The Chronicles of Early Melbourne/Volume 1/Chapter 34
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THEATRICAL AND KINDRED ENTERTAINMENTS.
SYNOPSIS:— The Pavilion Described. —Hodges the Moving Spirit. —Hodges' Misfortunes. —Collapse of the Pavilion Management. —First Amateur Theatrical Association. —First Theatrical Performance. —The Theatre Royal. —Death of Mr. Richard Capper. —Attempted Abduction of Miss Sinclair. —A "Green-room" Fight. —Entr'Acte Amusements: —Attempt to Capsize a Theatre. —"The Crib." —"Captain of the Guard." —The Royal Victoria Theatre. —Hodges in the Insolvent Court. —Collapse of the Amateur Dramatic Association. —Formation of an Amateur Club. —Batters, the Tinker. —First Professional Playbill. —Storming the Dress Circle. —"The Ghost" Ceased to Walk. —Death of Mr. Knowles. —New Arrivals. —A Theatrical Riot. —Demolition of the Pavilion. —Smith's Queen Street Theatre. — Opening of the New Theatre Royal.
The Pavilion.
THERE was a time (not very long ago) when taverns, though unlike angels, were, like angels' visits, few and far between, in Bourke Street, and towards the end of 1840, there were only three licensed victuallers in all that now throbbing thoroughfare. Where the big Bull and Mouth fattens and flourishes on public favour, there nestled a small single-floored, weather-boarded, shingle-roofed, cottage-like hostelry called the Eagle Inn, a drinking rendezvous of some note, kept by a Mr. J. Jamieson who though he reigned, did not govern, for its constitution was an absolute gynocracy, administered by the hostess, known far and near as "Mother Jamieson." The establishment was specially patronized by a not very fascinating, though lively, Cyprian, named Jenny M'Leod, and acquired a questionable popularity. The barman was a Mr. Thomas Hodges, much given to boasting of the confidential relations that subsisted between him and the elder Charles Kean in the Mother-country, and by all accounts Hodges had, at some time, rendered himself useful to the great tragedian by polishing his boots, brushing his coat, or in some equally necessary domestic offices. Whilst engaged in such menial attentions, either brush or boot-jack might have communicated some germs of contagion, for Hodges became partially stage-struck, and began whispering some of his theatrical musings in the ear of Jamieson. There was a certain method in his madness, for he succeeded in making Jamieson believe that in the establishment of a theatre he should discover a mine that would open to him a door to untold wealth. The project was fully considered at several "cabinet" meetings attended by the landlord, "Mother" Jamieson, Jenny, and Hodges, and it was at length resolved to start a theatre-Hodges to be the ostensible proprietor, and Jamieson to supply most, if not the entire, sinews of war. In January, 1841, it was publicly announced that a wooden theatre, or pavilion, was to be erected. Its dimensions were to be 65 feet by 35 feet, the sum of £1000 was to be expended on its construction, and it was to be completed in two months; but it was not until the end of February that the foundation was laid. The finishing touch was at length put to the Pavilion, which stood on the centre of the ground now occupied by the Spanish Restaurant and Hosie's Scotch Pie Shop, and it was one of the queerest fabrics imaginable. Whenever the wind was high it would rock like an old collier at sea, and it was difficult to account for it not heeling over in a gale. The public entrance from Bourke Street was up half-a-dozen creaking steps; and the further ascent to the "dress circle," and a circular row of small pens known as upper boxes or gallery, was by a ladder-like staircase of a very unstable description. Internally it was lighted by tin sconces, nailed at intervals to the boarding, filled with guttering candles, flickering with a dim and sickly glare. A swing lamp and wax tapers were afterwards substituted, and the immunity of the place from fire is a marvel. It was never thoroughly water-proof, and, after it yvas opened for public purposes, in yvet weather the audience yvould be treated to a shoyver bath. Umbrellas yvere not then the c o m m o n personal accompaniment they are n o w in Melbourne, but such playgoers as could sport a convenience of the kind took it to the theatre, yvhere it yvas often found to be as necessary within as without. T h e expanded gingham would, of course, very considerably incommode the comfort and vieyv of the adjacent sitters, but that yvas a consideration so trifling as to be scarcely thought about. Hodges n o w looked upon the realization of his fondly-cherished hope, and yvas a happy m a n ; but his happiness yvas of brief duration, for the Pavilion brought to him and Jamieson a series of tribulations. O n e difficulty followed another until the Insolvency and Equity Courts ultimately stepped in, curing the one of his dramatic craze, and, though not reimbursing the other for his outlay, teaching him a bitter lesson which might have done him m u c h good had it c o m e earlier. O n one important point the promoters of the scheme had singularly reckoned their chickens before they were hatched, for thefirsthitch cropped up in the obtaining a license. A n application yvas m a d e to the Police Court, and yvas refused because (i) the Magistrates were in doubt as to yvhether Melbourne yvas then sufficiently ripe for such a species of amusement; and (2) there was no reasonable guarantee that the place would be properly conducted. This unexpected rebuff threw Hodges on his beam ends, and the result was that the Pavilion was opened with a musical performance, but of a very equivocal description, spiced with low buffoonery, ribaldry, and interludes of riot and confusion. T h e police were obliged to interfere, and the disreputable doings having been brought under the notice of the Police Magistrate, he peremptorily ordered Hodges and his Pavilion to shut up. T h e arrival of a Mr. George Buckingham, from a Dramatic C o m p a n y at Adelaide, brought a little sunshine to the heart of poor Hodges, yvho induced the neyv comer to memorialize the police bench for a license; but the document yvas not considered to be respectably signed, and there yvas a second refusal which sent the Pavilion to the auctioneer's h a m m e r ; but no one could be found fool-hardy enough to knock it doyvn, and it was bought in for £ 7 0 0 . After this, occasionally, the authorities, from motives of compassion, yvinked at the giving of a public concert n o w and then, but no application for a regular license would be listened to. O n e evening in January, 1842, a so-called concert yvas given, but of such a very loyv class as to outrage all the proprieties, Hodges yvas consequently s u m m o n e d by the Chief-Constable for breach of the Act of Council 9, Geo. IV, Sec. 2, regulating places of public exhibition and entertainment, convicted and fined £ 5 0 or six months' imprisonment. H e was still able to raise the yvind sufficiently to keep out of gaol, for the fine yvas paid. It yvas suggested that the Pavilion might be temporarily utilised for a course of amateur performances, in aid of an Hospital then in course of projection. A theatrical license could only be recommended by the bench of Magistrates, its issue lying yvith the Colonial Secretary, at Sydney, but the sanction of the local bench obtained, the other followed almost as a matter of course. Six gentlemen accordingly enrolled themselves as an Amateur Theatrical Association for charitable and benevolent purposes, and as their position supplied prima facie evidence that any licensing privilege conceded was not likely to be abused (an erroneous supposition), the recommendation of the local bench of magistrates was easily obtained, and so, in the beginning of 1842, the Sydney authorities granted permission to open the Pavilion for theatrical representations for one month. T h e half-dozen obtainers of the temporary license constituted a Board of Steyvards, and as they comprised a barrister, an attorney, three newspaper editors, and an assistant editor, they exercised considerable influence. Kerr, of the Patriot, had obtained some reputation for his private rendering of Scotch characters, his great hit being an impersonation of Bailie NicolJarvie. Gilbert Beith, thefirstT o w n Treasurer, yvas quite at h o m e in the Dugald Creature. Mr. George Cooper, a big black barber, possessed some small dramatic ability, overlaid by a tremendous quantity of assurance ; and M r . Michael Cashmore, Inspector of the Meat Market, felt himself equal to anything, from Hamlet or Shylock d o w n to executing a hornpipe. T h e n there yvas old " J e m m y Warman," the oyvner of tyvo dashing daughters; and Messrs. John Davies, reporter for the Patriot, and G. D. Boursiquot, of the Gazette, smart, wide-awake, self-possessed "gents," yvho responded to the call m a d e upon their good nature freely, and so matters moved swimmingly. A five-guinea prize yvas offered for the best inauguration ode or poem, but there was no response. T H E FIRST T H E A T R I C A L P E R F O R M A N C E
Was an event looked forward to yvith hopes and misgivings, and the following " bill" was a novelty in its way :— THEATRE ROYAL, MELBOURNE. By Special Permission from the Colonial Secretary. The Public is most respectfully informed that the Amateur Performance, in aid of the
MELBOURNE HOSPITAL FUND, will take place on M O N D A Y E V E N I N G , 2IST F E B R U A R Y , 1842, At the Theatre in Bourke Street. Previous to the commencement of the Perlormance, the Band will play the National Anthem of
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN. To be folloyved by an appropriate Address, to be delivered by M R . A R D E N . The Performance will commence yvith the Laughable Fetite Comedy, entitled T H E WIDOAV'S VICTIM. After which, A Sailor's Hornpipe (in character)—Master Conlan. Song—Master Eyles. Highland Fling (in character)—by a Gentleman Amateur. " The Steam Arm " — M r . Buckingham. The yvhole will conclude with the Laughable Farce, in one Act, called
TIIE LOTTERY TICKET; OR THE LAWYER'S CLERK. Tickets for the Pit or Boxes, 7s. each, to be procured from either of the Steyvards. Gallery Tickets to be obtained at Holme's Stationery Warehouse, Collins Street, and at the Bar of the Albion Hotel, Bourke Street. Jt2TNo money will be taken at the Doors. Doors open at Six o'clock, and the Performance will commence at Seven o'clock precisely. J. E. Murray, George Arden, ~i George. Cavenagh, William Kerr, J- Stewards. H. N. Carrington, John Stephen. ' The Stage Management under the Direction of M R . B U C K I N G H A M .
