SADLER'S WELLS THEATRE
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Many of your readers have doubtless been interested by the appeal made in the Press by the Duke of Devonshire for saving Sadler's Wells Theatre and turning it into an " Old Vic " for North London. May I, as a Governor of the existing " Old Vic," point out the great value of the scheme to that institution, if public support is sufficient to carry it to ful- filment ? The " Old Vic," which does not work for profit but is a " Foundation " under the Charity Commissioners (this explanation is necessary because so many are ignorant of the fact), owes its abiding and increasing vitality to a steady process of development. Less than fifty years ago it was one of the most vicious music-halls in London. Then came Emma Cons and a wonderful reformation. Miss Cons and her sup- porters bought the lease (the freehold was purchased later) and turned the house into a temperance music-hall—this at a time when almost all other halls lived on " wet money " ! At first the programmes were changed rather in character than in kind, but by degrees " variety " gave place to musical per- formances of a better class. Presently came the Tuesday lectures, which developed ultimately into Morley College. There followed occasional opera, which grew slowly into regular opera. Then at last, in 1914, Lilian Baylis, against all expert advice, launched the experiment which has been so triumphantly justified—the production of Shakespeare. And now comes a new chance of development at the very moment when it is wanted.
It must be borne in mind that the standard of " Old Vic " performances has steadily improved in recent years. In con- sequence, more is expected artistically of the productions, and the requirement must be met. But if the standard is to be maintained and still further improved, additional space for rehearsal is urgently required. The " Old Vic " has two companies, dramatic and operatic, in its one theatre, and each of these is cramped by the other. The stage, being in use for current performances, is rarely available for rehearsal, and the rehearsal room in any week has to serve for the preparation of at least two operas as well as the play next to be produced.
The gift of Sadler's Wells, if it matures, will come, therefore, at a most opportune time. A second theatre, in an equally suitable district, would provide exactly the form of expansion which the " Old Vic " needs, and needs now much more than in the past. It follows, of course, that opera and Shakespeare would play Box and Cox, each coming into unhindered possession for one week of the theatre which had been occupied by the other during the previous week. In every way this arrangement would benefit the " Old Vic," and, not least, financially.
I trust that readers of the Spectator who sympathize with the scheme will be generous in accordance with their means and contribute to its success. Contributions should be sent to the Duke of Devonshire, Cavendish Club, Piccadilly. To save a historic theatre ; to give North London an " Old Vic " ; to give London itself what it has never yet had, a permanent opera playing six times a week for a nine-months season in every year ; to give the " Old Vic " a great chance of doing still better work. Surely these constitute a remarkable and a worthy cause. Incidentally, Sadler's Wells will be in fact, if not in name, a tribute and memorial to Shakespeare.—I am, Sir, &c.,
R. P. P. ROWE
(Deputy-Chairman "Old Vic" Governors).
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