Olympic Theatre

“A new farce called ‘Miles O’Reilly’ was produced last night. The piece is not worthy of the name. It consists of two scenes. Scene first – some politicians enter in search of Miles O’Reilly. Scene second – Mrs. Sedley Brown and another lady stand around and smile. Miles comes in and talks a great deal, then Miles sings two songs, then the politicians come in, then Miles sings another song, and then down goes the curtain. The playbills said that there would also be an address if the audience wished it, but the audience did not. The only applause of any consequence was at the mention of McClellan’s name. Mr. Charles Walcott played the part of Miles, and probably wrote the farce. If so, he may congratulate himself upon having spoiled a subject which, in abler hands, would have taken the town by storm. Besides this, Mr. Walcott made a great mistake in acting a part for which he is totally unfitted, another mistake in trying to sing, and another mistake in giving himself all the dialogue and leaving the rest of the dramatis personae as bare as bean poles. There are some good jokes in the farce; but it will die in spite of the fame and the popularity of the hero and poet whose name has been borrowed for its title. Its epitaph ought to be, ‘Killed by too much Walcott.’ Brougham’s burlesque, ‘Pocahontas,’ followed the farce. It is to be withdrawn next week, we are glad to say, and the new burlesque of ‘The Duke’s Motto’ will then be brought out. If Mrs. Woods had any intention of running ‘Pocahontas’ so long she should have had it rewritten. The jokes are very, very stale now.”

“Mrs. John Wood, through the kindness of several influential friends, will introduce ‘Miles O’Reilly,’ supported by numerous distinguished public characters.

The hero of the occasion will Sing Three Original Songs, and Address the Audience if desired. 

After which the ever popular Pocahontas.  Mrs. John Wood as the Indian Princess.  All the Talented Company.

The New Scenery, Dresses, Properties, Overture and Selections by Baker, forming a truly Gorgeous and Laughable Ensemble.”

“Mrs. John Wood’s version of the Miles O’Reilly affair is unsuccessful.  It will probably be withdrawn speedily.”

“Mrs. Wood, at the Olympic, has also joined the early closing movement, and means, as a rule, to turn off the laughing-gas of the house by 10 ½ o,clock [sic]. But if she produces any more such pieces as ‘Miles O’Reilly,’ she will find it rather difficult to turn the laughing-gas on. If such stupidities are to be produced at all—and how anything of the kind could ever be palmed off upon so clever a woman as Mrs. Wood must ever remain a mystery—they should form the last item in the programme, so that all but the idiotic portion of the house might have a choice whether to listen to them or not. However, Miles probably received his coup de grace last evening, while his cruel but not untimely fate will doubtless prove a valuable warning. And in this connection, we take the liberty of advising Mr. Walcot not to try any more Irish parts, for since the death of John Drew, we have no actor left who can invest them with sufficient refinement for the metropolitan stage.”

“Mr. Brougham’s splendid burlesque, Pocahontas, will be played at the Olympic to-night for the last time this season. The stupid farce called ‘Miles O’Reilly,’ with which it was weighted for a few nights, has been withdrawn, and its place handsomely supplied by the little comedy of ‘My Preserver,’ which it was allowed to supplant.”

“Mrs. John Wood brought out at the ‘Olympic,’ on the 2d inst. a new farce founded on the sensation of the day, called ‘Miles O’Reilley.’ It consisted of two scenes, during which the greatest amount of nonsensical jokes and sayings were said by the company, that we have ever heard. Men and women walked on and off the stage apparently without any object in view whatever. What was said and done was of so little interest to the auditors that they even refused to laugh or applaud in any one instance. It is said to have been dished up by Mr. Walcot, who played the principal part, and infused into it about as much life as the part deserved – which is saying very little for either actor or author. To the infinite delight of all present the farce (?) came to a close, and was followed by Brongham’s ‘Pocahontas.’”