Sybil Arundale (1879-1965)

"MY LADY MOLLY"
By G.H. Jessop and Sydney Jones.
Produced at Terry's Theatre, London - 14th March, 1903

DELIGHTFUL COMEDY-OPERA AT TERRY'S THEATRE

Success - distinct, emphatic, instantaneous - attended the production of "My Lady Molly" at Terry's Theatre on Saturday evening. The audience rejoiced over a departure from the stereotyped, and often, vulgar, methods of so-called "musical comedy," and gladly welcomed a clever and artistic comic opera, which, while brim full of humour and melody, never breathes the slightest suspicion of offence. Mr. Sidney Jones's pre-eminence among the lighter musical composers was long since established, and the spirit and charm of "The Geisha" and "An Artists Model" are amply reflected in "My Lady Molly." There is never any suggestion of hashed-up music-hall jingle in the numbers, which are scholarly and of solid merit, while not forgetting the scheme of the work they illustrate and the class of audience that work is meant to appeal to.

The difficulty of manipulating a large crowd of choristers and supernumeraries upon a stage of comparatively limited dimensions has been practically overcome by the skill of the stage manager and the producer. "My Lady Molly" is very handsomely and elaborately dressed, and the magnificence of the costumes in the second act will well compare with the decorations expended upon many musical pieces of inferior calibre. No pains have been spared to make the performance worthy of the West End, and there are one or two pieces of bright acting sufficient in themselves to make the fortune of the piece.

Lady Molly Martingale, like many another comedy heroine, is a vivacious young person resorting to male disguise in order to win the man she loves. The plot ambles through a series of ingenious complications. There are threatened duels and budding quarrels and cheerful dances and a precious low comedian with the obvious mantle of Charles Lever upon his shoulders. There are junketings and merry-makings with a fine old English flavour over them all, until at last the sun of happiness shines brightly and a delighted audience retires filled with admiration for an entertainment replete with charm and daintiness.

To the procuring of this happy result a young actress - Miss Sybil Arundale - materially contributes. A more handsome and refined "boy" could not be desired. She is literally as pretty as a picture, playing and singing with a modesty and refinement worthy all praise. The audience showered favours upon her, and her triumph was undoubted. Mr. Walter Hyde (a tasteful tenor), Mr. Richard Green, and Miss Decima Moore effectively assisted to procure the general success, and Mr. Bert Gilbert made a great hit as the Irish servant - a being of quip and quaint resource and overflowing with real humour. The book of "My Lady Molly" has been neatly written by Mr. G. H Jessop; the chorus is large and fully competent. Great enthusiasm reigned at the fall of the curtain, and Mr. Jones had a fine reception.

The Daily Mail (London) - 16th March, 1904