endeavours to assassinate Edgar, is killed by a charmed bullet. Whilst his limbs relax in death the hypnotic spell vanishes from Ada’s mind and she is united to her lover. But to their horror they notice that as the moonlight touches the body of Alan Raby where he has fallen, his members begin to twitch anew with life. Dr. Rees seizes the vampire and hurls the body into the darkest chasm of the mountain side, where no beam nor ray can ever penetrate or find the smallest chink of entrance.
The Phantom is, of course, somewhat old-fashioned and a little stilted, as was the mode, in its diction. No doubt some of the situations could be revised and far more neatly turned, yet on the whole I conceive that it should prove of its kind excellent fare in the theatre, and some scenes, at least, in capable hands were not without emotional appeal, I had almost said a certain impressiveness. Far worse dramas have (not undeservedly) earned their meed of approbation and applause.
On 15th August, 1872, was advertised; “Royal Strand Theatre. Production of a Bit of Moonshine in Three Rays, entitled ‘The Vampire,’ written by R. Reece.” There was indeed a bounteous bill of fare. At seven was given a farce The Married Bachelor; at 7.30 Byron’s Not Such a Fool as He Looks; “At Half Past Nine the new and original Burlesque, a little Bit of Moonshine in Three Rays, called The Vampire, written by R. Reece. The new Music by John Fitzgerald the New Scenery Painted by H. P. Hall; Dresses by May, Mrs. Richardson and Assistants; Machinery by Wood; Properties by Ball. The Piece produced under the direction of Mrs. Swanborough, Mr. J. Wallace, and Mr. Reece.” The house, says the Era, 18th August, 1872, was crowded for this “satirical burlesque.” His play, the author wrote, was founded upon “a German legend. Lord Byron’s story, and a Boucicaultian drama.” The Vampire, according to Reece, is a plagiarist who lives on other people’s brains. The title rôle was acted by Edward Terry who kept the audience in roars of laughter. “Mr. Terry’s make-up as the Vampire was something extraordinary, and he worked with unflagging energy to add ‘go’ to the novelty.” During a picnic in the ruins of Raby Castle the Vampire endeavours to steal the note books of Ada Raby (Miss Emily Pitt) and Lady Audley Moonstone (Mrs. Raymond) two lady novelists, so that he may utilize their efforts for his weekly instalment of the “penny dreadful” and other fiction.
