ELLEN TERRY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10302, 11 January 1927, Page 5

ELLEN TERRY

Mil. READE WAUCHORM REMINISCENCES.

NEW ZEALANDER SPEAKS LINES FOR FA MOPS ACTRESS

Recent cable news reported the

serious illness of I>ame Ellen Terry, the famous British actress, and in this connection interesting sidelights on her outstanding personality were given a Times reporter in the course of an interview witli Mr. K Itcade Want-hop, who acted as stagemanager and played the part of “The ’Watchman” in Romeo and Juliet wluui during 1919 the tragedy was put on at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftes bury Avenue, London, with Ellen Terry taking the part of the .nurse and Deris Keane as Juliet. “As Sarah Bernhardt was to France so Ellen Terry is to England,” said Mr. Wane-hop*. “She was recognised as supreme, and the aim of all British actresses and actors was to play in company with her. Even at 72, her admitted age in 1919. her personality was .unique, and her voice something which gripped the heart and once”heard was never forgotten. Des-

•pita the fact that she was then nearly blind and her hearing was badly affected, the mere fact that her name appeared on the bills was sufficient to draw a crowded house. •‘On the opening niglu of “Romeo -and Juliet” over 1000 persons assembled to see Ellen Terry leave the theatre. Behind the scenes she was the same to all, treating the call bo.' with the same courtesy and consideration as the producer, and her kindly nature endeared her to oil.” “I have been told that I am the only person who lias ever spoken Ellen Terry’s lines for her,” said J>lr. W auchop. Owing to the inci easing iVmdness and deafness in addition to memory of the actress, it was necessary for' a prompter to be always in attendance. One night Ellen Terry was late in taking the cue tor the Friar cell scene. She had to answer the cue ‘Who comes there!’ and appear with a lantern in her hand after answering ‘lt is I. I come with a message from Lady -Juliet. -Delay in answering would have install > been recognised by the students aniono- the audience, so approaching to her voice as near as was possible T answered and Ellen Terry appearef a second or two later and walked on wifi, the audience none the wiser. “Ellen Terry is one of the world s greatest actresses,” said Mr. Manchop “and she understands hei worth. Tim oicture business was an open book to her, but her health in 'latter rears prevented her accoptin manv of the positions ottered, doi the past two years her presence has been greativ missed from t.m British stage and the thousands who have had the pleasure of hearing and seeing her will wish her speedy rccoveiv. M