Great War Theatre

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This is an idiotic example of the old fashioned melodrama with its ridiculous murders and abductions; its only difference from the many I have read in the last year is that all the bad people are Germans. This is very silly but can hardly be corrected on principle. So far as it touches on the War its ignorance is unfathomable. This is illustrated in the beginning, where immediately after the declaration of war the Germans attack a country hotel near Namur, and nearly capture English officers but are routed by Belgian cavalry. In this act is the first vain attempt to abduct the heroine by the (German) villain who loves her and the (German) villainess who loves the hero. in act II the attempt temporarily succeeds fortunately without evil results, and moreover, the heroine's father is murdered, but in act III she safely re-joins her husband, the hero, and in Act IV, after the latter has rescued a brother officer and been wounded, he returns in the nick of time to frustrate the last abduction, and villain and villainess are both slain. It is all rubbish, and of course to read of war matters in the midst of it grates on one's taste, but I find nothing in this element which can be forbidden: it is well meant and its want of intelligence will (presumably) not worry the audiences in view. The comic relief is furnished by a soldier servant, but that is the case in countless other plays and he is not made ridiculous in a bad way - in fact turns out a hero like all the other English characters. Recommended for license. G.S Street

Researcher's Summary:

J (for Joseph) M Wharncliffe was the pen name of the actor Jack Armitage. This play was performed before it was licensed. The Stage, 26 November 1914, reported that 'Miss Hilda Beverley has secured the rights of Joseph M. Wharncliffe’s latest drama entitled When There Was War. Miss Beverley has already produced the piece, and she informs us that an excellent tour is being rapidly booked'. The performance at Halifax on Monday 7 December 1914 envisaged at the time of licensing did not take place; The Halifax Evening Courier advertised Hilda Beverley's company in Wharncliffe's The White Girl Slave at the Grand Theatre and Opera House all through the week. When There Was War was advertised at Gravesend as 'When There Was War, or, The Great Conspiracy', but a review of Wharncliffe's earlier play The Great Conspiracy in The Era, 15 October 1913, shows its plot to be sufficiently different from that of When There Was War for the latter not to be regarded as a reworking of the former. Hilda Beverley's company performed When There Was War between runs of The White Girl Slave. Sometimes a week's performances may have been split between the two plays (Dublin, October 1914; Wakefield and Oswestry, November 1914; Eastbourne, February 1915). Gaps in the list of performances recorded here indicate weeks when The White Girl Slave was performed on its own. Discussion of When There Was War frequently claimed that it was based on actual incidents of the war; reviews of performances at Lincoln and Stockton mentioned its references to the Battle of the Marne of September 1914. The play was praised for the light it threw on the nefarious German spy system in England and for the patriotic sentiments it aroused in the audience. It was described as a romantic drama and as a melodrama.

Licensed On: 18 Nov 1914

License Number: 3024

Author(s):

Genre(s):

Keyword(s):

