Lillah McCarthy (1875-1960)

"Androcles and the Lion."
By Bernard Shaw.
St. James's Theatre. September 1, 1913.

Messrs. Leon Quartermaine, Ben Webster, O. P. Heggie, Edward Sillward, Donald Calthrop, Hesketh Pearson, Alfred Brydone, Misses Clare Greet, Lillah McCarthy, and others.

If the public took Bernard Shaw seriously they would take offence at "Androcles and the Lion." But they don't! And as the author does not take himself seriously there is no harm done, and his latest "fable" play may be put down as good fun.

Androcles withdraws the thorn from the Lion's foot and soothes him with" baby-talk" during the operation. When next Androcles meets his friend the Lion -in the arena- they indulge in a delightful "two-step," to the consternation of the Emperor and his suite.

Through the mouths of many of his characters the author voices his own opinions, or what he may or may not believe to be his own opinions, on the subject of Christianity, first indulging in profound philosophy and then in ridicule. As a religious controversy would be out of place here, it must rest with the individual playgoer as to how he or she accepts the sentiments expressed.

There were some very excellent examples of acting in the performance. To Miss Lillah McCarthy was entrusted the part of Lavinia, and a very interesting and human Lavinia that actress presented. Mr. Ben Webster's Captain was, as usual, a finished study, and Mr. Leon Quartermaine as the Emperor displayed a thorough grasp of the character in all its rich humour. To Mr. O. P. Heggie, as Androcles, much of the success of the play was due. Mr. Heggie's keen sense of humour must have gladdened. the heart of the author as much as it obviously pleased the audience.

Playgoer and Society Illustrated, Vol 9 No. 49, October 1913