CHAPTER XIX. 



BEFORE AND BEHIND THE FOOTLIGHTS. 



Theatrical management. Class of performances. A trip with 

 George Rignold. Her Majesty's Theatre. A curious 

 " Martha.'' Brough and Boucicault. Williamson and 

 Musgrove. Their productions. A yarn. " Widow O'Brien.'' 

 John F. Sheridan. Some comedians. Elton's armour. 

 Visitors to the Colonies. An excellent school. Apprecia- 

 . tive audiences. A variety of notes. 



Many celebrated actors and actresses have visited 

 Australia, and it is significant that most of them have 

 been eager to pay a return trip. Colonials are good 

 judges of plays and acting, assertions to the contrary 

 notwithstanding. A second-rate performance finds no 

 favour with them, and it would be useless for any actor 

 or actress, who could not succeed in England or else- 

 where, paying a visit to Australia in order to meet 

 with a more favourable reception. 



So well have various Australian managers catered 

 for the public that nothing but the best will satisfy 

 them. The prices charged for admission to the theatres 