British Library Reference: LCP1914/33

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66081 P

Performances

Date Theatre Type
8 Oct 1914 Grand, Gravesend Professional
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The Gravesend & Northfleet Standard, 6 October 1914, advertised at the Grand Theatre Hilda Beverley’s company in Foiled By A Woman on Monday-Wednesday and in When There Was War, or, The Great Conspiracy (‘A New Melodrama, founded on the events of the present European Crisis') on Thursday-Saturday. Both plays were by Joseph Wharncliffe. ‘The title of the play for the week-end [at the Grand Theatre] is “When there was war," or "The Great Conspiracy." This is a finely written work … by Joseph Wharncliffe, and in based upon the events of the present European crisis. Under such circumstances it should prove more than usually interesting, and should not be missed by any who are lovers of a thrilling dramatic performance’ (Gravesend & Northfleet Standard, 9 October 1914).
26 Oct 1914 Queen's Theatre, Dublin Professional
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The Era, 28 October 1914, advertised both When There Was War and The White Girl Slave as On The Road from 26 October at the Queen’s T., Dublin. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
2 Nov 1914 Opera House, Wakefield Professional
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The Era, 28 and 4 November October 1914, advertised both When There Was War and The White Girl Slave as On The Road from 2 November at the O.H., Wakefield. No evidence has been found to confirm that. The Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 3 November 1914, advertised The White Girl Slave at the Opera House ‘to-night (Tuesday), And during the Week’.
16 Nov 1914 Empire Theatre, Oswestry Professional
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A notice in The Stage, 19 November 1914, shows that Hilda Beverley’s company was performing The White Girl Slave at the Empire, Oswestry, and that ‘The company are also billed to play When There Was War’.
3 Dec 1914 Theatre Royal, Lincoln Professional
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The Lincolnshire Echo advertised ‘Miss Hilda Beverley and Co. in the Romantic Drama, When There Was War’ at the Theatre Royal on Thursday-Saturday, 3-5 December. ‘This evening [at the Theatre Royal] Miss Hilda Beverley commences another of her welcome visits to Lincoln, this time performing the new drama, founded on incidents in the present European conflict and entitled “When There Was War.” The story opens in Belgium on the eve of the war, and the German Uhlans break in upon the peaceful scene. Changing the locale to England, the audience have a glimpse of Germany’s scheme of espionage, and there is shown a series bold efforts of the spies to capture the secrets of a military station on our coast. Transferring the scene to the banks of the Marne, there is a startling final denouement. Miss Hilda Beverley appears as a German spy, and is supported by a strong company. “When There Was War” is played at seven and nine o’clock tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday’ (Lincolnshire Echo, Thursday, 3 December 1914). ‘A rousing reception was given to Miss Hilda Beverley and her company at the Theatre Royal. Lincoln, last evening, when they performed, for the first time locally, the new military drama, “When There Was War.” The play deals with the present struggle in Belgium and Northern France. The story opens in Belgium, is brought to England, where the working of the German spy system is vividly shown and takes us back to the Continent and to the battle of the Marne. The final triumph of British arms and the crushing of the wicked people of the play brings the drama to a vigorous close. Miss Hilda Beverley plays the role of a German spy with great effect, and the company work hard for the general success that is attained. The play will be repeated to-night and tomorrow at seven and nine o’clock’. Lincolnshire Echo, Friday, 4 December 1914.
7 Dec 1914 Grand Theatre, Halifax, Yorkshire Unknown Licensed Performance
14 Dec 1914 Grand Theatre, Doncaster Professional
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The Stage, 10 and 17 December 1914, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 14 December at the Grand, Doncaster. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
21 Dec 1914 Palace Theatre, Preston Professional
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The Preston Herald, 19 December 1914, advertised at the Palace Theatre, Preston on Monday 21 December and during the week (Christmas Day excepted), for the first time in Preston, ‘Hilda Beverley will present an Entirely New and Original Melodrama, founded on the events of the present European Conflict, entitled: “When There Was War!”’ ‘The greatest drama that the world conflict has as yet produced is the holiday attraction at the re-opening of the Palace Theatre next week, in Miss Hilda Beverley’s presentation of Joseph M. Wharncliffe’s thrilling “When There Was War.” This stirring stage presentation the horrors and glory of conflict in the “Blonde Beast” is not an old play touch-up and re-christened, but an entirely new work, inspired by actual facts of the world war, and in large part reviewing incidents that have already been recorded in the Press. It is to the stage what Zola’s “Downfall” is in literature, the great work on war, and like Zola, it faces facts bravely and without flinching. It is a play of gripping intensity that needs and has obtained a powerful caste of first class artistes, including Jackson Plant, Jack Armitage, Wallace Black, Maggie Sadler, Mary Brammer, and the great Hilda Beverley herself in the difficult role of “Gretchen Gesner,” head of the German espionage system. W. G. Webber, the well-known vocalist, will introduce an interesting feature in his national and patriotic songs ... all members of the allied forces in uniform will be admitted at half price at any performance on the first four evenings the week, whilst on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday seats will be reserved entirely free of charge for all wounded soldiers and Belgium refugees ... This kindly thought for our gallant defenders and no less gallant allies is deserving of the highest commendation. It is in such seemingly small matters that the true spirit of the English is revealed to those alien to our shores’ (Preston Herald, 19 December 1914).
