Wullie

Whilst the play was licensed for a first performance at the King's Theatre, Montrose, the first evidence of a performance is in Aberdeen in June that year.

Miss Ellis Drake [Actress] produced the performance and played Mrs Thompson, George Westland was Mr Thompson. A revue is published on the Thursday so the play is presumed to have been premiered on Monday 12 June 1916. The review reads: Ellis Drake and Company, In "Wullie", a funny Scottish sketch, provide a principal turn here. Miss Drake does well as Mrs Thompson and George Westland is good as Mr Thompson. The Brooks are clever trick cyclists, and Sydney Brandon is well received.' ('The Stage' 15 June 1916).

The play is performed this week and is last on the bill which lists: Grook & Partner, Terry & Lambert, Manny & Roberts, Caryle Hyde, 5 Olracs, Miss Ellis Drake & Co in "Wullie" (see 'The Stage' 18 June 1916)

This is notable as the play is not listed bottom of the bill as it had been previously. Others in the same bill included: Mark Sheridan-One of the B'hoys in new songs, Les Trombettes, Sophie Forrest, Maggie Benson, Thorpe & Co, Bioscope, Arthur Lennard, The Keystone Cyclists (see 'Newcastle Daily Journal', 26 June 1916)

Others on the same bill included: The Harlequinaders, Alec Kendal -Comedian, Famous French Clown Crock, W V Robinson -The Canadian Entertainer.

There is no indication from reviews when the play was first shown at this theatre, but it was already playing by Friday 12 January 1917. Others in the same bill were: Jean Campbell, Conway & Leland, "Christmas Memories"

The piece was top of the bill and others on the same bill included: Marcelle & Partner, Tom Burton, The Rubes, The Martinettes, Sophie Forrest, Two Vestas, Special War Films On The Hipposcope; Harry Cribben in 'Come Aboard, Sir'.

Listing stating 'Ellis Drake and Company are also appearing at the Middlesex this week in the amusing Scottish sketch "Wullie" ('The Stage', 1 March 1917)

Performed between 26 and 31 March inclusive. It was top of the bill and others on the same bill included: Florrie Ramsey - Comedienne & Dancer, Benton & Cameron -Refined Vocal Duo, Pathe Gazette, King & Carr - Comedians & Dancers.

Performed between 1 April and 7 April inclusive. Others on the same bill included: Jean Campbell -Contralto Vocalist, Meg Fraser - Speciality Dancer, Jack Blair -Scotch [sic] Comedian, Manuel & Francois - Acrobatic Funnyosities.

Performed on 31 May and 1 June. Others on the same bill included: Fox Productions Film "Blazing Love" featuring Virginia Pearson. "Full Graham Moffat's "Concealed Bed" caste.

Performed from 2 to 7 July inclusive. Others on the same bill included: Knight & Everett - in their inimitable absurdity "Two of Irish", Gwennie Morgan - The eccentric dancer with the saxophone, Special Dramatic Pictures - Mon/Tues/Wed - A Short Snappy Topical Drama "Everybody's Business", "The Fantastic" Episode 13 The Spy and the Submarine, Thurs/Fri/Sat " The Purple Domino" Episode 7 A Race For Freedom, "The Victim" Three-part Drama (see 'Falkirk Herald' 1 July 1917)

Performed for the week. Others on the bill included: Dalva duo, Bert Weston, Geo. Carvey and Company, Jack Lane, Hymack, Mizuno Family.

The play was shown here between 20 and 25 August inclusive. Others on the same bill included: Jack Birchley - Humourous Twister, Oswald Bemand and his Wonder Pigeons, Clara Evelyn, Ivy St Helier, Jack Lane - Yorkshire rustic in Jest and Song, Mr Hymack- whimsical Human Chameleon.

Others in the same bill included: The Four Royal Scota - in a novel vocal, instrumental, and dancing act, 'and star variety programme' ('Daily Record and Mail', 4 January 1918)

The play was shown here between 21 and 26 January 1918. It was performed by Ellis Drake & Co.