6. Is it your opinion that an officer of the Licensing (Play)
Department should be in attendance every night at every theatre (a
stall being kept for him by the manager on pain of fine or forfeiture
of licence) to note if any change or any introduction be made in the
dialogue or in any part or portion of the play already licensed? And if
not, why not?
7. Would it be, or not, advisable in your opinion that every author, or
all the authors when collaborating, should read their own pieces aloud
to the Licenser, giving as much action and dramatic illustration as
space will allow? And that the low comedians and eccentric comedians,
male and female, with songs and dances, should attend, and show (_a_)
what steps they propose taking in the new piece, (_b_) what words,
(_c_) winks, (_d_) becks, and (_e_) wreathed smiles they intend giving
in order to point an innuendo or adorn an apparently harmless joke?
8. Do you think that, as an assistant judge on such occasions, one or
more experts (at so much an hour) should be present?
9. (_a_) In your opinion should not every play be _seen_ by the
Licenser, duly acted, with the costumes, before a licence can be
granted? (_b_) and then that the licence be granted only on the
condition that no alteration in word or action be made at any time, and
under no pretence whatever, during the run, on pain of forfeiture of
licence?
The above suggestions will serve as a foundation for some future
Licensing Exam.-paper.
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