28 Dec 1914 Theatre Royal, West Bromwich Professional
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When ‘Miss Hilda Beverley in “When There Was War,” By Joseph M Wharncliffe’ advertised in The Stage, 24 December 1914, for theatres for future dates, her address for the following week was the T.R., West Bromwich. Similarly The Era, 23 December 1914.
4 Jan 1915 Hippodrome, Birkenhead Professional
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‘Miss Hilda Beverley's company, at the Hippodrome, Birkenhead , this week, is sure to attract full houses The new melodrama, "When there was war," tells the story of a gang of German spies in England. Miss Beverley plays the principal part, and is ably supported by Gilbert Grenville (Captain A. Leigh), Jack Armitage (Lieut. E Freshwater), Mr. Wallace Black (Private J. Shallum), J. L. Inglis (Colonel Carruthers), Miss Nina Hardinge (Lillian Carruthers), the heroine of the play, and the rest of the company, acted commendably’. Liverpool Echo, 5 January 1915.
11 Jan 1915 Palace Theatre, Rochdale Professional
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‘A melodrama with an up-to-date war setting entitled “When there was war” is being presented at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, twice nightly. Mr. Albert Grenville ably sustained the role of Captain Arthur Leigh of the English Army, who befriended Lilian Carruthers (Nina Hardinge), against whom a conspiracy was planned by Captain Fritz Baumgarten of the German Army (Mr. James Jarrett). The character of Gretchen, head of the German espionage system, was cleverly pourtrayed by Miss Hilda Beverley. The story proved of much interest, the different parts being well taken’ (Rochdale Observer, 13 January 1915). ‘An exceedingly topical subject is the foundation of the play which is being presented to the patrons of the Palace Theatre this week. “When There Was War” stirs up the patriotism of everyone present, and that it does not fail to please is proved by the applause awarded the performers’ efforts by Monday night’s audiences. The play deals with the attempts of two German spies to obtain the love respectively of the hero and heroine, and at the same time serve their country. The manner in which the plot eventually ends will not fail to appeal to the audiences that will be sure to assemble before the end of the week. As Capt. Arthur Leigh, of the English Army, Mr. Albert Grenville is all that is needed, and the part of his heroic little sweetheart and eventual wife is well played by Miss Nina Hardinge. Lieut. Edward Freshwater, Arthur’s friend, is represented by Mr. Jack Armitage, and Mr. J. L. Inglis does well in the role of Colonel Carruthers, of the English secret service. The parts of the villains (or Germans) are well taken by Mr. James Jarrett (Capt. Fritz Baumgarten), Mr. H. E. Jones (Grosse), Mr. Francis Cavans (Max), and Miss Hilda Beverley as Gretchen, head of the German espionage system. Miss Mary Brammer, as Bessie Banks, does much to sustain the humour of the piece, and Miss Maggie Sadler is good as Marie, an old French servant’ (Rochdale Times, 13 January 1915).
18 Jan 1915 Theatre Royal, Tyldesley Professional
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The Stage, 14 January 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 18 January at the Royal, Tyldesley. Similarly The Era, 20 January 1915. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
25 Jan 1915 Grand Theatre, Glasgow Professional
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‘Very appropriate to the times is the great military drama, “When There Was War,” which is the attraction at the Grand Theatre. An excellent insight into the German spy system is given, and the story abounds in thrilling scenes and incidents. Miss Hilda Beverley gives a fine representation of the leader of the German espionage system, and Mr. Albert Grenville of the British captain. All the other characters are in capable hands’. Daily Record, 27 January 1915.
1 Feb 1915 Rotunda, Liverpool Professional
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‘At the Rotunda Theatre, on Monday, Mr. M. Montgomery will present, for the first time in Liverpool, Miss Hilda Beverley in an entirely new melodrama, founded on the events of the present European conflict, entitled “When There Was War.” The author of the new drama, which is credited with being a strong play, is Mr. Joseph M. Wharncliffe’ (Liverpool Echo, 30 January 1915). ‘“When there was War,” a new, original, romantic play, is presented by Miss Hilda Beverley at the Rotunda this week. The play, by virtue of its human note and realism, appealed very strongly to last night’s audiences. The opening scenes are in Namur. Miss Hilda Beverley takes the part of Gretchen Gesner, the spy. Colonel Carruthers is portrayed by Mr. J. L. Inglis. Mention must also be made of Mr. Wallace Black, who, in the role of Private Jim Shallum, gave touches of real comedy. The bioscope shows “The Turtle Doves” and latest war chronicles’ (Liverpool Echo, 2 February 1915).
8 Feb 1915 Pavilion, Morley Professional
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The Stage, 11 February 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 8 February at the Pavilion, Morley. Similarly The Era, 10 February 1915. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
