But the most interesting case of revision will be that of The School for Scandal, because, two managements being at work upon it, each with somewhat peculiar ideas, the public will be presented, at the same time, with versions so unlike as to amount to two different plays.  And this suggests how valuable is Mr. IRVING’S lead, for it means that one old play can be multiplied into as many new plays as the thoroughly conscientious brains through which it passes.  The two managers who have cast longing eyes on SHERIDAN’S comedy are Mr. SEYMOUR HICKS and Mr. OSCAR ASCHE.  Mr. SEYMOUR HICKS is convinced that there is a new lease of life for this play if it is taken at a quicker pace.  He has therefore arranged an acting version which will occupy about an hour, with laughs.  By eliminating the word “sentiment” alone, which is tediously harped upon, several minutes are saved.  Some of Sir Peter and Lady Teazle’s repetition of the word “Never” also goes.  The satirical conversation in Act I. is much abbreviated as being out of date, and the whole piece is redressed in the present manner.  Mr. ASCHE also is re-dressing it, or rather un-dressing it.  In his opinion what the play lacks is a touch of savagery.  It is too sophisticated.  He has therefore kept no more of the plot than is consistent with a change of scene to Hawaii, the fashionable primitive country of the moment.  By this change, even if a little of the wit and spirit evaporate, a certain force is gained, a powerful epidermic part for Miss LILY BRAYTON as Mrs. Candour (the new heroine of the comedy) being not only possible but natural.  Mr. ASCHE himself will play Charles Surface, with the accent on the surface, since he turns out to be a devotee of sun-baths and the simple life.

In reply to a cablegram to America, Sir HERBERT BEERBOHM TREE sends the following message:—­“Am busy rehearsing He Stoops to Cinema; or, The Mistakes of a Knight.”

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[Illustration:  UNPLEASANT NIGHTMARE OF HANS, THE EX-CINEMA ATTENDANT, AFTER LEARNING OF THE AMERICAN DECLARATION OF WAR.]

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FOOD CONTROL.

There is no truth in the rumour that there is to be a “sauceless” day for our Post-Office employees.

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    “The Craven Stakes of 500 sobs.”—­Evening News (Portsmouth).

Horse-racing in war-time is rather a sorry business.

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    “A lady giving up her electromobile, on account of the war, which is in
    good running order....”—­Pall Mall Gazette.

We are glad to have this confirmation of reports from General Headquarters.

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[Illustration:  Skinner. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT THE RATIONING?”

Podmore. “OH, WHEN MEALTIME COMES I TIGHTEN MY BELT.”