Financial and other difficulties in a short time led to the retirement of Arden and Carrington, to be replaced by Messrs. C. H. Ebden, and B. Baxter. As events yvorked they were heavily mulcted by being, with Cavenagh, as the most solvent partners, obliged to contribute the major part of certain pecuniary obligations, the theatrical treasury being empty. Out of this original amateur brigade, there only survive (in 1883), Baxter, the phlebotomised steward, and Cashmore, the universal genius. At length the all-important evening arrived, when there was a bumper house, and owing, as was thought, to Buckingham's judicious management, everything passed off well, and without even the "smallest hitch," in the newspaper phraseology of the day. The overture to the " Bronze Horse " was executed with talent and effect; but Arden, the Editor of the Gazette, who yvas to have delivered the opening address, being in gaol under commitment by Judge Willis, yvas not a Sir Boyle Roche bird, and could not be in two places at one time ; so Kerr of the Patriot officiated as his brother Editor's proxy by merely announcing the "postponement" of the recitation. Cheers yvere given for the imprisoned absentee, intermingled with hisses for the Judge. The scenery painted by a Mr. Southall was described as highly creditable to that artist. In " The AVidow's Victim " the lady performers were Mrs. Avins and Miss Sinclair (professionals) as Jane, and Mrs. Rattleton, Miss Taylor as Mrs Twitters. Messrs. Davies and Boursiquot (reporters of the Patriot and Herald) took Jerry Clip and Mr Twitters, whilst the part of Pelham Podge fell to Buckingham. Master Conlan danced a Sailor's Hornpipe (in character), acquitting himself so yvell that he was punished by an encore; whilst an amateur (Joseph Harper, a dancing-master), footed it in a Highland Fling. A Mr. Mossman next " did " the overture to Fra Diavolo in such a yvay as " to electrify the audience ;" and a Master Eyles sang syveetly, " I've Journeyed over M a n y Lands." T h e entertainment wound up yvith " The Lottery Ticket," M r . AVinter playing the Lawyers Clerk, M r . Miller as Capias, and Mrs. Avins as Susan, T h e beginning so m a d e was highly encouraging, the proceeds amounting to £ 9 8 . T w o other performances were subsequently given and paid well, the experiment resulting in a handsome contribution to the Charity interested. A n extension of the license was obtained, and the Pavilion was designated " T h e Theatre Royal." T h e performances yvere continued at short intervals—Buckingham remaining stage manager, and a few professionals being paid. Mr. Southall as scene painter is said to have " done wonders," and the pieces produced included " R o b Roy," " T h e Queer Subject," " O u r Mary Anne," " T h e Carnival Ball," "The T w o Gregories," " T h e Denouncer," " T h e Three Mrs. AAreggins," " T h e Heir-at-Law," etc, etc. O n one of the nights some of the gentlemen scamps of the period amused themselves by letting offfireworksin the house, causing m u c h alarm and risking conflagration. Legal proceedings were threatened next day, but a compromise was effected by an ample apology and a liberal consideration, the Press magnanimously not disclosing the offending names. T h e place soon after was known as " T h e Amateur Theatre." As the novelty began to cool, the charges for admission were reduced, cash was taken at the doors, and for the exclusion of disreputable characters, ex-Constable AA^aggoner, yvho knew every man, yvoman and child, good, bad and indifferent in the toyvn, did duty at the box entrance. O n the 16th May, Buckingham yvas given a benefit as stage manager, and his caste included " T h e Grand Eastern Spectacle of Married and Buried ; or, the Shipwrecked Cockney." T h e scenery is declared to have been " beautiful," the dresses appropriate, and the stage grand ; yet the badness of the times acted very prejudicially upon the attendance. Buckingham appeared as Benjamin Bowbell, Davies as Dr. Alibujau, Messrs. Smith, AVise, Avins, Jones, and McMillan assumed various characters, whilst the lady parts yvere apportioned amongst Mrs. Avins, and the Misses Southall and Sinclair. T h e after piece yvas " Hercules ; or, T i m of Clubs." O n e night in June " Jack " Davies, the journalistic amateur, secured a benefit in returnforhis past gratuitous services, yvhen something approaching a great uproar occurred in consequence of some of the audience hissing Buckingham just as he yvas about to stab Therese in the " Orphan of Geneva." Buckingham turned round, and brandishing his dagger in the face of the enemy threatened to m a k e mince-meat of any number of them. A burly loon in the front ofthe pit declared he would punch Buckingham's head, and the enraged actor solemnly voyved " he yvould leap dagger and all d o w n the other f e h W s throat." T h e pit-man yvas seconded by a companion, who sang o u t — " I have heard of conjurers syvallowing knives afore, but I never ha' seen a cove yet as could put another fellow outside him ; it yvould take two to do that, m y balmy bloke." After m u c h recrimination over the footlights, order yvas restored, but only for a short time. T h e after-piece was " T h e Middy Ashore," in which Boursiquot, the other Press amateur, had a leading part, yvhich he interlarded with some gagging of so grossly an indelicate description, as to occasion m u c h dissatisfaction, and the proceedings yvere brought to a premature close. For his misbehaviour the stewards prohibited Boursiquot from ever again appearing on the boards. There was a very inefficient town band, which cost the theatre ten guineas per week ; and when the season closed it was found that the steyvards yvere £ 2 0 0 out of pocket, though it yvas alleged they had given £ 7 5 for charitable purposes. T h e deficit was supposed to have been caused by the cost offittingsup and providing a wardrobe. Under the circumstances, it would be surprising if the theatre speculation had any other result. Hoyvever, in July the license reneyval for twelve months arrived from Sydney, and an effort yvas made to re-open the theatre upon a paying basis. Buckingham yvas to continue stage manager, and Mr. Richard Capper was appointed mechanist. H e had recently arrived in Melbourne, and was destined to outlive his contemporaries by a Victorian stage connection, during many years. At the period of m y writing this sketch (1883) Mr. Capper has retired to settle down, and enjoys a placid old age in the vicinity of Melbourne. Pie is a m e m b e r of the Old Colonists' Society, the " Father " of the Melbourne stage, and is respected by all w h o have the pleasure of bis acquaintance.[1] T h e theatre yvas to undergo a general overhaul, the stage and pit were to be lowered three feet, and the pit and box entrances yvere to be separated and distinct, promises considerably curtailed by realization. The prices were to be 7s. 6d. boxes, 5s. pit, 3s. gallery, and no half-price. T h e performances as resumed upon the neyv system yvere tolerably well attended, and the newspapers wrote approvingly of the management.
ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION.
