Gabrielle Ray – Robin Hood or Babes in the Wood – December 1921
My thanks to the University of Glasgow Archives & Special Collections, STA Fg 1/2 for providing the images of this programme and giving their permission to reproduce it here.
Robin Hood, or Babes in the Wood – The Scotsman – 1922
King’s Theatre Pantomime.
Although the Christmas season if definitely behind us, the King’s Theatre pantomime, “Robin Hood or the Babes in the Wood,” continues to be a strong attraction. The pantomime, with its spectacular magnificence, its great cast of performers, its general brightness, and its plentiful humour has good wearing qualities. It is now tuned up to a high pitch of efficiency. None of the points which the comedians make are lost, and the effects which are worked up by the ample forces at call are fully developed. Miss Gabrielle Ray makes an attractive Maid Marion; Miss Mary Edison is an effective Robin Hood; the dancing of the Babes and others are notable features; and the numerous members of the company work together with great smoothness to provide a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.
The Scotsman – Tuesday 17th January 1922
Robin Hood, or Babes in the Wood – The Scotsman – 1921 / 1922
“Robin Hood, or Babes in the Wood” ran from Thursday 22nd December 1921 until Saturday 4th February 1922, at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh.
Robin Hood, or Babes in the Wood – The Scotsman – 1922
“Robin Hood” At the King’s
The favourable impressions formed at the opening of “Robin Hood,” the pantomime at the King’s Theatre, have been amply confirmed. Last night’s large and enthusiastic audience indicated that its appeal is still wide and sustained. The company is one of all-round excellence, but it was with regret that the management had to announce, Frankland Grey, could not appear. A capable substitute, however, for the part he played as the Baron’s son, was found in Tom Fancourt. Having become thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the production, and working with real zest and harmony, all the characters have succeeded well in making “Robin Hood” a striking and cohesive entity.
On the spectacular side, the tableaux, “The Magic Pool” and “The House of Butterflies,” are triumphs of scenic art. Musically, “Robin Hood” also attains a high standard; and as regards its mirth-provoking qualities, the best traditions of the King’s are worthily maintained. Miss Gabrielle Ray invests the part of Maid Marion with charm and vivacity, and is responsible for one of the most pleasing digressions – the introduction of a number of beautiful ballets, carrying the mind back to the crinoline period. The graceful and classical dancing of Miss Rita Zalmani and M. Alexis Arturov, is also an attractive feature. Miss Mary Edison in the title role makes a dashing figure, and sings with much verve and effect. The acting and vocal ability of Mr Ernest Ludlow and the Baron has a similarly distinctive quality.
The Scotsman, Monday 30th January 1922
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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