Correspondence with Sir John Martin Harvey (1863-1944), actor and theatre manager, relating to discussion of a complaint by Harvey that his representative, Frank O'Neill, was refused an interview with the editor of the Manchester Guardian to discuss complaints of Harvey's over a review of a production of Hamlet in which he featured. There are also complaints by Harvey as to the review of the performance by [Nell] di Silva [wife of Harvey] in the same production, with a claim of discourtesy on the part of the paper, which are refuted. There is also a request by Harvey for more sympathy in reviews of his work in the Manchester Guardian, and discussion of the damage that negative reviews in the paper have had on audience numbers for his productions in Manchester.
There is correspondence relating to a discussion of Harvey's decision to not invite the critic of the Manchester Guardian to a performance at Theatre Royal of The Last Heir in which Martin is performing due to previously negative reviews, with discussion of the Manchester Guardian's objection to an attack upon the professional integrity of their drama critics, and culminating in a request by Harvey that the Manchester Guardian take no further notice of any of his productions. Also included are internal memoranda discussing the subject.
There is correspondence relating to discussion of a complaint by Harvey over a reference made in a review of a book, Septimus by William J. Locke, which suggests that Harvey is starving his talent on the meretricious. There is also correspondence relating to an offer by Harvey to Scott of a box for a performance of Pelleas and Melisande, which is declined owing to their previous disagreements.