FIRST-NIGHTS

of what Lonsdale was soon to be. I remember
thinking with a thrill: " Here is a man who can
write dialogue which is both lifelike and humorous."
In due course he was producing whole comedies
as good as that single scene in " The Fake ".

Now his position is so assured that without too
much nervousness he can preside at a large dinner
one hour before the curtain rises on the opening
performance of one of his own comedies. Auda-
cious proceeding! But, anyhow, less audacious
than issuing invitations to a supper after a first
performance. I have assisted at two after-perform-
ance suppers given by dramatists on first-nights.
In both cases the play had been a failure. Imagine
the atmosphere of the party meant to be festive,
jolly 1 Imagine the lies, white and black, that the
author had to listen to!

I have had many first-nights, perhaps nearly as
many as Lonsdale; but never have I arranged a
party for them, either before or after the perform-
ance. Let a dramatist be as aloof, indifferent,
successful, godlike as you choose, the strain upon
him of a first-night is acute. Experience has taught
me to lie low on a first-night of my own. I have
attended some of them, and always regretted it
My practice now is to go to a music-hall, or to
another play, or to the opera. On the first-night
of " Sacred and Profane Love ", I witnessed Verdi's
"FalstarT" at Covent Garden. Then I strolled
along down to the scene of " Sacred and Profane
Love ". I was in no hurry. I could wait. I was

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