15 Feb 1915 Theatre Royal, Stratford Professional
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The play was reviewed at length in The Era, 17 February 1915: ‘’ “When There Was War.” Drama, in Four Acts, by Joseph M. Wharncliffe, for the First Time in London, at the Theatre Royal, Stratford, on Monday, Feb.15’. The cast was: Captain Arthur Leigh, Albert Grenville; Lieut. Edward Freshwater, Jack Armitage; Private Jim Shallum, Wallace Black; Colonel Carruthers, J. L. Inglis; Captain Fritz Baumgarten, James Jarrett; Grosse, Henry E. Jones; Max, Francis Cavans; Lilian Carruthers, Nina Hardinge; Bessie Banks, Mary Brammer; Marie, Maggie Sadler; Gretchen Gesner, Hilda Beverley. The review continued: ‘this piece made its initial appearance in the metropolis on Monday at Mr. Fred Frederick’s popular melodrama theatre, and was very favourably received by a large audience. As the title implies, the piece deals with the present crisis, but is chiefly concerned with the German espionage system presumed to exist in this country. Interwoven there is the interesting love story of a young British officer, Captain Arthur Leigh, who becomes enamoured of and marries Lilian Carruthers. On the declaration of war the captain returns from Belgium to England, where he is quartered, and in this country makes the discovery that his wife is the long-lost daughter of the famous Colonel Carruthers of the British Secret Service. This fact is also known to one Gretchen Gesner, a dangerous German spy, who with a ready accomplice in Captain Fritz Baumgarten is a cause of much concern to the British authorities. These two plot the murder of Colonel Carruthers, and the fell dead is duly carried through, but the designs of Baumgarten on the fair Lilian are frustrated through the girl’s escape. About this time Captain Leigh is ordered on service, and thus has to leave without news of his wife, who, however, patriotically utilises her past nursing knowledge and becomes a Red Cross nurse, and in this way wife and husband meet at the wireless station near Harwich, where Captain Leigh is in charge, and where wounded are to be brought. To this wireless station comes Gretchen Gesner, cleverly disguised as an old woman, and temporarily the captain falls into her power and that of Fritz Baumgarten, who desires to use the station for signalling purposes. Fortunately they are foiled again, but they escape, and are next heard of at Captain Leigh’s house in London, whence the captain has returned after an adventurous and gallant sojourn at the front. Miss Hilda Beverley’s company is responsible for the interpretation of the piece, which is staged and dressed with much care'.
22 Feb 1915 Pier Theatre, Eastbourne Professional
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‘When There Was War is the title of the play which forms the attraction at the Pier next week, and should, we think, be the cause of excellent business. It is founded, of course, on the only topic of interest today, the great war. But, in addition to that, it is founded on real incidents, which make it grip with an intensity seldom found in a drama written on a topic, being an exposure of the German espionage system, of which so much has been heard lately, and the results of which are so far-reaching ... A vein of bright and sparkling comedy runs throughout which is always in good taste, while the Germain and British uniforms give the final touch of realism which is so essential to this type of play’ (Eastbourne Chronicle, 20 February 1915). ‘A Study of the European Conflict. The new and original melodrama presented by Miss Hilda Beverley & Company at the Pier Theatre for the first four nights of this week is a fascinating one, and deals mainly with the crisis in Europe. The plot exposes the detestable system of espionage that the Germans have brought to perfection, and is unfolded in four acts and a number of scenes ... On Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoon, the same company will present “The White Girl Slave,” a play dealing with White Slave traffic(?)’ (Eastbourne Gazette, 24 February 1915). ‘This new play, which was presented in the Pavilion during the first four nights of the week by Miss Hilda Beverley and company, is suggestive of the old type of melo-drama, of which so little is seen now-a-days. Dealing with the great war, the play demonstrates in a forcible manner the unremitting and despicable methods of the German espionage system, in which the desperate plotting of Gretchen Gesner, head of the spies, and Fritz Baumgarten, of the German Army, is successfully combatted by the hero, Capt. Leigh, and his trusty friends. Before the downfall of the villainous couple is finally assured, however, the audience undergoes the thrills of many strange and exciting incidents, and so tenaciously do the spies stick to their work that it is not without considerable strategy that they are out-witted. The company reproduced the drama with marked ability ... Last evening Joseph M. Wharncliffe’s stirring drama, The White Girl Slave, was presented' (Eastbourne Chronicle, 27 February 1915).
1 Mar 1915 Globe Theatre, Deal Professional
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The Stage, 4 March 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 1 March at the Globe, Deal. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
8 Mar 1915 Theatre Royal, Leicester Professional
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‘Miss Hilda Beverley and her company is here [the Leicester Theatre Royal] on a first visit with “When There Was War.” Miss Beverley plays the principal part of Gretchen Gesner with her usual ability, and is capitally supported in other parts by Messrs. Albert Grenville, Jack Armitage, Wallace Black, J. L. Inglis, James Jarrett, Henry E. Jones, Francis Cavans, and the Misses Nina Hardinge, Mary Brammer and Maggie Sadler’. The Era, 10 March 1915.
