The Mystery Gun

Twice nightly. A Naval episode "The Mystery Gun", Montes and Welma, comedy eccentrics; the Paget Trio, Gerano, Geo. Lennard, comedian and dancer; the Days; Dare Ring; and Tom Davies Trio. (The Era - Wednesday 16 December 1914)

The introduction of the naval gun on the boards of the halls was inevitable. As likely representation of a battleship's gun deck is the chief feature in a farcical sketch called "The Mystery Gun" whose mysteriousness is quickly penetrated by the inquisitive. From their devastated country the Great Hockneys, Belgian acrobats come with a daring cycle novelty. Captain Jack Kelly, assisted by Miss Violet Kelly, gives a clever demonstration of the Australian stock whip possibilities, and sweet musical strains accompany the sketch "Venetia," Alice Craven, Lily Lang, and Greta Mack are also on the bill. (Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 22 December 1914)

There is a well-balanced programme at the Alhambra Theatre, one of the features being "The Mystery Gun," in which a human being is fired through a steel armoured-plate target. (Leeds Mercury - Tuesday 29 December 1914)

Holloway Empire Succumbs to Pictures The Holloway Empire is the latest theatre to succumb to pictures. Mr. G. Carlton Wallace has disposed of his lease to the Holloway Empire Picture Company. Mr. Wallace informs us that he will in future be able to devote more time than in the past to his writings. The latest from his pen is The Mystery Gun a sketch which is being played this week at the Bedford. (The Stage - Thursday 28 January 1915)

After a successful six months season of drama the management here are presenting a variety programme twice nightly. Fred Clayden presents The Mystery Gun, which is a sensational dramatic sketch, and causes unstinted applause, while Hay and Crawford dance themselves into immediate favour. Little Clara is applauded for her singing. Herbert Darnley's company, including Percy Boucher present Private Potts, which keeps the audience amused from start to finish. The Jap-Trio are smart equilibrists jugglers and top spinners. Several pictures are shown by the Grandoscope. (The Stage - Thursday 25 March 1915)

The bill for next week contains the names of Esa Jap Trio, marvellous equilibrists, jugglers, and top spinners; Crossman and Winters in mirth and melody; Herbert Darnley, who presents his company of London comedians including Percy Boucher in "Private Potts" a farcical comedy; Fredy Clayden, who presents the mystery gun, an illusionary sketch introducing Miss Erica O'Foyle, who performs the sensational feat of being fired through a steel target in full view of the audience. There is also May Deuva, comedienne; Warner, violinist, and Alec Lawson, comedian and eccentric dancer; with Pathe Frere's animated gazette. (Gloucester Journal - Saturday 17 April 1915) "The Mystery Gun partakes of the sensational too, but with a generous bias on the funny side. The illusion consists of the lady being apparently fired from a gun at a steel screen, and who comes out smiling the other side. The deception is completely mystifying. (Gloucester Journal - Saturday 24 April 1915)

An illusionary sketch entitled "The Mystery Gun" will be the chief attraction at the King's Theatre next week. This act will be presented by Fred Clayden. It is unique in every respect, and is a most successful attempt to present a mystifying and sensational illusion in a novel and interesting manner. There is a strong vein of humour running through the sketch, the comedy part being sustained by Mr. Charles Cleaveland, who keeps his audience in roars of laughter from start to finish. The scene representing the gun deck of a famous battleship showing the four huge turret guns, was specially designed and painted, and is acknowledged to be a masterpiece of scenic art. The remaining items on the bill include Montes and Welma, in a burlesque comedy act; Leigh and Fenton, in a novel vocal scena; Tom Seymour and CO., in a unique comedy farce, "A Girl in Every Port"; the Mantons' novelty musical act; Al Penney, the Moonlight Minstrel; Camp and Critic, in farcical comedy, "The Waxworks," and Miss Flora Cromer, the famous burlesque artiste, who is paying a welcome return visit. Miss Cromer is possessed of a full contralto voice. She is also gifted with a keen sense of humour and fine dramatic instinct, which all go to contribute largely to her success as an entertained. (Dundee Courier - Friday 21 May 1915) To fire a human projectile through any substance, even steel plates is what Lieutenant Jack Armstrong claims his invention the mystery gun can do. The story of the successful trial of the mystery gun is told in the great sketch of the same name, which appears at the King's next week. Lieutenant Armstrong is in love with Mollie the beautiful daughter of Captain Trevor who is one of the officials appointed by the Admiralty to carry out the test of the great gun. Jack is to receive a large sum if the experiment should prove successful. Captain Trevor is prejudiced against the Lieutenant and his "newfangled notions," but the young man eventually manages to induce the Captain to agree to a private test in which Mollie is to be fired through the ship's steel target. Jack's reward is to be Mollie's hand in marriage. Mollie is placed in the gun, and successfully carries out the experiment without injury, much to the surprise of Captain Trevor. The act is unique in every respect and is a most successful attempt to present a mystifying and sensational illusion in a novel and interesting manner. There is a strong vein of humour running through the sketch, the comedy part being sustained by Mr. Charles Cleaveland as Smiler Simms, who keeps the house in roars of laughter from start to finish. The part of Mollie Trevor the girl who is fired through the steel platen in full view of the audience is admirably performed by Miss Erica O'Foyle. A 500 pound challenge is offered to anyone who can prove that two girls are used in the illusion. (Dundee Courier - Friday 21 May 1915)

