A Programme for the reopening production of 'The Marriages of Mayfair' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the Autumn of 1908. (original) (raw)

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

History Is Made Again

An extract from 'Theatre Royal Drury Lane - The Biography of the Greatest Theatre in the World' By W. Macqueen Pope 1951

FIRE, which had devastated Drury Lane on two previous occasions, assailed it again in 1908, but this time it was confined to the back stage premises. Although the damage was thus localised, it was sufficient to keep the theatre closed until the autumn drama, which was " The Marriages of Mayfair."

"The Marriages of Mayfair" was sensational. Lyn Harding, again the Lane Villain, plotted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. In a scene depicting the Tower, the Ceremony of the Keys was reproduced with absolute fidelity.

Right - The Programme for the reopening production of 'The Marriages of Mayfair' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the Autumn of 1908.

Later in the play, Harding, to make his escape from pursuing justice, had to ride a horse over an Alpine pass and be overtaken and swept to death by an avalanche. This was a scene after Collins' own heart. He let himself go. So realistic was the avalanche that one night the poor horse was indeed killed and Harding had a narrow escape.

Actually, he used to ride the horse up the slope, make an unseen getaway into the flies, whilst a specially engaged acrobat did the extremely thrilling death fall over the precipice in his place.

The above text (edited) is from 'Theatre Royal Drury Lane - The Biography of the Greatest Theatre in the World' By W. Macqueen Pope 1951. In the original text the play's name is printed as The Marriage of Mayfair when it should have been 'The Marriages of Mayfair'.

Above - A Programme for the reopening production of 'The Marriages of Mayfair' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the Autumn of 1908.