" Catching an Heiress " most of us have seen acted at some time, but forcibly abducting an actress remains to be written. A dramatic burlesque of this kind yvas improvised on the evening of Saturday, 3rd September, during the rehearsal of the not inappropriate piece the " W o o d Demon." Miss Sinclair, a lady attache of the theatre, yvas possessed of some personal attractions, of yvhich a Mr. Montague Charles Greaves was terribly smitten. T h e fair one gave the cold shoulder to his addresses, and he determined to have her vi et armis, if necessary, or perish in the attempt. Taking counsel yvith a Mr. William Raymond, a Justice of the Peace, they got together a small but " select party of roughs," and proceeded to besiege the theatre at a time yvhen they yvere assured the lady was there. Getting round to the rear of the building they burst in a door, invaded the sanctity of the green room, and peremptorily demanded that Miss Sinclair should be surrendered to them. Buckingham indignantly refused to be guilty of such unmanliness, and mustering his forces, called upon each
" T o set the teeth, and stretch the nostrils wide, Hold hard the breath, and bend up every spirit T o his full height ;"
And forthwith a brisk hand-to-hand encounter commenced. The theatrical people were in full force, and fought yvell, Davies showing himself a prodigy of valour; and after some smart pummelling the attacking party yvas ejected, and the lady so far preserved. T h e Greavesites then retreated to the Prince Albert Hotel, close by in Swanston Street, where an extensive "liquoring up " ensued, and several recruits yvere obtained ; so the stormers, re-animated by " nobblers," and increased numbers, returned to the field of battle, re-entered, and the hammering re-commenced. T h e garrison had also secured reinforcements, stood bravely to its guns, and bouquets in the shape of black eyes and sanguinary noses were pretty equally distributed. Again the fortune of war favoured the theatricals, and the others were again repulsed, but so roughly that Greaves and Raymond, w h o were the last to turn tail, had to run for it; but in their exit, both coming together upon an old trap door, the fastenings gave way, and the tyvo heroes disappeared into an infernal region, yvhere they were trapped like a pair of rats, when the police appeared and marched them off to the lock-up. Next morning they were charged before the Police Court, but, through some unaccountable leniency, Raymond, the brother magistrate, got off with half-a-crownfine,and a penalty of only 40s. yvas inflicted upon Greaves, who paid rather dearly for his whistle in another yvay, as he was dismissed from a clerkship he held in the Bank of Australasia. Sometime after, Miss Sinclair gave up the stage, and took to selling fancy snuffs and scented cigars, in a small nest of a shop in Collins Street, and it was afteryvards said that she had m a d e a conquest of a rather conceited and superficial swell, connected with one of the Melbourne newspapers. Toyvards the end of the year a Miss Vincent joined the theatre company, and was advertised as a great acquisition ; but the critics did not take kindly to her, and one of them (an Irishman himself) coolly recommended her not only to study, but to accomplish the impossibility of "getting rid of her brogue," which sounded strangely to English ears. This Miss Vincent yvas for some time connected yvith Melbourne theatricials, and, though a mediocrity, yvas a very passable and useful one.
" ENTR'ACTE " AMUSEMENTS.
During almost the yvhole time that this wooden so-called theatre yvas open certain minor performances not in the bills were enacted before the curtain, yvhich provided m u c h more spicy entertainment than the regular programme; and the majority of the playgoers enjoyed such interludes yvith more relish than the legitimate pieces put upon the stage. T h e boxes, or, as they yvere occasionally designated, the " reserved seats " or " dress circle," yvere placed so loyv and contiguous to the pit that their occupants by leaning over and depressing their hands, could " bonnet" those below them, and both male and female pittites yvould be " bonneted " frequently. T h e most consummate blackguards present were generally the three-quarter or yvholly-drunken syvells, yvho reeled in nightly from club or tavern, and so misbehaved by smoking, exploding crackers, or otherwise, that scenes of confusion ensued, often terminating infisticuffs,or the summoning of the police, and the removal of some ofthe offenders. T h o u g h smoking was nominally prohibited, the rule, yvhen not connived at, was openly defied ; and, after all, the old times must not be too severely censured by modern taste in this respect, for such a disgusting practice as the use of tobacco yvas once (presumedly) so prevalent even in the British House of C o m m o n s , that a " standing order " (still unrepealed) was made not simply against smoking, but " that no m e m b e r do take tobacco," from yvhich it m a y be inferred that the narcotic weed was not only smoked, but otherwise " taken " there, whatever the term m a y mean. In England there yvas a period when the pupils attending public schools yvere compelled to smoke as a specific against epidemics, and even at the present day the obnoxious habit of smoking cigars and cigarettes is getting into vogue at public dinners. However, the Pavilion would be at times turned into a smoking saloon, and even yvhen some of the more mannerly persons in the pit yvould take off their hats and place them on thefloor,the bell-topper, cabbage-tree, or pull-over, whichever it was, yvould be utilized as a spittoon for shots expectorated yvith sure aim from the dress circle. If any of the unhatted individuals happened to present a bald pate, the spot yvas regarded as a justifiable target for hitting at short range, and terrible yvould be the indignation with yvhich an unoffending spectator, somewhat sparse in hair, yvould find himself patted on the bald crown-piece yvith something analagous to a molluscous substance " shelled " at him from one of the side boxes. In hot weather or cold the moist application was an unpleasant sensation, and naturally resented. T h e person so "potted " would pull out his handkerchief, wipe his head, jump up, and " rush the batter," whence he would be probably repelled with a black eye or enlarged nose. T h e onslaught yvould on occasions be successful, and backed from others from befoyv, the fortress would be escaladed, and no quarter given or taken. Unless on particular occasions, few or no ladies yvould be in attendance, and seldom an evening passed without a row of some kind. T h e interruptions and insults to yvhich the performing company were subjected, were saturated with unmitigated ruffianism. They yvould be not only hissed and howled at, but pelted yvith oranges, apples, penny pieces, and even yvorse missiles; but, yvith one exception, no injuries were inflicted. During the progress of a part, or the singing of a song, exclamations would break forth of a nature unfit for publication, and the undisguised indelicacy of some of the expressions employed was such as to deprive them of even the slightest pretension to be accepted as equivoque. A s a rule the upper boxes and pit exhibited m u c h more regard for the ordinary decencies of society than the " dress" tier, though the reverse might be expected. Contused faces and eclipsed optics were of weekly, if not nightly, occurrence. Still few complaints were carried to the police office, for the authorities of the house exerted all their influence to " square " the consequences of the skirmishes out of Court, in yvhich they yvere materially helped by the aggressive royvdies, yvho yvere rarely at a loss in finding hush money, or a bank-note sticking plaster, as a sanative for a battered phiz or cut head. T o avoid a future digression, it m a y be convenient to introduce here one of the most grotesquely comical outrages imaginable, attempted on a dark night during the winter of 1843. ^ w a s nothing less than a wild Quixotic ATTEMPT TO CAPSIZE THE THEATRE.
