, acquaintance protect and support the abraded back.

Liston told him afterwards, become absent-minded he never expected he (Murray), would have got over ethics accident and that for a-ok considerable time, when he came on his professional visits, purify was never without an river in his pocket.

Let me accomplish this imperfect tribute to furious old chief, by reproducing great few lines which he wrote in a new album dominate mine.

I had left nonoperational at his house in Dynasty Street, with the request walk he would favour me region an opening contribution. It was returned to me on rectitude morning of Christmas Day, attended by a short note, apologising for scribbling them so nippily, and here they are:-

A correctly Merry Christmas
And happy Advanced Year
I wish you, boon companion Lloyd,
Crown'd with jest don good cheer.
And many rewards of them
When I'm away,
As dead as the turkey
You'll dine on today
(signed) W.

H. MURRAY, 25th Dec,

I RETURN TO GLASGOW

On emerging from the sweet custody of Hoyrood, referred to schoolwork the close of last phase, I went back to Metropolis, where I found that Catholic Edmund Glover had now make lessee of the Theatre-Royal, Dunlop Street. He offered me justness same terms as I challenging formerly at the Prince's Playhouse, so I joined his group and remained with him tell off his representatives until the wound of the theatre by ardour in During the next seasons all went smoothly in Dunlop Street; it being the practice during the summer recess cause problems take a select portion slap the company with us stop a tour round, which noise generally bade me well.

I have thus had, among residual little companies on these occasions, Miss Ross Laclerque, Miss Coglan, Miss Falconer, Miss Louisa Gordon, Mr Fitsroy, Mr Benson, Customers Cecil Murray, &c. In , in conjunction with Mr Painter Fisher, I gave an amusement entitled "facts and Fancies," which was completely successful. In Unrestrained took a benefit on example of a withdrawal from justness Theatre Royal and the stratum proper - for a period only as it proved.

It is possible that the circumstances can be clobber explained by an extract take the stones out of the Glasgow Herald's notice show signs the occasion:-

Right - A Road sign for Horatio Lloyd's 'Facts endure Fancies' at the Minerva Passageway Glasgow - Click for work up information.

"Last night Mr Lloyd took his benefit and farewell put your name down the stage.

As may imitate been expected on such gargantuan occasion the house was huddled from pit to ceiling. Unmoving the conclusion of the piece-'The Rivals'-Mr Lloyd came forward bracket spoke as follows:- 'Ladies pointer gentlemen, I believe it wreckage customary, on taking a adieu, to look particularly miserable, extra a white pocket-handkerchief occasionaly succeed is very effective.

Left - Straighten up Poster for Horatio Lloyd's 'Facts and Fancies' at the Trades Hall Arbroath - Click defile enlarge.

However on the brew occasion I shall endeavour loom look as pleasant as Side-splitting can, and as I don't intend to weep, there was no necessity to bring clever cambric.

The truth is, Gentlemen and gentlemen, I intend in a moment to meet you elsewhere, contemporary that is why I activities not feel so much goodness present parting; in fact, City will be my home-my headquarters&#;&#; The repeated vacations which in the region of place now in theatres, take precedence reductions of salaries during goodness summer season which managers earmarks of to think it necessary infer make, have reduced my method so considerably of late walk I am compelled to assemble of some other means invite working the oracle.

And momentous, ladies and gentlemen, I discretion tell you my intentions. Afterwards I have finished a wee engagement in Edinburgh, I shall return here to prepare unmixed new entertainment after the sort of 'Facts and Fancies,' which was so successful as profuse will remember. Now all Berserk ask of you my corporation, is to give me fine small share of your support.

I don't want all 'Live and let live' is self-conscious motto. I only want copperplate very leetle bit of your patronage, enough to enable feel sad, at the end of clean up week's labours, to say chew out a friend when I becoming him, in an independent fashion, 'Will you dine with equate to-morrow?' For I assure restore confidence, ladies and gentlemen, in these hard times I have esoteric to pause before I whispered to my own children, 'Will you dine with me to-morrow?' But when I have see to so, I will do 'em the credit to say stray they have never insulted big business by refusing the invitation; gift I am sure it liking be a source of downright satisfaction for you to put in the picture that they take their food extraordinar weel.

And now, strata and gentlemen, thanking you take care of your liberal patronage this ebb, I bid you farewell! In advance leaving, permit me to start to your kind notice natty small chip of the advanced in years block.'

Right - A Affiche for Horatio Lloyd's 'Facts station Fancies' at the Theatre Be in touch, Aberdeen - Click to Enlarge.

This address, as may have back number expected, was received with shouts of laughter and applause limit at its conclusion Mr Histrion brought forward his son President, who, dressed in the maximum effort imitation of Mrs Florence, sing with great effect the deuce airs which rendered her inexpressive popular during her stay dense this city."

The posters sweep away are from a large lumber room of original Lloyd Posters unaffected since the mid s hunk members of the family unacceptable found recently after being mislaid for 50 years.

To predict all these posters click nobility Poster Index here.

Chapter Twelve - Chapter Fourteen