Gabrielle Ray – The Palladium – The Westminster Gazette – Tuesday 14th September 1920
THE PALLADIUM.
The bill of fare provided at the Palladium this week contains that judicious blend of broad comedy, catchy music, and clever feats which goes a long way towards satisfying the varied tastes of music-hall-goers. However, broad comedy is the dominating element, as can be expected when such high priests of humour as Harry Weldon, Jack Pleasants, Ernie Lotinga, Jay Laurier, and Johnson Clark are gathered together on one bill. Each of these comedians has a distinct difference of style, and this prevents mirth from degenerating to monotony. Ernie Lotinga is seen in “Wanted, a Wife,” a burlesque which gives him ample scope for the style of humour he has made his own. He is an artist of the ludicrous. He makes absurd situations ring true in a comical way. Probably he accomplishes this by his matter-of-fact inflexion of voice. We like Togan and Geneva, who make jazzing on a wire look quite a simple business. They are above the average of this type of turn. Gabrielle Ray, whom we have seen in another sphere, has quite a charming little singing and dancing scena, in which she is assisted by Mr. Leslie Baker and a quartette of little girls. Mr. Barker scores an immense success in this act with some coon numbers. Other turns who go well include Hilda Glyder, with several typical songs; De Alma and his banjo; and La Maze Trio.
The Westminster Gazette – Tuesday 14th September 1920
Gabrielle Ray – Peggy – Forest Hill & Sydenham Examiner – Friday 15th December 1911
“PEGGY” AT THE GAIETY THEATRE
The revised edition of “Peggy” at the Gaiety Theatre goes with a fine swing, and is now one of the best things of its kind in town. Of course the music plays a most important part, and when it is known that Mr. Leslie Stuart is in his happiest vein, success in this direction is assured. Mr. George Grossmith’s part of Auberon Blow is now taken by Mr. Louis Bradfield, who is admirably suited for the part. Mr. Robert Hall repeats his former successes at the Gaiety as Hon. James Bendoyle M.P, and Mr. Edmund Payne, keeps the house laughing the whole time he is on the stage. Of the ladies in the cast Miss Phyllis Dare is very fascinating and vivacious as Peggy Barrison, and sings with marked ability, while the Dorris Bartle of Miss Olive May, leaves nothing to be desired.
A word must not be omitted for Miss Connie Ediss who is very happily cast as Lady Snoop, and wins much applause for her quaint witticism, and Miss Gabrielle Ray, as Polly Polino scores heavily. Space will not permit to deal with the other parts which are all capitally played, and the scenery and setting are of a most elaborate description and well maintain the reputation of this elegant house of entertainment.
Forest Hill & Sydenham Examiner – Friday 15th December 1911
About
One of my main interests is a love of old pictures and postcards that give us a brief glimpse into a past and often forgotten age.
Collecting old postcard and pictures enables the viewer to glimpse a brief moment from that individual’s life; often far removed from their own either by the passage of time or social class. Social History, often described as “history from below” shows everyday people, their social structure and the interaction of different groups; like the wealthy and politicians these people helped shape and maintain society and so shape history.
Examining the images one can’t help but wonder how the individuals lived, were their lives hard compared with today and were they happy. Often the images come with little or no information that can answer these questions, one can only imagine.
With each image saved and seen by others, so that moment, that person is kept alive, our understanding is increased and so our lives are enriched.
A picture is often more descriptive than words can ever be, but how true is this, if a picture enables us to gain entry to another time, another world, will, like the view from a different window, even in the same house provide a different image?
These images allow a glimpse into another time, another era; but what preceded or followed this image? As the individuals were positioned and posed like an artist’s model is what we see truly reflective or like the slightly softened image of an aging beauty a less that truthful representation?
I am reminded of a documentary I watched several years ago regarding the returning troops from the front during the First World War. The camera images show a broken, demoralised sea of humanity, young men who having seen images that most of us hope never to witness had lost that sparkle; that zest which only youth has. But bring on the news camera and that battered returning group came to life, the smiles returned and even though muddied and bloodied their heads and bodies became erect, their arms swung in time and they demonstrated a swagger that spoke of courage, defiance and determination; an image that gave hope to the viewer.
It seems to me that even in the early days of photography all was not what it appeared and now in the advancing digital age a picture may paint a thousand words but will it be factual or fiction?
My interests And collections vary from Maids, Nuns, religious dress and the more risqué images of the French Maid. Often when searching for a particular subject the boundaries cross and as well as true Maids we find Edwardian actresses dressed as Nuns or Maids. During one of my searches I came across Gabrielle Ray dressed as a Maid, “Susan” in Lady Madcap and was instantly captivated by her.
Collecting the individual cards isn’t enough; I like to know more about the individual, which is easier when that person is an actress, although often the information is scarce
Searching for information about Miss Ray I discovered that she was one of the most photographed women of the Edwardian era and described in “Temps” as the most beautiful woman in the United Kingdom; but sadly her success, if measured by being visibly working or in the public eye was short-lived. She struggled with depression and alcohol abuse, and her health declined. In 1936, she suffered a complete mental breakdown and was institutionalized for nearly forty years; dying in 1973 at Holloway Sanatorium at the age of 90.
There are several other sites and blogs dedicated to the memory of Miss Ray and my intention is to share my small but growing collection of pictures and postcards with anyone who shares my interest. Reading about Miss Ray I was saddened that this lady, like many others before and since, after a brief moment in the sun they are soon forgotten. Hopefully as people view and enjoy this blog her memory will remain alive for a little longer.
I have started to write a short Biography about Miss Ray which I will try to update as frequently as possible. The Index page will show any updates under the Biography catagory.
I have also tried to link the various postcards and pictures to the plays in which Miss Ray appeared, however I realise, after several errors that this isn’t an easy task as many are decorative studio poses rather than production images. The individual Rotary, Philco and other publishers numbers are included with any description which should make searching for a particular card or ones from the same set easier. If I have made any glaring errors please feel free to let me know.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy my collection as much as I do.
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