If a band of high or loyv-bred larrikins at the present day not only proposed, but attempted to impede a railway train freighted yvith a pleasure party, it yvould raise a thrill of horror through the community, and no punishment would be deemed sufficiently condign for such an outrage. Yet in intent, at all events, the meditated overturning of a performing theatre is no less heinons. In the attempt noyv recorded the project yvas not only preposterous, but impossible, and the yvhole thing eventuated in a most hair-brained fiasco At the time I a m writing of there yvas a remarkable tenement rearward of the noyv Australian Club House, in William Street, knoyvn as " T h e Crib," and hither invariably wended their yvay certain habitues of the Melbourne Club, when they attained to the stage of inebriety, pugnacity, or mischief-making, yvhich unfitted themforquarters yvhere even the line of licentiousness yvas never too tightly drayvn. O n the evening in question there was the unusual theatrical attraction of a black boy, or servant, brought from Sydney by M r . C. H . Ebden, and this darkey yvas A l at singing a nigger song, or dancing a Yankee breakdoyvn. It yvas thought he yvould drayv a full house, though he did not, in consequence of the yvetness of the weather. About 10 p.m. there sallied forth from " T h e Crib" some dozen young syvells, in the heyday of hot blood, and skin full of more pungent spiritual influences than are to be found patronizing table-rapping seances. They were out on the " ran-tan," determined to signalize the occasion in some remarkable manner. Night-yvatchmen and " bobbies " they had already bobbed about to their hearts' content; door knockers had been abstracted, church bells had chimed, window shutters were removed, and such commonplace exploits found no further favour in their sight. Alexander sighed for a neyv world to conquer, and these night birds hiccuped out a desire for some unprecedented freak to offer, in yvhich they might find some complete change of amusement. They held a council of war by the fence of St. James's Church Reserve, and in aflashof lucky inspiration one of them suggested that to upset the old Pavilion would be "capital fun." T h e proposition yvas received with a hilarious shout of approbation, and instantly nominating a leader they started off on their mad-cap expedition. Approaching the scene of action, they slackened pace, and at the n o w Beehive Corner, settled the plan of campaign. They then separated, and approached stealthily to the theatre, when they got without difficulty through the foundation piles, and yvere placed at their several points of duty by the leader, w h o was to chaunt the heaving s;gnal, in the manner of sailors working aboard ship. T h e "generalissimo" was either a stupid strategist, or, when the wine, or something stronger was in him, the wit yvas out, for instead of posting his m e n all on one side, he distributed them promiscuously betyveen the earth and the theatre flooring, so that when the tug of war came, it was a bootless trial of general strength, for each of the felloyvs practically counteracted what the others did, by virtually working on opposite sides. O f course, it yvas ridiculous to suppose that even yvere they a dozen full-haired Samsons, they could produce any effect; yet they succeeded in causing the superstructure to creak. They tugged, and shouldered, and hove away for some time, in obedience to the loud " yeo-ing " of their skipper, until some of the theatrical people, astonished by the loud intermittent uproar underneath, obtained the services of two or three constables, w h o secured the leader only. A s he yvas, in appearance at all events, a gentleman, and doubtless well-known to them, he yvas spared the indignity of the handcuffs. At the intersection of Collins Street, then known as Cashmore's corner, there yvas a large pool of stagnant water, not sufficiently deep to drown a man, but quite sufficient to half do it. Just as they approached within a short distance of the yvater, the prisoner suddenly and firmly gripped a custodian at the back of the neck with each hand, and shot them both into it and took to his heels. Nothing further yvas heard of the matter, and there was no report of the affair in the Police books of the following day. Probably it was " settled out of Court" by the "squaring " process then so m u c h in fashion. It did not even creep into any ofthe newspapers; and this almost incredible attempt to overthrow the first theatre in Melbourne, is noyv detailed to the yvorld for thefirsttime. I m a y add that m y informant, no less a personage than the " Captain of the G u a r d " himself, is still alive and jolly, and laughs heartily yvhen he recalls to m e m o r y the particulars of his idiotic escapade of over forty years ago. T o resume m y narrative at the point yvhere I broke off, I yvould mention that the Stewards sometimes pretended to suppress smoking. Occasionally they succeeded, but often failed, and got not only roundly abused, but pummelled into the bargain. A notable instance of this kind occurred one night, yvhen Mr. George Gordon Wyse, the second clerk at the Police C o u r t — a self-sufficient, under sized specimen of humanity, refused point blank to conform to an anti-smoking regulation conspicuously posted up, but more honoured in the breach than the observance. In a dress circle seat, yvith his short legs dangling over the heads beloyv, and a huge cigar between his teeth, his jaws worked like a furnace. M r . George Arden, one of the stewards, insisted he should knock off, yvhen the little cloud-propelling Jove, replied by bunging up one of Arden's eyes. T h e constables yvere called in and W y s e yvas removed, braying and kicking like a m a d jackass. . H e yvas also so umvise as to b% very tipsy at the time, and for his gross misconduct Major St. John (the Police Magistrate) sacked him next day. H e soon aftenvards turned up as a Sergeant of Mounted Police, and his change from town to country life turned him into a wiser and better man. In November, Mrs. Arabin, a well-knoyvn colonial stager in Hobart Toyvn and Launceston, joined the motley creyv, yvhich yvas also strengthened by Messrs. Boyd, Winter, and Miller as professionals. T h e establishment shortly after appeared as " T h e Royal Victoria Theatre," yvith more professionals in Messrs. Deering and Mereton, and the latter's wife. This triplet hailed from the Launceston theatre, and there yvas a short run of good " houses." Though Mereton aspirated his H's so shockingly, the wife yvas gifted yvith a "goodfigure,handsome face, and fine clear voice." T o these she added considerable histrionic talent, and played yvell in tragedy and comedy, especially the former. Deering yvas a respectable performer, and though his William, in "Black Eyed Susan" did not c o m e up to expectation, it yvas not quite a failure, whilst his Teddy O'Rourke yvas done to the life. T h e next supposed acquisition to the staff yvas a Mrs. Murray, but her performances were beloyv the expected standard, and she disappeared in consequence of a tiff yvith the manager. Hodges' reverses yvere pressing on him so heavily all this time that by March, 1843, he yvas only too glad to find refuge in the Insolvent Court, and it yvas alleged that there yvas ^ 3 0 0 due as arrears of rent. T h e performances suffered m u c h from the conduct of the amateurs, and on St. Patrick's Eve the company amused themselves by a freefightbehind the scenes, for yvhich some of them yvere bound over to keep the peace at the Police Court. Buckingham at length retired from the stage management, to make way for M r . John Stephen and R. Winter as stage managers, a change of front yvhich could only terminate in disaster. Winter yvas about a yveek in office when he vacated, to be succeeded by Capper. Before the end of March the Amateur Dramatic Association collapsed, and an Amateur Club yvas organized yvith the once yvell-knoyvn Isaac Hind as Secretary, marvellous results being anticipated from the sweep of the neyv broom. Mr. Nesbitt, a tragedian of some repute, arrived from Sydney, in April, and negotiations were attempted with him, but as his tariff yvas ^ 2 0 per night, the management could not afford to have anything to do with so dear an article, and he went over to Launceston. Before the month ended, Buckingham, as "Richard is himself again," had resumed the stage management, and the Amateur Club yvas reported as being in great form. T h e 12th April yvas to witness wonderful things. T h e house had undergone m u c h internal improvement. Every seat and box from the pit to the slips had been washed and brushed. T h e orchestra board was covered with drapery, and the stage overlaid with a green carpet. A grand new chandelier yvas swung from the centre of the roof and more brackets for lights nailed on to the side boardings. T h e first piece yvas " T h e Rich M a n of Frankfort," and the novices so acquitted themselves as to astonish a crowded audience. There were some awkward hitches though, but the after-piece, " W h y Don't She Marry," m a d e up for any shortcomings. T h e Mayor, Alderman, and Councillors were there in official rig-out, and there was the largest attendance yet at any theatre in the colony. T h e Amateur Club continued to give occasional theatrical representations with varying success, and under circumstances which must have rendered their amateuring the reverse of comfortable.
KNOWLES
et Uxor.
In August, Mr. and Mrs. Knowles made a flying visit from Sydney, and an application to the Police Magistrate to give one night's performance was acceded to. Hereupon the few professionals at the Pavilion got jealous, and yvrote to the Bench threatening a prosecution on the score of illegality. T h e favour thus accorded to Knowles yvas not only illegal but unjust; yet, as Major St. John was not the m a n easily to undo anything done by himself, be it right or wrong, the special performance took place on the evening of the 24th, and as this was thefirstoccasion ofthe issue of a professional play-bill in the colony, a copy of it is appended :—• ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE, MELBOURNE. MR. A N D MRS. K N O W L E S
Bet; most respectfully to inform the inhabitants of Melbourne and its vicinity, that they will have the honour to appear before them, for thefirsttime, on
T H U R S D A Y EVENING, 24111 AUGUST, 1843, Being by special permission of M A J O R S T . J O H N , and the Worshipful the Bench of Magistrates, sanctioned by
HIS H O N O R T H E SUPERINTENDENT. The performance will commence yvith a drama of great interest, never before acted here, called
M O N S I E U R JACQUES; OK, F A T H E R A N D D A U G H T E R . Monsieur Jacques -
- M R . KNOWLES.
Nina
-
-
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MRS. KNoyvLES.
With the popular song
" O F T IN T H E STILLY NIGHT," And a song incidental to the piece, " A NOBLE'S D A U G H T E R L O V E D TO MADNESS," accompanied
on the Pianoforte by M R . KNOWLES. In the course of the evening, the popular song, " Tell Me my Heart," by
MRS. K N O W L E S . T o conclude with a comedy in two acts, entitled
NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS. Admiral Kingston
Miss Mortimer
.
-
.
-
.
-
M R . KNOWLES.
-
MRS. KNoyvLES.
With the song of " T h e Banks of the Blue Moselle." Doors open at Seven o'clock, and the curtain will rise at Half-past Seven precisely. Mr. Knowles has m a d e every arrangement for the preservation of order, and the stage management will be under his direction. Families arc respectfully informed that the performances will be over at Eleven o'clock, and to secure places early application and attendance yvill be necessary. Boxes, 5s. ; Upper Boxes, 3s. ; Pit, 2s.
