View source for Paddy the Next Best Thing


''Paddy the Next Best Thing'' is a play based on the book of the same name written by Anglo-Rhodesian novelist [[Gertrude Page]] (1872-1922).  It was adapted for the stage by [[W. Gayer Mackay]] and [[Robert Ord]].  In England it was first staged by Robert Courtneidge, who imported American actress Peggy O’Neil for the title role.  It opened at the Savoy Theatre in London on 5 April 1920 and ran for more than 850 performances. 

There were at least two film versions, a silent one with Mae Marsh, directed by Graham Cutts (1923), and a sound one with Janet Gaynor, directed by Harry Lachman (1933).

'''Performance history in South Africa''' 

1921 – It was a great success for the repertory company of visiting actress [[Gertrude Elliott]] ([[Lady Forbes-Robertson]]).  First performed in Durban, it featured the acting debut of [[Jean Forbes-Robertson]], who initially used the stage name of [[Anne McEwen]].  In Johannesburg it opened at [[His Majesty’s Theatre]] on 10 May 1921.  The cast consisted of [[Gertrude Elliott]] (Paddy Adair), [[Wilfred Forster]] (General Adair), [[William Mollison]] (Jack O’Hara), [[Alexander Haviland]] (Micky, a butler), [[Ivan Samson]] (Laurence Blake), [[H. Lane Bayliff]] (Lord Sellaby), [[George de Lara]] (Dr. Davy Adair), [[Vivienne Whitaker]] (Gwendoline Carew), [[Maud Buchanan]] (Mrs. O’Hara), [[Beatrice Rowe]] (Mary O’Hara), [[Anne McEwen]] (Eileen Adair), [[Maud Buchanan]] (Mrs. Putter), [[Margaret Arthur]] (Mrs. Bingle), [[Shelagh Hornby]] (Webb, a maid).  It was produced by [[William Mollison]]. 

There were a number of amateur productions, including one by the [[Thalian Amateur Comedy Company]] ([[Jewish Guild]]/1931), another featuring [[Kathleen Kelly]] in the title role ([[Library Theatre]]/1945) and one by the [[Playfair Players]] ([[Library Theatre]]/1948).  These were usually used as fund raisers for various charities.
  
When, in 1921,  [[Naomi Rutherford]] went to England, she joined one of Robert Courtneidge’s touring companies and had a great success in the title role.

In 1935, [[Anna Cloete]] appeared in an Afrikaans translation of the play.  It may be a coincidence, but her daughter was [[Paddy Norval]].