Comedy is outstanding at the Alhambra Theatre, Leith, this week. Topping the bill is an illusionary comedy sketch, presented by Fred. Clayden, called "The Mystery Gun." A young lady is apparently shot out of the mouth of a large gun on the stage through a steel armour-plated target in full view of the audience. The illusion is a clever one. Between the various actors in the piece there is much amusing cross-talk. Jack Mills, Scottish comedian, is much applauded for his topical parodies on well-known Scottish songs; possessed of a beautiful contralto voice, Myra Norman is an acquisition to the programme; George Crotty, in several ragtime songs, is a success, and he also gives a capital step-dancing exhibition: the Brothers Geddes provide an entertaining musical item, producing melodies from a variety of articles, including bells, bottles, and a tea set. Reg Wentworth is heard to advantage in one or two comic songs; Dora Sefton is a smart comedienne and dancer: and Reo, Rio and Pim give a clever comedy acrobatic performance. Pictures from the scene of the Gretna railway disaster are exhibited on the screen. (The Scotsman - Tuesday 01 June 1915).

Twice nightly 6.50 & 9 pm. Entertainment of the bright and breezy kind is again provided at the Lyric. Fred Clayden makes his initial appearance in the city, and, judging by the hearty applause accorded his clever comedy sketch, "The Mystery Gun," at both houses last night, he has already installed himself a favourite. Juggling that is as smart as it is amusing is presented by The Three Buckleys, while Frances Hanlon, comedienne, sings herself into the favour of her hearers. Eccentric cycling is performed by Newhouse and Ward; Huley and Bent prove themselves to be capital entertainers, while the others on the programme are uniformly excellent. (Daily Record - Tuesday 08 June 1915)

In a mystic and comedy sketch, "The Mystery Gun," good entertainment is provided, and the company is a very fine one. The scene is a representation of the decks of a famous battleship. Pentman and Miller, the gymnastic messenger boys; and Huley and Bent, the popular comedy duo, also provide bright entertainments. Many animated pictures are shown, the leading story being that of "The Winksome Widow," a comedy that keeps the audience in roars of laughter. (Daily Record - Tuesday 15 June 1915)

Fred Clayden's Mystery Gun, The Mozelles, Jack Francis, Andie Lace, Barnard Family, Ferguson and Stuart, Tom and Neil.

In the Exhilarating Oriental Revue, "His Nibbs,". Produced on a Scale of Great Magnificence. Received with screams of laughter. See Bruno, Bear up your troubles and you will hug yourself with delight. A beautiful bunch of slave girls. Powerful varieties by Abel and Welsh. Madm. Reigal, Royce, Babs, and Royce, and The "Mystery Gun."

Twice nightly 6.50 & 9 pm. His Nibbs Revue. Described as an Anglo-Oriental revue, will be produced with Albert Bruce as the principal fun-maker. Another prominent attraction will be the presentation by Fred Clayden of his "Mystery Gun." (Irish Independent - Friday 30 July 1915)

The Mystery Gun is a clever sketch presented by Fred Clayden's Company and is heartily received. Jean Ray is a delightful comedienne who sings and dances well. Ex-Corporal Morris gives a turn consisting of post-horn and bugle selections. The pictures include The Black Box. (The Stage - Thursday 09 September 1915)

There is an excellent bill at this house. The chief feature is the Mystery Gun presented by Fred Clayton and his clever company. Neil Milton is a clever Scotch comedian. Holland and Evan introduce a mechanical novelty, representing a "Trip to Town." (The Stage - Thursday 21 October 1915)

