Three Cheers
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
A revue which begins with a discussion of revues in general by an actor and some authors, with whose more legitimate work this form of entertainment is alleged to have interfered. This occasional witty argument is followed by the production of a piece which, in its successive scenes, burlesque, farcical comedy, modern comedy, night club extravaganza, military drama and oriental spectacle a la 'Chu Chin Chow'. The story of this pot pourri is written around Harry Lauder Scot, who, while courting his Jean, goes off to London in search of a fortune promised by an eccentric relative to the heir who has led the life of perfect purity. By the sid of a night club siren the heroes envious rivals attempt to lure him into forms of dissipation which may disqualify him from his inheritance. But his solid slow-witted virtue is proof against all temptation, whether in the way of wine, women, song or dance: and as in addition he distinguishes himself by donning khaki, he scores all round. Many of the songs introduced are those of Harry Lauder, who himself plays the leading part. These like the rest of the ingenious blend of pawky fun and simple sentiment, are wholly blameless, if a trifle boring: and the melange may safely be recommended for licence. Ernest A. Bendall
Licensed On: 12 Dec 1916
License Number: 637
Genre(s):
Keyword(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1916/30
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66151 M
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Dec 1916 | Shaftesbury Theatre, London | Unknown | Licensed Performance |
| 22 Dec 1916 | Shaftesbury Theatre, London | Professional |
Read Narrative
First performance on 22/12/1916. On 31st December Harry Lauder received news from his wife in Scotland that his son, Capt. John Currie Lauder, had been killed in France. The Shaftesbury management immediately closed the theatre and Lauder travelled back to Scotland where his wife had become seriously ill. He returned to London on 4th January and went on stage that evening. In an interview with The Pall Mall Gazette, 5th January 1917, Mr Lauder said "It will be hard to wear a smiling face while the heart is aching. But we all have our work to do, our duty to perform. And, may be, it is my duty to bring brightness and comfort to hearts that are as sore-stricken as my own ... The highest respect we can pay to the memory of those who have fallen in this great struggle for right against might, for freedom against despotism, is to grit our teeth, keep our sorrows locked in our hearts, and cheer and encourage and help each other until we have gained the victory for which our loved ones fought."
|