| Secondary Performers | Guests included:
Miss Marie Lohr,
Mr Val Prinsep (Harlequin),
Mr John Hassall (Native American),
Mr Leon M Lion,
Sir Hall Caine (Drama) |
| Orchestra or Band | Ashton and Mitchell's Orchestra (composed of 120 Ex-Service Musicians) |
| Royal Presence | HRH Princess Marie Louise,
HRH Princess Victoria |
| Performance Notes | *Language Warning: Some of the racist language contained in this record some viewers may find offensive. For the historic record we have chosen not to remove or hide contentious language but instead retain and address its inclusion for research.
The Hall was decorated with two 24 foot high totem polls and two scenic pictures by Mr John Harker depicting Native American lands and wigwams. The front of the boxes were covered in red, blue and black cloth - the colours of the Savage Club - which had stencils by Mr G L Stamps of Native Americans
"Savage Club Rall [sic] - 'Wild Men and Women' At the Albert Hall
Savages vary in their choice of food, but tradition has it that one and all enjoy the dance. At last night's gathering at the Albert Hall the wild wild men and the wild wild women, while they perhaps shared an antipathy for missionaries and, in some cases wore trifle more in the nature of covering than, say, the cannibals whom we are presently to see on the film, certainly enjoyed wild wild dances. The lights did not go up until nearly 10 o'clock, and then the floor which had been deserted filled up quickly, the seats on the green-centre tiers being a popular view-point.
The early squaws and their attendant savages had plenty of room for dancing and for admiring the original decorations, which were worth careful scrutiny. There were Joseph Harker's savage scenic side pieces with a suggestion of civilized wild people at the North Pole. There were totem signs around the hall linking the tiers of boxes in which prehistoric G. B. Shaws and George Robeys could be recognized. The chief totems were by Mr Edwin Morrow, but Mr E. L. Stampa and Mr Studdy were responsible for many others. The most popular rendezvous signs were three balls for 'uncle' and a 'fig leaf' for early drapery, but there were many others. The programme was by Barribal and proved sufficiently puzzling.
There were many others besides Savages at the ball. There was a lady entirely masked her face and a man who favoured the Ptolemy period. Indian braves were the most attractive figures, and members of the club acting as stewards chose this make-up, sacrificing their comfort to claborate [sic] grease paint. High plumes waved on many heads, but the prettiest coiffure of all was that of a slim girl in a fluffy red wig and black and white Pierrot costume. A couple representing stained glass figures were perhaps the most original.
Princess Marie Louise and Princess Victoria and Lord Carisbrooke came in before 11. They were of Sir Herbet Morgan's party, and Sir Frederick Sykes and Mr Knoblock were also with them. The stage was largely represented by after-theatre parties, and so were the sister arts. Probably because it was Derby night parties were later than usual. The winner of the Derby was a much congratulated figure; there were others who deserved condolences, but got none. Mr Hawker came late with a merry party."
(The Times, 5 June 1919) |
| Related Archival Material | Handbill (RAHE/6/1919/5) |