Nosey Knows

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This play, so far as I can remember, is very little altered from the form last read. In the first scene, a shop, Nosey, the comedian, gets into trouble by telling stories about everybody and is scored off by being told that chocolates he has eaten are poisoned; in the second, a government office, he examines people for appointment; in the third, after various more or less comic incidents, he arrests a spy, Rolo, who has appeared at intervals in the piece and is himself arrested by mistake. So far as the script goes it is merely vulgar, but I notice two passages needing a caution; one on p.26, business of sham bandaging, and the other, p.37, of a man in highland costume, turning a somersault either might be made offensive. Recommended for license. G. S. Street

Researcher's Summary:

Although no author was given on the licensed script, newspaper reviews identify the authors as Fred Karno, John Gerant, Karno's manager; and George Hughes (see Stage, 11 October 1917), although Hughes is not mentioned as an author in many reviews and adverts. This was the third of three versions of the script, each licensed separately: in October 1917 (LCP1917/20) and February (LCP1918/3) and July 1918 (LCP1918/12). Performances for each version can be found on their relevant page. The original title for the sketch was 'Nosey Parker' but Karno changed it to 'Nosey Knows' following an objection by the music hall performer Charlie Austin who performed as P.C. Parker. The name of the spy changed through the run, beginning as Smart (see Stage 11 October 1917) and then becoming Bolo (see licensing report of February 1918), Rolo Bolo around February 1918 and finally Rolo Offenthompson (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 9 April 1918).