STUPID STAGE PONY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2091, 28 May 1907, Page 1

STUPID STAGE PONY

In the stage version of tho “Scarlet Pimpernel,” produced in London, Mr. Terry used to make his entrance in a pony cart, and of this pony a quaint incident is recorded. Tlio pony, an exceptionally quiet one, walks up and down the stairs to and from the stage at each performs nee without being at all troublcsomo; in fact, more like a dog than a pony; and he lias become so familiar with tho whole routine that it is difficult to restrain him from anticipating his entrance cue. One evening recently he managed to rush .yith Mr. Terry on to the stage quite a minute before his time, thus cutting out a lot of tho dialoguo and practically spoiling tlie situation. In consequence Mr. Terry insisted on having another pony for tlie following evening. Pony No. 1 made his appearance at tho stage door as usual, and so had the mortification of seeing another enter the theatre in his stead, but pony No. 2 was not a success, so Mr. Terry, decided to reinstate the old ono. But on the following night pony No, 2 abso-

lately refused to enter the stage door. Gentle persuasion failed, the pony sulked, and would not biulga an inch ; eventually, with the help of six property men, lie was carried struggling do\yn the stairs to the stage, and at his. cue had to bo forcibly pushed ou. It was several evenings before this jealous animal had entirely forgotten the incident and become his old docile self again.