The reputation which the management of the Derby Hippodrome have so justly earned of giving their patrons only the best entertainment will be further enhanced next week. The composition of the programme we feel certain will satisfy all tastes. Lovers of good singing (and Derby merits the claim of being judges in this respect) will be in their element listening to the entrancing warbling of Miss Ruby Heyl, premier contralto from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. Her vocalist reputation is so familiar with musical playgoers that comment is superfluous. In the opposite direction the mystical loving portion of the audience is appealed to by the act entitled "The Mystery Gun". This turn is a combination of naval mystery and comedy, and promises to be very appropriate to the moment when the doings of guns, big and little, are the topic of the daily conversation. The scene is laid on the gun decks of a famous battle-ship, showing the forward turret with its huge guns frowning over the deck. The chief interest is centred round the invention of Lieutenant Jack Armstrong - the Mystery Gun as he calls it - and declares it capable of firing a human being through any substance even steel itself, and on its success not only depends a fortune, but the happiness of Jack, and Molly, the Captain's daughter. As to how the gun is put to the test, the laughable situations that lead up to it, and the startling results we must save our readers to discover for themselves. It is sufficient to say for the moment that the ridicule and opposition of the crusty old captain, and the family troubles of Smiler Simms all help to lead to a happy ending. The comedy element in this tremendously fine programme is well looked after by that screamingly funny Lancashire comedian, Harold Baker. (Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - Friday 26 November 1915)

Topping the bill at the Palace this week is the naval comedy illusion entitled "The Mystery Gun." The setting for this short sketch is exceedingly effective, representing the deck of a Dreadnought with the mystery gun well in the foreground. A young Lieutenant has invented the gun which, he claims will fire any object, dead or alive through a steel plate without injury to the projectile. In order to test his faith in the invention the lieutenant offers himself as "cannon fodder", but his sweetheart, the captain's daughter, Miss Erica O'Foyle demands the right to the honour of being the first live projectile to pass through the gun. After some amusing asides she is eventually installed in the barrel and the gun is fired at remarkably short range. The young lady passes through the target alighting on her feet behind the erection. Two lively seamen add considerably to the merriment of the sketch. (Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 14 December 1915)

'The Mystery Gun,' by Fred. Clayden, goes with a bang. it is very clever and very laughable. The Four Shades a ladies' vocal quartette, is a harmonious delight, and the singers charm the audience. Songs without singers, by the Miles-Stavordale Quintette, is a remarkable performance. Miss Joan de Ferraro sings charmingly. Will Gardener strikes a new comedy line. Macdonald Watson and Company appear in an amusing Scottish playlet; and very clever is the Monkey-up-a-stick Act by the Spanish Grace Bros. (Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 08 January 1916)

An illusionary Comedy Sketch, introducing Miss Erica O'Foyle. A magnificent Representation of Gun Deck of a Famous Battleship. 500 pounds Challenge to anyone who can prove that Two Girls are used in this Illusion. (Merthyr Express - Saturday 05 February 1916)

Fred. Clayden introduced an illusion styled "The Mystery Gun" and Walter Stanley is an amusing comedian. (The Stage - Thursday 24 February 1916)

Pictures, Gibbon Duo, Harry May Hemsley, Three Madcaps, Eric Clifford, "Mystery Gun", Hirste and Venton, and Florrie Ray. (The Era - Wednesday 01 March 1916)

A novelty of more than usual interest is to be produced at the Exeter Hippodrome next week, and as it savours of the mysterious, should prove a big draw. We refer to "The Mystery Gun" a naval comedy illusion which has met with considerable success in most of the leading music halls. The company responsible for presentation is headed by Fred. Clayden and, according to accounts which have appeared in the Press, the comedy preliminary to the introduction of the performance provides a capital entertainment. The audience is shown a magnificent representation of the gundeck of a battleship and, though the claims of the inventor of the gun (Lieutenant Armstrong) are ridiculed by the Captain , the Admiralty who demand to test the gun offer a handsome reward to the inventor if its results are as claimed. Then follows the illusion in which Miss Erica O'Foyle (an exceedingly attractive actress) is apparently fired from the mouth of the gun, and smilingly emerges from the other side of a steel target. 500 pounds will be given to anybody who can prove that two young ladies take part in the illusion. As to the rest of the bill it is full of good all-round turns, Ethel and May, described as England's foremost juvenile musicians, will appear, they being assisted by their renowned "lightning conductor," Mr. G.S. Thomas late of the Empire Theatre, London. Other attractions are Kisbey ("The Call Boy", "The Gallimore Trio," pantomimists and dancers, and in a comedy act Phil Ludo, in his humourous whistling and banjo entertainment, and Jack Chester and Edith Dottridge the vocal comedy couple or "The Merry Merchant and the Soprano". There will also be the bioscope and "Country Stores" on Friday. (Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Saturday 26 February 1916)