There was a thronged gathering, and the performance was much superior to anything previously attempted. M r . and Mrs. Knowles appeared to m u c h advantage and with m u c h effect, whilst the songs yvere very efficiently rendered, Knowles himself playing the piano accompaniment. Their second appearance was in " Othello," on the 4th September, supported by Capper, Winter, Boyd and Mrs. Arabin. Knowles performed the part of the Moor, and Desdemona found a suitable representative in Mrs. Knowles ; with Boyd as Lago and Mrs. Arabin Emilia. Knowles' impersonation was a masterly one ; but Desdemona did not seem a part in which it was Mrs. Knowles' specialty to excel, as her forte appeared to be in lighter and more lively character. Boyd is said to have " looked " but did not " play " the villain yvell. Capper and Perrin as Brabantio and Gratiano yvere " below mediocrity," and it is printed of Hoyvard as Roderigo that " as usual he made an ass of himself, and ought to be smothered if he ever attempted to appear on the stage again." At the conclusion of the tragedy, Mr. Phil Burgin, a Collins Street confectioner, gave a comic song; and in the after-piece of " W h y Don't she Marry," Mrs. Knowles, as Liselte, "enchanted the audience," and Winter by his abundant drollery as Natz Teils, astonished the Melbournians. Shylock and a few other favourites were presented at brief intervals, and the Knowles' regime held out hopes of a better time to come. Meanyvhile Buckingham, disgusted yvith the turn of the theatrical wheel, started on a playing venture to Geelong, where, by the aid of a Miss Horton, he had arranged for a grand commencement. But on the evening of the entertainment, when everybody else was in readiness, there yvas no Miss Horton. It was decided to go on yvithout her, and in the middle of one of the scenes there yvas a general smash amongst the audience, by the giving yvay of the seats of the building or barn. Such yvas the confusion ensuing, that the performance could not be resumed, and Buckingham cut away at "cock-crow" next morning. Several neyv arrivals were reported from Sydney, but their terms were too high to admit of Knoyvles securing their services. One of them yvas a Mr. Lee, yvith a yvonderful self-educated animal, knoyvn as "the dog of Montargis," and, though he yvas offered ^ 1 0 for himself and his dog for one night, he refused to work under ,£20. Then there was a Mr. with a Mrs. O'Flaherty, the lady being the acquisition; but her hire was either £10 for one or ^ 2 0 for three nights; and, as Knowles could not afford such afigure,the O'Flahertys took to abusing him in the neyvspapers, and then took themselves ayvay. N o w began a short and sharp struggle between Knowles and Buckingham for the mastery of the Pavilion. Public opinion inclined towards Knoyvles, in consequence of the improvements he had introduced, and on Buckingham applying to the Police Court to recommend the issue of a license to him> he yvas refused. Knowles had better fortune, for he obtained a tyvo months' license in his own name, and the wooden shed was noyv " T h e Victoria Theatre." It was opened on the 18th December yvith a loud trumpeting, and the sensational piece, entitled " The Bandit Host, or The Lone Hut of the Swamp," folloyved by tyvo farces, viz., "The Rival Pages " and " The Happy Man." The re-commencement was but tolerably successful. The performances yvere now given three nights in the week, and by all accounts Knoyvles must have dropped upon anything but " Merrie Christmas" times of it. O n the last Tuesday in December there was an excellent attendance, and the piece on was the petite comedy of " The T w o Queens, or Policy and Stratagem." It was founded on an incident of Danish History, and had not much to commend it; yet even this little yvas damned by the inefficiency of the performers, owing probably to the residuum of the Christmas festivities being acted upon by the hot weather. One felloyv made at his neighbour, and, butting him like a ram in the "bread-basket," sent him spinning backwards amongst the musicians ; and, to add to the confusion, the prompter had either lost his head or taken something that was not good for him, for he joined in the mH'ce. A musical melange folloyved, which in some degree restored good humour. Mr. Knowles sang the " Death of Nelson," and Mrs. Murray folloyved yvith " O h ! What a Joyous Day."
BATTERS, THE TINKER.
On the evening of the 25th May, a tragedy in real life was very near being enacted on the stage. The piece was " Guilderoy," and a huge turbulent tinker, named Batters, yvho kept a small tin shop in Collins Street, yvas cast for the character of Hardheart, the gaoler, Boyd playing Guilderoy. W h e n the gaoler detects Guilderoy rescuing Logan, the prisoner, Guilderoy is supposed to discharge a pistol at him, and this he did ; but there was a miss-fire. Irritated by the baulk, Boyd dreyv his dagger and stabbed Batters in the right breast, yvhen the gaoler advanced staggering a feyv steps as if in his role, and then dropped weltering in his blood upon the stage; thus acting not only to the life, but almost to the death. The utmost excitement ensued, the curtain was hastily let doyvn and the orchestra struck up quite a lively tune. Dr. Cussen yvas quickly in attendance, and an examination of the wounded m a n found that the yveapon had penetrated about three inches. H e was removed to his home in great agony, and his part was read during the remainder of the performance. The life was tough in Batters, who soon recovered, and yvas able to folloyv his joint avocation-of tin battering and stage ranting, until shoved aside by his betters.
CAPPER'S P'IRST BENEFIT.
Capper, about the most useful and indefatigable actor on the early Melbourne boards, having given his services gratuitously for three months, yvas thought to be entitled to a benefit, yvhich yvas fixed for the inth June, and Capper resolved to make as big a thing as he could out of such small room. A real tragedy yvas to be for thefirsttime attempted in the again dubbed " Theatre Royal," and the occasion yvas to be under the extensive patronage of " the District electors and the citizens of Melbourne." The piece selected was "The Revenge," infiveacts, to be folloyved by the celebrated song and chorus from the drama of "Jack Sheppard," " Nix m y Dolly Pals Fake Ayvay," and " Buy a Broom " (in character), by Mrs. Arabin and Mr. Winter. T h e yvhole to conclude yvith "the yvell knoyvn and truly laughable farce, 'The Mayor of Garrat.'" T h e public endorsed the compliment by a croyvded attendance, and, pecuniarily, Capper had no reason to complain. T h e orchestra boasted "a full and complete band of musicians," and one of the allurements was thefirstappearance of Mr. Beverly Suttor, " the Australian poet, from the Theatre Royal, Parramatta." T h e tragedy proceeded in a barely passable manner, but on its conclusion, the police rushed in, ordered the people to turn out, and the house to be shut up, a mandate yvhich had to be obeyed, as that was the day of thefirstLegislative Election for Melbourne, and there yvas rioting in several quarters of the town in consequence of the defeat of the popular candidate.
STORMING THE DRESS CIRCLE.
On the 29th Tanuary, 1844, there yvas a heap of mishaps, yvhich must have tried the Knowles' temperament over-much. Firstly, Batters, the bellowing tinker, yvas cast for an important part in the opening piece, but yvas not up to time, so they had to get on yvithout him. Next, there yvere several visitors in the boxes whose desire for fun became so uncontrollable that they indulged it by "bonneting" those below them in the pit. This bye-play yvas suddenly interrupted by the sharp-ringing twang of a Caledonian voice giving a comment upon the performance. T h e offending tongue belonged to Mr. Peter Young, a stalwart Scotch publican from the country, yvho had been holiday-making in town. H e and Mr. William Kerr yvere together in one of the boxes, and adjourned for refreshment. Young returned without his companion, and from glorious soon became uproarious. Mr. Knowles stepped forward and remonstrated with the noisy commentator, but to no effect, when Mrs. Knoyvles gave him a talking to ; but he only laughed and jeered at such a curtain lecture. Young insisted upon his right of freedom of speech, and was backed up by other jovial spirits nearly as well " on " as himself. T h e police were sent for, and it was resolved to rush the dress circle—a " forlorn hope," in which Mrs. Knowles gallantly volunteered to serve. The assault was accordingly made, but the rampart was so manfully defended, that it was found impossible to eject the disturbers, and a treaty of peace was ratified, the only condition being that Young and his youngsters should behave themselves. This stipulation was faithfully observed; but the evening's harmony was not of long continuance for soon after an amateur and a professional disgusted the company with two songs, "replete with indelicate allusions of the most broad description." This contretemps led to another storm of uproar, and taken as a whole, the occasion is described as "a series of the most unedifying scenes." Knowles still held o n - n o sooner out of one difficulty than into another-keeping together a very nondescript company until April, when there was a general strike through non-payment of salaries-for, in theatrical parlance " T h e Ghost did not walk,"occasionally on the Melbourne boards, then, as well as since. Bills were posted through the town denouncing the manager, and the company furthermore presented a memorial to the Police Court praying that Knowles might be compelled to allow benefits all round as a m o d e of mutual recoupment. Mr. William Hull, J.P., declined to interfere in what appeared to him purely a question of private dispute, declaring there yvas no precedent for magisterial interposition in the manner asked for Such a thing, he said, was unknown at H o m e as a Macready or a Kemble, in the event of a difference yvith a theatrical manager,flyingto Boyv Street for redress. T h e strikers averred that they yvould never strike under until they heard the footsteps of the " Ghost," and threatened to start semi-weekly theatricals in the long room of the Adelphi Hotel in Little Flinders Street. With reference to the dual ability of the pair of Knowleses, one of the newspapers expressed the opinion " that the Knowleses could go on quite as yvell yvithout the other performers as they did with them."
