The Better Ole, by Bairnsfather and Eliot, WW1
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The Better Ole, by Bairnsfather and Eliot, WW1
The Better Ole, by Bruce Bairnsfather and Arthur Eliot. First produced by Charles B Cochran at the Oxford Music Hall, London, August 1917. Old Bill (centre), a cartoon character created by Bairnsfather, had already appeared on the Oxford stage in a production entitled Flying Colours. The title here refers to Old Bills most famous remark: If you know a better ole, go to it! (the holes were bomb craters). Date: 1917
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Media ID 14402727
© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Arthur Bairnsfather Bruce Cochran Eliot Oxford
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment from the 1917 production of "The Better Ole" at the Oxford Music Hall in London. The play, produced by Charles B. Cochran, featured the popular cartoon character Old Bill, created by Bruce Bairnsfather, who had already made an appearance on the Oxford stage in "Flying Colours." Old Bill, depicted here at the center, is best known for his famous remark, "If you know a better ole, go to it!" which referred to bomb craters on the battlefield during World War I. The production took place in August 1917, during the dark and trying times of the 1st Great War, and provided much-needed entertainment for the weary London audience. The photograph captures the essence of the production's spirit, with the dimly lit stage and the cast, including Arthur Eliot, in their military uniforms, ready to bring the audience laughter and respite from the harsh realities of the war outside. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the power of theatre to uplift and inspire, even in the most challenging of times.
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