Blighty

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This is duller and stupider than the average provincial revue and while the dialogue is merely vulgar and not indecently suggestive I think it is likely that the business will be developed in a more or less offensive way to give an interest otherwise lacking. It seems therefore advisable to take guarantees. The story of the piece is that the "principal comedian", having been farcically committed to marry three different women at Brighton, takes refuge (after a railway scene in which he figures as a porter) in an artist's studio. Then he disguises himself first in armour and afterwards as a female model. Then after a street scene he appears as a waiter at a restaurant, when the plot is adjusted. A "young officer on leave" pervades the piece in pursuit of the comedian whom he wishes to kill. There is a coarse joke on p11 about a "tender behind", but I do not know that sort of thing matters much. As to guarantees: (1) Bathing dresses in the first scene must be decent, and especially that of the comedian, described on p7 as of "fleshings and little frill bathing drawers" will not do as described. (2) p13 "models discovered dressed as Grecian water nymphs": this may mean anything and the dress should be described. (3) p17. The comedian, disguised as a girl, is dragged off the stage by the girls and when in returning is discovered to be a man says he has seen "nearly all" etc. All this will probably be most offensive and had better be cut. (4) The officer, being an absurd person, should not be in uniform. All the songs, published or not, should be sent. Recommended for License G. S. Street. The manager's letter of 6th inst. seems to be a satisfactory undertaking. In regard to the last point I personally see no objection to the officer wearing uniform if he is really not played so as to be ridiculous.The songs sent in are harmless GSS