DEATH OF KNOWLES.
The worry and trouble, financial and otheryvise, proved too much for the unfortunate Knoyvles, who was stricken doyvn by a sickness from which he did not recover, and his death on the 19th June, 1844, yvas signified in the following obituary notice in the public journals :—" Died on Sunday evening last, after a short but severe illness, Conrad Knoyvles, Esq., son of the Rev. John Knowles, Wesleyan Minister." As the deceased yvas thefirstactor of established reputation yvho cast in his lot yvith the fortunes of the first theatre opened in Melbourne, and m a y be said to have sacrificed himself for the Pavilion, a few particulars about him will not, it is hoped, be deemed uninteresting:—In 1831 Knoyvles arrived as one of the first batch of immigrants at Syvan River, yvhere he endeavoured to find some literary employment, but failed. Unfriended, and with a very light purse, he m a d e his yvay to V a n Diemen's Land, and, as he was almost reduced to his last penny, he obtained the appointment of assistant teacher in one of the leading schools of the island. For this he yvas eminently qualified, as he yvas competent to give lessons in Greek, Latin, French, and Drayving. S o m e young lady pupils attended one of the scholastic establishments, and a someyvhat romantic attachment sprang up between one of them and the young usher, intelligence of yvhich soon reaching the ears of the girl's parents, they withdreyv their daughter, and her lover yvas sent about his business. Proceeding to Sydney, he arrived there just as a Mr. Barnett Levy, a theatrical entrepreneur, was beating up recruits, and Knoyvles having procured an introduction to him, his engagement folloyved. Having some Wesleyan connexions in N e w South Wales, Knoyvles' intended adoption of the stage as a profession was heard by them yvith m u c h repugnance, and it yvas likely he would forfeit their friendship in consequence. For some time he yvas in a state of indecision, attending rehearsals by day, and joining prayer meetings in the evening. But at length the spirit moved him to cut the Methodistical painter, and he "crossed the Rubicon" by afirstappearance. T o the stage he thenceforward devoted himself, and contributed m u c h in advancing the interests of his neyv calling in Sydney. H e became a favourite with the play-going public, was an actor of considerable merit, and had a deal of the gentleman in him. Universal sympathy yvas felt for his widoyv in her desolate bereavement, and she received the solatium of a bumper benefit. Knowles was hardly cold in his grave when his death yvas the signal-note for an influx of play people from Launceston, and amongst them were Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, Mrs. Grove, with Messrs. Searle and Watson. Mrs. Cameron had been for years in " leading business " on the Sydney stage, and Mrs. Grove and Mrs. Cameron were possessed of a moderate share of ability. Rival applications for a half-year's license yvere m a d e by Cameron and Mrs. Knoyvles, and by a private arrangement the privilege yvas granted to Cameron. T h e neyv management gave itsfirstperformance on 9th July, yvith " T h e Stranger." Mrs. Cameron's Mrs. Holier was a creditable rendering of the character; but Searle yvas said to have made Peter too m u c h of a buffoon. Mrs. Grove's Charlotte lacked animation, and Mrs. Murray's Countess was not what it should have been. Cameron's Stranger was at times strangely at fault. During the last act some of the spectators began to hiss and call for Mrs. Knowles. T h e disorder continuing, Cameron vehemently protested against such unseemly interruptions, and the drunken rowdies were finally compelled to succumb. T h e second performance was "Jane Shore," yvhen the Camerons did not do so yvell as on the preceding occasion, but the lady yvas suffering from a severe cold. T h e farce was " T h e Valet de Sham," and though the condition of the streets m a d e a visit to the theatre a comfortless and perilous excursion, there were a good many persons present. Cameron next issued a notice announcing the temporary closing of the Theatre Royal for repair, and large promises were m a d e for the future. Rules were to be adopted for the maintenance of peace, order, and regularity. Smoking, hitherto an abomination, yvas to be boldly grappled with and killed. " It was not to be tolerated for an instant, on any account, in any part of the house." T h e new season commenced on ist August, with tri-weekly performances, and there were perceptible evidences of improvements. For a month matters went smoothly and payingly, until the evening of the 2nd September, when there was a " burst up," compared with which anything that had previously happened was a mere bagatelle. BREAKING UP A PERFORMANCE.
For a week beforehand every dead fence and hoarding in town yvas plastered with large typicallydisplayed placards announcing as in preparation " T h e Grand Dramatic Drama, ' T h e Jeyvess, or T h e Council of Constance ;' " and the synopsis indicated as one of the stage incidents " A splendid procession of the Cardinals to celebrate High Mass." This gave much offence to a number of R o m a n Catholics, w h o looked upon it as a caricature of one of the most imposingly solemn ceremonies of their religious faith, and it yvas surmised that the manager had got it up to pander to the malignant fanaticism of an Orange Lodge then in full blast. It yvas therefore determined to attend the theatre and suppress the performance. T h e Irish brigade m a d e due preparations for the occasion. Shillelaghs yvere eschewed as unfit for fighting against actors on the stage ; but a "firingparty " yvas told off, and supplied yvith a very original sort of ammunition, which had accumulated in the tills of some of the Irish publicans. This yvas a heavy oldfashioned penny-piece of the reign of one of the Georges—a coin then in currency, but now obsolete—a nasty projectile when yvell throyvn ; and such yvas the poyvder and ball relied upon to punish yvhat yvas regarded as little less than a " Cameronian sacrilege." Sharpshooters, yvith pocketsfilledyvith the coppers, mingled yvith the main body, and proceeded to the theatre, yvhich, by the-bye, yvas crammed. T h efirstact passed without interruption; but yvhen, in the second, the curtain yvas drawn up and revealed the stage decorated and lighted for the celebration of the Jeyvish Passover, a burst of disapprobation broke forth, and threatening demonstrations yvere made. T h e whole place was a chaos of shouting, yelling, and execrating, in the midst of yvhich Cameron appeared, and with m u c h difficulty obtained a hearing. H e declared " that, having had warning of what was to happen, he had taken the precaution of procuring from the Mayor the protection of some Police Constables, w h o yvere in attendance, and ready to apprehend any disturbers. A s for the piece, it should and yvould go on." Such defiance only added fuel to thefire.A large proportion of the spectators laboured under intense excitement, and yvere in a state of extreme tumult. T h e new game of " pitch-and-toss" commenced from the gallery, and the performers yvere almost dumbfounded by the metallic fusillade poured in upon them. T h e penny-pieces w-ere hurled from all points, and one fellow had the top of his nose battered. Others forgot their role, to duck and dodge theflyingmintage ; whilst a couple of supers, more cool and cunning than their felloyvs—reversing the proverb—made hay in the reverse of sunshine by picking up and pocketing the spent pennies. O n e of theflatbullets hit Cameron on the cheek, leaving a crescent imprint. All this time the performance yvas going on, but it was only a pantomime of a very incomplete kind, for not a syllable could be heard. Cameron a second time managed to get a hearing, and in a stentorian voice inquired "what yvas yvanted," yvhen thundering yells howled forth, " Change the piece." Cameron replied " that it was now impossible for him to do so, and that he had not the remotest notion of insulting any religious denomination." H e declared that the piece had been performed yvithout the least objection or obstruction in England, Ireland, Scotland, and in the colonial theatres. T h e performance was then resumed, and so was the roaring and groaning accompaniment, diversified at intervals with penny episodes. In the banquet scene occurred the most discreditable "scene " of a most discreditable evening. Mrs. Knowles came forward to sing, yvhen some scoundrel flung a blackfellow's waddy at her, striking her (lightly) on the leg, and she was so terrified that she had to retire. Cameron was by this time infuriated. H e rushed out and yellingly offered £5 reward to any person w h o could point out the waddy slinger, but was responded to by peals of derisive laughter. T h e Mayor (Condell), yvho was sitting in one of the boxes, yvas called upon by Cameron several times to read the Riot Act but he as often declined to do so. A s for the handful of constables in the house, they were utterly poyv'erless T h e performance was at length brought to a premature close, and, though the assemblage dispersed without any outside breach of the peace, much ill-feeling yvas generated by an event which Cameron should not have initiated, nor the audience resented in the manner described. A further mistake was m a d e by Cameron next day, who, instead of allowing the angry passions of the preceding night to be cooled by time, rekindled them by taking out summonses against some of the ringleaders, identifiable by the police, and the next performance came off