Cast

Synopsis

A play based on a tense and true story of loyalty and dishonour, adultery and revenge dramatically re-enacting a Victorian scandal involving the ‘Prince of Wales’ “set” which leaves the audience to decide “Did he do it?”

Directors Notes

On the 1st June 1891 the Manchester Guardian announced: “The hearing of Sir William Gordon-Cumming’s action for libel against Mr. Wilson and others will begin today in the Lord Chief Justice’s Court”

This play, based on the book by Michael Havers and Edward Gravson, dramatizes the Victorian scandal of 1890 in which Sir Willam Gordon- Cumming, a baronet and personal friend of the Prince of Wales, was accused of cheating at baccarat. Beyond the foregoing I shall let the play speak for Itself but, as much was written and commented upon it by the press of the day, the following will give our audience some background to the personalities and what was written about them.

Sir William Gordon-Cumming

Lieutenant Colonel in the Scots Guards, a gallant and popular soldier who had served with distinction in the Zulu War and in the Egyptian and Sudanese Campaigns. He was the owner of a house in London and many acres In Scotland including the ancestral castle of Gordonstoun, and had for at least twenty years enjoyed the friendship of the Prince of Wales. Married Florence Garner, a rich American women twenty years younger than himself but who died in 1922. ‘a very old woman” at the age of fifty two.

Mrs Gibbs

The eldest of his five children, keen observer and talented authoress who remembered her childhood summers at Gordonstoun…a place that was old and grey and full of evil”. She started a home in Elgin for children who had been ill-treated.

General Williams

ADC. to the Prince of Wales, Commander of the Household Cavalry, Sir William’s friend of long standing. In manner and appearance he was a ‘very proper General’ and such was he voted by the spy-glass wielders in the gallery of the Court.

HRH The Prince of Wales

A well-documented figure, who, excluded from any share of the burden of government, went his own way and seemed to live entirely for pleasure but never forgot that he was the Prince and heir-apparent.

Mrs Wilson

Daughter of the Head Postmaster at Leeds. Had a reputation as a hostess. Married to a wealthy ship owner of Hull and it was they who in 1890 extended an invitation to The Prince of Wales to remain with them at Tranby Croft for St. Leger week at the Doncaster races.

Ethel Lycett Green

The Wilsons’ daughter. Well educated, had a French governess and went to a Swiss finishing school. She was charming and accomplished and as the first lady defendant attracted much attention in the Court.

Mr. Lycett Green

Ethel’s husband, son of a local manufacturer, an M.P. and Master of the York and Ainsty Foxhounds. The emotional force behind the charges of cheating, Did he have something else on his mind when he made his accusations?

Stanley Wilson

Younger brother of Ethel had spent a little time at Magdalene College, Cambridge but had not done much work so came away. He had no occupation. A novice at baccarat.

Mrs. Williams

The General’s wife; ignorant of the circumstances though staying in the house.

Mr. Berkeley Levett

A subaltern in Sir William’s regiment. Nephew of the Earl of Denbigh and a friend of the Wilson family. Reputed to be the best dressed man In London and later became known as “Baccarat Levett”.

Sir Edward Clarke, QC for Sir Willam

The son of a silversmith achieved eminence by his own Industry and ability, It is said that Charles Dickens was the first to recognise his unusual talent as Counsel. Became Solicitor General In the Salisbury Government and was known for his Integrity.

Sir Charles Russell, QC for the defendants.

Born in Northern Ireland of Catholic parents. In tastes and pursuits had much in common with The Prince of Wales. A member of the exclusive Jockey club and always travelled with a pack of cards. Cleared the great Irish leader on a charge of forgery. Had a reputation of being the most deadly cross examiner In England.

The Press, as one could well imagine, had a ‘field day’ reporting the whole proceedings, but, what was probably the greatest understatement of the day was, “Queen Victoria was angry with everyone concerned in the case”

With grateful acknowledgement for the invaluable research, into the foregoing, carried out by Jean Stuckey.