It was first produced in the West End of London on March 1, 1933; directed by Tyrone Guthrie, it starred Marie Ney and ran successfully through to September 16.
Directed by Jed Harris, the notorious "big bad wolf" of American theater, the play was a critical and popular flop, though it had a respectable run of 55 nights, closing in February 1934.
[5] Hepburn later referred to Harris as "hands-down the most diabolical person I have ever met",[6] and claimed this experience was important in teaching her to take responsibility for her career.
[7] In 1937, Hepburn included a line from The Lake in the film Stage Door, thus making fun of her biggest failure.
[8] The line became one of Hepburn's signature catchphrases: "The calla lilies are in bloom again, such a strange flower, suitable to any occasion..."