Fred. Clayden and his fellow artistes introduce "The Mystery Gun." The outstanding feature of the sketch apart from some capital dialogue is the explosion of the big gun, giving the sensational illusion of firing Miss Erica O'Foyle through an armour-plated target. The feat was very neatly performed, as was the whole sketch. Lloyd Morgan an artistic comedian, deservedly gained the high esteem of the large audience; the Whitakers a comedy duo, and a pantomime burlesque admirable gauge the pace of the modern musical hall audience; whist Albert Lepena from the Coliseum in burlesque songs and dances was another very popular entertainer. (Coventry Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 04 April 1916)

Wee Georgie Wood occupies the chief place here. "The Mystery Gun," presented by F. Clayton, is a novel item. The Yale Sextet, J.E. Sutton, Delinio, Australian Alberto, and Jack Corgrove and Ethel Burns are also billed. (The Stage - Thursday 20 April 1916)

A naval comedy illusion, "They Mystery Gun," submitted by Mr. Fred Clayden is clever, whilst the Royal Blue Masents are seen to advantage in various popular items. The bill is completed by Wolfe Land (vaudevillian), Stanelli and Carrodus (ragtime dancers and violinists), Happy Attwood (comedian), Comm and Dere (eccentric comedy equilibrists), and Fred Keeton (comedian). (Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 25 April 1916)

Heading the bill here is Fred. Clayden, introducing Erica O'Foyle in The Mystery Gun. Mona Vivian is highly popular with her songs, dances, and mimicry. The Affair of Room 14 is presented by J.G. Grahame and Zerlinda Harrington is a sketch of the highest merit. Kitty Stewart in songs at the piano, is warmly applauded, and the Six Drummer Girls show considerable skill and ability. Jack Crew sings and dances in commendable style.

The old idea of a human projectile fired (or apparently fired) from a gun is the central feature of a comedy illusion entitled "The Mystery Gun," at the City Varieties. The scene is laid on the gun deck of a battleship, but it is nothing more than a love story, for if the gun is successful in shooting the captain's daughter through a target she becomes the wife of the inventor, a young lieutenant. And, of course, that is what happens. Mike Cray, in a smart pot-pourri act, along with his sagacious dog, "Dooley," presents a really enjoyable turn. A dainty vocalist with a taking style is Frances Kinders, and Jack Barlow's powerful bass is heard to advantage in two capital sea songs. Another good turn is that of the Original Storks, a trio of graceful gymnasts. (Yorkshire Evening Post - Tuesday 23 May 1916)

Twice nightly 7pm & 9pm. The programme at the Palace and Hippodrome this week is comprised of well-balanced and pleasing variety turns which constitute a high-class vaudeville entertainment calculate to please all tastes. The presentation of Fred. Clayden's naval comedy illusion "The Mystery Gun" creates plenty of mirth and amusement. The comedy is enacted on the gun deck of a modern battleship and the story leading up to the test of this mystery gun is typically nautical and brimful of humour. The inventor of the mystery gun, Lieut. Jack Armstrong (Ray MacMarn) is in love with the Captain's daughter (Miss Erica O'Foyle) and the consent of the father to the match is dependent on the successful trial of the gun, which it is claimed will fire a human projectile through a solid target without injury to the former or damage to the latter. herein of course lies the illusion, and the mystery is certainly one which completely baffles the audience. Simultaneously with the discharge of the gun pretty Miss O'Foyle appears on the other side of the solid target and how she gets there is a point on which there will be many opinions, probably no two alike, and equally probable none of them accurate. At any rate there is a 500 pound challenge to anyone who can prove that two ladies are employed in the illusion. The Dolly Victoria Troupe of lady cyclists have an altogether new and novel act, far removed from the ordinary stage cycling exhibitions. They are remarkably clever combination and after a series of wonderfully skilful individual and combined tricks in which the youngest member of the troupe displays extraordinary ability, they conclude a delightful turn with a patriotic tableau which merits the rapturous applause accorded from all parts of the house. Rich Hayes described as the elongated personification of humorous skill and audacity is not unknown in Burnley, but there could be no more welcome turn, for Hayes is one of the funniest men on the stage as well as one of the most adept in the art of juggling. His very appearance creates much laughter, and his eccentricities coupled with his exceptional skill make him one of the most entertaining artistes touring the halls. Eleanor and Bertie appear in a comedy gymnastic melange in which the lady gives a wonderfully clever exhibition on the tight wire, her companion meanwhile applying the humorous element. The Four Renees come in for much admiration in a comedy vocal and dancing speciality, while Tom Charles a member of the quartette, gives the best impersonation of Charlie Chaplin that we have seen. Bessie Slaughter has a contralto voice of remarkable tone and regular charm and her rendition of "Killarney" especially wins for her hearty and spontaneous applause. George Edwards is a Lancashire comedian whose patter and songs instil him a popular favourite. The pictures this week are of exceptional interest. (Burnley News - Wednesday 21 June 1916)