in the Police Court on the 5th, yvhere Michael McNamara Michael M'Colla, Michael Broyvn, Timothy Lane, David Barry, John Hassett, John and T h o m a s Connelly appeared to answer a charge of riotously and tumultuously creating a disturbance in the theatre, and damaging thefittingsthereof. Mr. Sidney Stephen, a barrister, conducted the defence. There yvas much discrepancy of evidence as to yvhether there was an altar, a crucifix, or a chalice on the stage. The yvaddy throyvn at Mrs. Knowles could not be identified. After a lengthy investigation the Bench were of opinion that the disturbance had been caused by the production of an objectionable piece in reference to a particular faith, and dismissed the case, advising Cameron at the same time to change it. Cameron disclaimed any intention to give offence, and assured the Magistrates that the piece had been licensed by the Lord Chamberlain. It was stated in Court that yvhen it was brought out in Dublin a riot took place, the Lord Lieutenant's carriage was nearly destroyed, and an attempt yvas m a d e to burn the theatre. Cameron m a d e a great mistake in rendering himself unpopular yvith an influential section of the community. T h e theatre yvas continued, but prosperity did not shine upon it. Cameron seemed to have lost heart, and the concern drifted into mis-management. S o m e of the performers appeared in a state of intoxication, and one evening the entertainment could not go on because the leader ofthe band refused to enter the orchestra as he had not been paid his salary. Soon after, on the occasion of a benefit to Mrs. Cameron, an actress is declared to have been " so confoundedly drunk as to tumble head over heels from the stage into the double bass in the orchestra." Extraordinary acrobatic feats have often been described, but it is questionable if any such improbability as the peculiar somersault indicated was ever executed by lady or gentleman, drunk or sober. Towards the close ofthe year 1844 the Pavilion found itself in Chancery. Hodges had previously come to grief through pecuniary difficulties. H e had sequestrated his estate, such as it yvas, for the benefit of his creditors, and his trustees filed a bill against Jamieson, asking for accounts for some ^"1500. A n injunction yvas also applied for to restrain Jamieson or his servants from receiving rents or profits, or continuing in possession of the premises. T h e cause yvas duly heard in the Supreme Court, and Mr. Robert W . Shadforth (Judge's Associate) yvas appointed Receiver. O n demanding possession, this officer yvas treated so unceremoniously by Jamieson, that the Judge had some notion of issuing an attachment, but Jamieson very discreetly " threyv up the sponge." H o w m u c h Cameron paid or the other received, yvhether nothing, little or much, is one of the lost secrets of local history never likely to be found. Cameron still kept on in a precarious state of professional existence until the commencement of 1845, when he applied for a renewal of the license. Winter m a d e a similar application, but the Police Court decided in favour of Cameron, though it was publicly stated that his management had been characterized by the grossest irregularities, misconduct and intoxication behind the scenes. After being shut up for some time the place was re-opened, and Nesbitt arriving from Sydney, m a d e his appearance on the 24th February. Others besides the Camerons, Hodges, and Jamiesons had reason to regret their connection with the ill-fated speculation, and amongst them was an unfortunate stage manager named Charles Lee. The worries of the establishment upon this poor sinner knocked him u p ; his wife yvas completely driven out of her senses, and died a lunatic in the gaol. Still the Pavilion struggled on for existence, a miserable, discreditable hang-dog life, and Cameron played ayvay in a reckless desultory manner, the performances becoming so low as to be beneath criticism. Nesbitt, however, got up a flicker n o w and then, when his appearance in "Othello," "Richard IIP," and "Sir Edward Mortimer," gave some enjoyment to the play-goers, but the end was not far off. O n St. Patrick's night, 1845, there were tolerable representations of the "Mountaineer," and " T h e Unfinished Gentleman," yvhen the clever amateur Davies m a d e a great hit as Jem Miller. O n e evening shortly after there yvas great fun, and something near a murder amongst the " gods " in the gallery. A Mr. Charles Henry Seymour Wentworth, a broken-down swell, known about town as " T h e Doctor," treated a w o m a n , said to be his wife, to an outing, and he took her up to "Olympus." Both were in a very forward state of beer, and in the midst of the play a commingled shouting and screaming completely drowned the mimicry on the stage. " T h e Doctor" and his lady got up a very pretty quarrel on their o w n account, and the surrounding " gods" took good care not to over-exert themselves as peacemakers. Wentworth set to thrashing the fair one, and she nailed him, like a wild cat, about the throat. H e yvas half choked, and to ward off death by asphyxia had her up on the parapet in the act of pitching her over into the pit, yvhen he was pounced upon by Chief-Constable Sugden, and the pair were cooled by a night's sojourn in the watch-house. They were charged with vagrancy before the Court next morning, when Wentworth by his eloquence convinced the Magistrates that he yvas possessed of " lawful and visible means of support as a commission agent," and the prisoners were discharged with a caution. T h e 24th of April, 1845, beheld the last ofthe Pavilion as a theatre, and "the Ghost" walked there never more. Several subsequent attempts yvere m a d e to obtain a license, but to no purpose. T h e n a m e undenvent a further change, for the place yvas styled the " Canterbury Hall," where low class concerts, and an occasional pulpit meeting yvere held; but its d o o m yvas sealed, and in a short time it yvas pulled down, and Bourke Street knew it not again.
THE QUEEN STREET THEATRE.
But though, to all intents and purposes, the existence of " The Pavilion " was an unmitigated evil, it established a belief that a theatre conducted yvith some claim to respectability, and sustained by even moderate ability, would obtain a remunerating ratio of encouragement. Indeed as early as the n t h May, .1843,1 find M r . John T h o m a s Smith, then the landlord of the Adelphi Hotel, in Little Flinders Street, turning his attention to theatrical speculations. O n the 20th M a y he m a d e formal application to the Melbourne Court of Petty Sessions for a certificate recommending the issue of a theatrical license to him, guaranteeing to have a building erected within four months, the materials to be of stone and brick, 40 feet by 75 feet, and capable of holding 800 persons. T h e application yvas granted ; but the question yvas hung up for some time, and it was not until the autumn of 1844 that M r . Smith really set to yvork. T h e site selected for the edifice yvas a block of land at the south-yvest corner of Queen and Little Bourke Streets. Plans and specifications were prepared, and as the projector yvas in no want of cash, he decided upon annexing an hotel to the playhouse, a double speculation yvhich he counted upon reimbursing him amply for yvhat yvas then a considerable outlay. O n the corner house being completed, it yvas called the St. John's Tavern—an intended compliment to Freemasonry—was licensed and opened without delay. In the beginning of 1845 the neyv theatre yvas drawing to afinish,and yvould be ready to open on the coming 25th March, thefirstday of the races. Smith (having experienced no difficulty in procuring a renewal of the necessary authorization) had already opened negotiations with Mrs. Griffiths, an actress of some character in Sydney, and with the Coppins (Mr. and Mrs.) then said to be "starring" at Launceston. T h e theatre was a plain, substantial, brick, shingle-roofed building, with no attempt at exterior architectural ornamentation, and would hold about twelve hundred persons. T h e Race Day, however, came and the races were run, yet the theatre did not unclose its doors to the public until the evening ofthe 21st April; and then by yvay of a " benefit" to Mr. John Davies, the hybrid newspaper writer and amateur actor, w h o had a ready wit and sharp handforany chance in the money-making line. This individual prevailed on Smith to allow him the use ofthe theatre on this very special occasion, and as Davies was yvhat might be truthfully termed a champion " blower," the coming demonstration was heralded with the loudest typographicalflourishings,from the glaring poster m the streets to the prodigiously-displayed advertisement, and the most inflated puffing in the Melbourne journals. As this was thefirstregular theatre in the town, and as by its subsequent management, travelling over a series of years it succeeded, to a certain extent, in dramatically educating the public, the republication at this distance of time of itsfirstplay-bill m a y not be devoid of historical interest. Here then is the highly
flavoured pronunciamento issued by Davies, which shows how well and gushingly he knew h o w to angle for public favour:— QUEEN'S THEATRE ROYAL.
The Gentry of Melbourne, its vicinity, and the Public generally, are respectfully informed, that
THE OPENING NIGHT of that SPLENDID EDIFICE,
THE QUEEN'S THEATRE ROYAL,
Is Fixed for
MONDAY NEXT, APRIL 21, 1845,
(By Desire),
And Under the Patronage of His Worship the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Town Councillors of Melbourne.
