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WSG to The Era, March 4, 1882 (issue 2267), p. 5.

"LORD BATEMAN."

To the Editor of The Era

Sir, – In your last issue I observe the following quotation from the programme of a recent orchestral rehearsal at the Gaiety Theatre:–

"The rehearsal of Lord Bateman did not take place at the Savoy Theatre, owing to the eleventh hour interference of Mr. W.S. Gilbert."

The facts are as follows: – Mr. Solomon applied to Mr. Gunn for permission to "try over the band parts" of his opera at the Savoy Theatre, and the desired permission was, as a matter of course, unhesitatingly accorded.  On the morning of the intended rehearsal it came to Mr. Gunn’s knowledge that, on the strength of the permission to "try over the band parts," Mr. Solomon had taken upon himself to issue cards of invitation to the following effect: –

SAVOY THEATRE.
(Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. R D’OYLY CARTE.)
The Honour of                   company is requested, on Tuesday, February 14th, at one p.m. punctually, when will be given an Orchestral Rehearsal of the Music of
"LORD BATEMAN; OR, PICOTEE’S PLEDGE."
An original Comic opera, in Two Acts, written by H.P. Stephens,
and composed by Edward Solomon.

As Mr. Gunn had given no permission for such a quasi-public performance, he (with my full knowledge and concurrence) declined to permit it to take place.

  Your obedient servant
   W. S. GILBERT.
     
Savoy Theatre, 3rd March, 1882.


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