Fred. Clayton presents his naval comedy sketch, "The Mystery Gun," at the Queen's park Hippodrome. The illusions are really clever and enjoyable. Elsie Cross, the Yorkshire tomboy, creates much amusement, and Freda Forbes sings in a pleasing manner. Dorothy Haigh and William Heilbronn produces a farcical sketch, "The Gay Dog," in which there is some good fun. (Manchester Evening News - Tuesday 27 June 1916)

Mr. De Villiers presents The Airship controlled and directed entirely by wireless telegraphy: Fred Clayden and Co. The Mystery Gun: Les Marguerites, Togo Banzai, Mannie Gilbert, Bibby and Walker, Rastus and Banks, coloured comedians. (The Era - Wednesday 12 July 1916)

At the Palace Theatre Fred. Clayden is presenting "Mystery Gun" with Miss Erica O'Foyle as the heroine of an interesting illusion. (Leeds Mercury - Tuesday 18 July 1916)

With Tom Foy and Company, the sensational mystery gun set, and the other attractions which make up the bill of fare, the South Shields Empire Theatre should do good business this week. It is a good long while since the great dialect comedian last embraced a South Shields audience. He is quite as funny as ever and his quaintly; humorous absurdity "In Trouble Again" in which he is supported by several able artistes kept two well filled houses in tears of laughter last evening. The mystery gun is an amusing naval comedy sketch presented by Mr Fred Clayden. The setting is a fine representation of the gun deck of a famous Dreadnought and some capital light comedy precedes a thrilling and sensational climax, in which a young lady is fired from the mystery gun to re-appear unhurt on the far side of a target which is shown to be still intact. It is a remarkable illusion. A delightful ventriloquist sketch was contributed by Warner who appeared in his latest success "The Castaway." The Night Rosettes gave a pleasing turn, and were warmly applauded for their dainty toe dancing, drill, sword combats, and Russian dancing and also for their singing in English, French, and Russian. Yaso an expert with the violin was heartily encored for his excellent playing. David and Marriott, Welsh operatic duettists sang very sweetly, and were thoroughly appreciated, and Jim Corlett, a first-class dancer, came in for vigorous applause, and had to respond to a well-earned recall. (Shields Daily News - Tuesday 25 July 1916)

The excellent programme this week is full of good things. Mary Law, whose gifted and artistic violin playing has previously charmed Northampton audiences, is as popular as ever and last evening she was enthusiastically encored. the Mandos give what is described as a double whirlwind act - a perfectly original and extremely daring performance, Fred. Clayden presents a comedy illusion, "he Mystery Gun," in which an amusing dialogue leads up to a unique illusion. There are also Leslie Elliott, the girl at the piano who was a great favourite; Anderson and Nash in comedy tit-bits; Loie Conn, an instrumentalist; and Chester and Dottridge. vocal and comedy duo. (Northampton Chronicle and Echo - Tuesday 31 October 1916)

Twice nightly 7pm and 9pm

Twice nightly 7pm and 9pm

Large audiences have been attracted to the Hippodrome, Newgate, twice nightly this week, and the entertainment provided has proved very enjoyable. Mr. Fred. Clayden's company present a naval comedy "The Mystery Gun." The other artistes are the Three Ryewoods, instrumentalists; Mart and Pep, acrobats; Jack Fortescue, who gives vocal and character studies; May Erne and He; ballad singers; Tew and Lea, comedians; and Nellie Sylvester, vocalist and dancer. (Rochdale Observer - Saturday 23 December 1916)

For those who seek a two hour entertainment that interests and amuses from start to finish, a visit to the Palace will be a good investment. The two principal turns, Fred. Clayden's presentation of the naval comedy illusion,, "The Mystery Gun," and Ernest Krake and Co., in "The Electric Tramcar Conductor," are of first-class merit. "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," is a strong Lasky drama, finely acted amid grand scenery. The remainder of the programme is good. There is a matinee on Saturday. (Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 16 January 1917)

"The Mystery Gun," a unique illusion act, forms a leading feature of a good programme. Rowland Hill is a comedian with a style all his own, and he won well-merited applause, and Rowland and Rolyat provide a delightful musical melange. (Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 17 July 1917)