The New York Clipper published the following review in January 1912:
Ethel Irving produced at the London Hippodrome, on Monday, a sketch, entitled "Dolly Cutting Herself." It is a clever satire on the sketch question, but it may prove too technical for the public diversion.
The position is this: Our theatrical managers profess good will toward the music hall sketch, but they protest against the condensation of still popular and effective plays. For Miss Irving's exploitation Henry Arthur Jones wrote down his comedy, "Dolly Reforming Herself," in which she proved so successful at the Haymarket.
The theatrical managers immediately threatened a prosecution. Miss Irving promptly resorted to Edgar Wallace, a clever journalist.
"Dolly Cutting Herself" was accordingly written and rehearsed at lightning speed. It is in effect a monologue. The actress rehearses a sketch which recites much of the original "Dolly," but whenever it takes this direction the police interfere, till the actress ends the scene with a wild outburst of rage.