15 Mar 1915 Royal Osborne Theatre, Manchester Professional
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'There is to be topical fare at the Royal Osborne, and audiences will find plenty to thrill them in "When There Was War." It is an enthralling piece, and will be performed by a fine company’ (Daily Citizen (Manchester), 15 March 1915). The Manchester Evening News, 15 March 1915, advertised at the Royal Osborne Theatre ‘When There Was War! New Production. Patriotic Success’. ‘[A] military drama ... with the title "When there was War" provides good entertainment at the Osborne. The story is based upon incidents in the present campaign, and the scenes are chiefly laid in London, Harwich, and Namur. The fact that the company is one got together by Hilda Beverley is a sufficient guarantee as to the ability of the artists’ (Manchester Evening News, 16 March 1915).
22 Mar 1915 Grand Theatre, Stockton Professional
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‘Large audiences assembled last evening [at the Grand Theatre, Stockton] to witness a grand war drama entitled, “When there was War.” It is founded upon events in the present conflict, and one of the scenes is laid in the woods near Marne, and another at the military station at Harwich. The play is typically realistic and is presented by a strong company, including Miss Hilda Beverley, the producer, as “Gretchen Gesner,” a German spy; Mr. S. J. Andrews, as “Captain Leigh”; and Mr Wallace Black, as “Private Shallum”’. Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 23 March 1915.
29 Mar 1915 Theatre Royal, Barnsley Professional
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‘Hilda Beverley and company occupy the boards here [the Royal, Barnsley] with When There Was War! played twice nightly'. The Stage, 1 April 1915.
5 Apr 1915 Hippodrome, Hyde Professional
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The Stage, 1 and 8 April 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 5 April at the Hippo., Hyde. No evidence has been found to confirm that
12 Apr 1915 Theatre Royal, West Bromwich Professional
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The Stage, 8 April 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 12 April at the Royal, West Bromwich. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
19 Apr 1915 Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth Professional
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‘A very powerful and appropriate attraction has been secured for the Prince’s Theatre next week, in “When There Was War.” The play is ... a new and original romance based on actual incidents of the great European conflict. One of its features is an exposure of the peril of the German spy system as practised in England' (Hampshire Telegraph, 16 April 1915). ‘“When There Was War,” a new and original romantic play, founded upon incidents of the present European conflict, will be presented at the Prince’s Theatre next week ... [It] is a thrilling story of love and war in Belgium and England ... It shows that brave men and courageous women are still the back bone of old England, and makes an irresistible appeal to one’s patriotism’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 17 April 1915). ‘A thrilling drama founded upon incidents of the present European war, entitled “When There Was War,” is being presented at the Princes Theatre, and last night the audience was most appreciative and enthusiastic. The story is cleverly woven, and the play makes an irresistible appeal to the patriotism of the audience' (Portsmouth Evening News, 20 April 1915). Noted in The Stage, 22 April 1915.
26 Apr 1915 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Professional
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‘The new play “When There Was War,” by Joseph M. Wharncliffe, which is presented at the Alexandra Theatre this week, is based on the great war in which Europe is at present engaged, and from its topical note should have more than an ordinary attraction for the public. Apart from this it is a fascinating story, full of the adventurous spirit of the times. Miss Hilda Beverley, the principal character, helps one to understand something of the German system of espionage' (Evening Despatch, 27 April 1915). Noted in The Stage, 29 April 1915.
3 May 1915 Theatre Royal, Oldham Professional
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‘When There Was War is being presented at the Royal [Oldham] this week by Miss Hilda Beverley and her company. Not a dull moment is experienced throughout the whole of the nine scenes. Mr. J. Andrews is admirably suited to the rôle of Captain Arthur Leigh, and Mr. Charles H. Grant is equally successful as Lieutenant Edward Freshwater. Miss Hilda Beverley is entitled to high praise for her Gretchen Gesner’. The Stage, 6 May 1915.
17 May 1915 Hippodrome, Bolton Professional
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‘Miss Hilda Beverley has brought to this house [the Bolton Hippodrome] a strong company, with whom she presents When There Was War. The story is founded on the events of the present War, and deals principally with the German spy system, showing the cunning and clever devices of spies to gain valuable military information'. The Stage, 20 May 1915.
24 May 1915 Grand Theatre, Mansfield Professional
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The Stage, 20 May 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 24 May at the Grand, Mansfield. No evidence has been found to confirm that.
28 Jun 1915 Grand, Swansea Professional
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The Stage, 24 June 1915, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 28 June at the Grand, Swansea. No evidence has been found to confirm that.