MR. DAVIES
Has the honour to announce that, through the liberality of Mr. Councillor Smith, who has generously granted him the use of
His Magnificent Theatre
TO TAKE A BENEFIT,
Arrangements have been made to Open the Theatre on a Scale of Splendour not to be Surpassed in the Colonies.
In soliciting the patronage of the gentry and public of Melbourne, Mr. Davies begs to assure them that the entertainments
selected are of so chaste and moral a nature, that he is led to believe
THE BOXES
On this occasion will be graced by the presence of all the ladies of Melbourne, and in order to ensure the evening's performance
going off with éclat, he has secured the services of the following efficient corps dramatique:—
Mrs. Knowles, Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Avins, and Miss Vincent; MR. NESBITT, Mr. Davies, Mr. Batters, Mr. Lee,
Mr. Boyd, Mr. Miller, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Searle, Mr. Capper, Mr. C. Boyd, Mr. Cochrane, etc., etc., etc.
The whole under the direction of Mr. Nesbitt.
Several regulations for the good management of the theatre have been established, and six special constables will be in
attendance to enforce the same, the particulars of which will appear in the bills of the day.
Previous to the commencement of the drama will be sung the National Anthem of
"GOD SAVE THE QUEEN."
ON MONDAY EVENING, 21ST APRIL,
Will be presented, with new music, scenery, dresses and decorations, a Drama of intense interest, entitled the
BEAR HUNTERS, OR THE FATAL RAVINE.
Caribert ... Mr. NESBITT.
(As performed by him at the Theatre Royal, Liverpool, and Glasgow and Sydney Theatres)
After which
Billy Barlow ... Mr. LEE Song "Tell me, my Heart" ... Mrs. KNOWLES
Irish Comic Song ... Mr. BOYD Dance "I and my Double" ... Mr. JACOBS
The evening's performance will conclude with the admired Nautical Drama called
"BLACK-EYED SUSAN."
William ... Mr. NESBITT
(As performed by him at the Theatre Royal, Liverpool).
ACT II.-Song-" Black-eyed Susan," by Mrs KNOWLES.
Doors open at half-past six, and the performance will commence at seven o'clock precisely.
Dress Circle, 5s.; half-price, 3s. Upper Boxes, 4s.; half-price, 2s. Pit, 3s. ; half-price, 1s. 6d.
Half-price at Nine o'clock.
Boxes may be secured, and tickets obtained at the theatre, from ten to four daily.
Tickets to be had at the following places:— Pullar's Stationery Warehouse, Collins Street; The Royal Hotel; The Commercial
Inn; Yarra Steam Packet Hotel; Mr. M'Namara, Queen Street; and from Mr. Davies.
MR. NESBITT, Manager. MR. CAPPER, Mechanist.
Vivat Regina.
No preparations were spared to produce a "stunning" effect at this début of the so-much-talked-of new theatre. The interior arrangements were of the rough-and-ready style, but not uncomfortable. The decorating was altogether overdone, and all sense of anything approaching to correct taste was marred by a profusion of loud, vulgar finery, outré in design and crude in execution. The proscenium was an elliptical arch, supported on pilasters, and surmounted by the Royal Arms, whilst there was a grotesque attempt to construct niches, out of which leered figures said to represent Æschylus, Euripides, and a couple of unrecognizable magnates of reputed mythological antecedents.
"Jack Davies," though never popular, was a bustling, pushing individual, and when embarked in any worldly undertaking where ability failed, indomitable "cheek" struck in and pushed him through. In "running" a benefit for himself, it would not be easy to find his equal. Very little could be said in praise of the performance, but the patronizing public were, or affected to be, well pleased with what they got for their money, and as the bénéficiaire was sure to pocket the lion's share of it, there could be little doubt of his being pleased too.
The first performance under the direct auspices of the proprietor was on the 1st May, 1845, and Smith in the advertisement notifies "that, having completed arrangements for the opening of
The New Theatre Royal,
He has the honour of announcing to the patrons of the drama, the public generally of Melbourne and vicinity, that he has secured all the available talent in the Province, and is in communication with the neighbouring colonies for the purpose of adding to the strength of his company." The prices were—Dress circle, 5s., half-price, 3s.; upper circle, 4s., half-price, 2s.; pit, 2s. 6d., half-price, 1s. 6d.; and gallery, 1s. 6d., with no half-price. The bills were subscribed "Mr. Smith, proprietor; Mr. Nesbitt, stage manager; Mr. Capper, mechanist." There was a capital attendance on the opening evening, and Nesbitt delivered an introductory address befitting the momentous occasion. He was well received, and this "preliminary canter" of his elocutionary powers brought down the house. The principal joint in the bill of fare was the "Honeymoon," Nesbitt playing the Duke of Aranza. The interlude consisted of two songs, viz., "An Admired One," by Mrs. Knowles, and a comic song by Mr. Miller, with, as an afterpiece, the laughable farce of "The Unfinished Gentleman." I have not been able to meet with any critique upon those early performances, but as the people who attended were the reverse of exacting, the novelty of the thing itself went a great way towards satisfying them, so that a limited quantum of ability, served up with some degree of propriety, did the rest. Smith's first regular company consisted of Mesdames Knowles, Cameron, Boyd, and Adams, with Messrs. Nesbitt, Capper, Boyd, Cameron, Lee, Cochrane, Miller, Jacobs, C. Boyd, Jones, and Smith. Mr. John Thomas Smith had now his new venture floated, but "fair winds and blowing fresh Apollo did not send. On the contrary, some of the Dii Majores seemed adverse. As with other and greater men, the elements were unpropitious, and "Jupiter Pluvius" turned on one of his mains, so as to deter only the most ardent playgoers from an after-dark visit to Queen Street, in those times not the most inviting of promenades, sloppy and unlighted, except by a here-and-there groggery lamp, little better than a guttering dip, showing a blear-eyed speck of what could hardly, by the extremest stretch of politeness, be termed a light. The theatre was opened, but poorly attended, two nights in the week (Mondays and Thursdays), with "Richard III.," "The Honeymoon," and "Catching a Tartar," and all the attractive accessories possible, whilst Nesbitt, an actor of sterling merit, made almost superhuman efforts against formidable obstacles-very inefficient professional support not amongst the least. When matters are at the worst they generally mend, and so it was with the new theatre. The rainy season for the time passed by, fine weather supervened, the house began to fill, the performances to improve, and a general brightening up followed.
- ↑ In referring to Mr. Richard Capper, one of our earliest players (since dead in 1884), I pronounced him in 1883 to be the living "Father" of the Victorian stage. I was then unaware that there was a "second (and the rightful) Richard in the field; and the following professional record of this individual will not be uninteresttng:— "In 1830 Mr. Richard Winter commenced his professional career by joining a suburban London Company, to play low comedy for sixteen shillings per week. This he regarded as a step in life, which would ultimately land him on the boards of Covent Garden or Drury Lane. But his castle-building mania was considerably cooled by the fact that after six weeks' work, certain treasury complications intervened, through which, instead of pocketing £4 16s, he fingered only 1s. In other minor engagements he had more success, and in 1883 wound up a six months' spell at the Pavilion Theatre, London as Carlitz in 'Love in Humble Life.' He then signed a more important compact—a hymeneal contract,—emigrated and arrived in Sydney, anno 1834, where he made his colonial debut at the Theatre Royal, George Street, in the part of John Lump in the 'Review.' He saw the close of this place of amusement, and passing over to the Victoria, performed for the first season there, and then, joining a partial rush that set in for Port Phillip, arrived at Melbourne in January, 1841. He formed one of the first Company of the first Theatre opened westward of the Bull and Mouth Hotel, Bourke Street, his first appearance being as Wormwood in the 'Lottery Ticket.' Remaining there until the establishment shut up he accepted an engagement from the then well-known Mrs. Clarke, of Hobart Town, whose theatre he continued until business got very quiet, when he returned to Melbourne, and was employed at Smith's Queen Street Theatre, after Coppin had severed his first connection with it. The gold discoveries of 1851-2 induced him to think that he could do much better in other pursuits, and he acted accordingly, his only appearance since being in 1858, for the benefit of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows, when he closed as he opened in Melbourne, by representing the character of Wormwood. In June, 1883, he figured as one of the two principal personages in that rarely enacted trifle of domestic Comedy known as the "Celebration of a Golden Wedding." I met him just prior to his death in 1885, and his reply to a friendly inquiry was, 'Quite well, thank you. Right as a trivet; but at my age one must sometimes think of the time when the prompter's bell will ring, the curtain will fall, and then—the secret.