The Wages Of Hell (After The War)

The play was staged here until 20 May (The Era, 17 May 1916). The cast was: John Lawson (actor), Lucille Sidney (actress), Adèle Lawson (actress), Charles Vane (actor), Miss Pearson (actress), Mr. Frank Seddon (actor). The remainder of the bill consisted of Brodo and Anitra, vocalists; Millie Gold, the popular male impersonator; and Miss Georgina Berry. The Era (10 May 1916) wrote the following: 'Christianity is undergoing the severest test of its existence. The war has produced a difference of opinion between clergymen upon the subject of loving our enemies as interesting in its variation as the doctors’ treatment of indigestion. One day a prominent Eton divine exhorts the populace not to humiliate Germany - when hundreds of Eton’s own have suffered the horrors of the Hun. A day later another Church celebrity declares that it is our business to exterminate the enemy. Now we have the Rev. A. J. Waldron, a clergyman beloved by his congregation for his broadmindedness, as the author of 'The Wages of Hell', a dramatic playlet anticipating the feeling of the people, particularly of the Jews, towards the vanquished foe 17 years hence. As the hero of a sketch Mr. John Lawson has preached many a sensible sermon from the stage. He has had few more effective to deliver than that which the late Vicar of Brixton has written for him. The German must never be forgiven; the barbarity of his warfare never forgotten. [...] Mr. Lawson rams home the author’s main arguments with splendid emphasis, and relieves the dramatic moments with unexpected touches of light comedy. Miss Lucille Sidney’s portrayal of the mother overwhelmed with lasting shame is perfect, and cleverly contrasted with the character of the schoolgirl in the prologue. The daughter is delightfully played by Miss Adèle Lawson. Mr. Charles Vane handles the unsympathetic rôle of the Boche with commendable skill; the remaining characters of the Nun and a butler being suitably represented by Miss Pearson and Mr. Frank Seddon'. The Stage (11 May 1916) also reviewed the sketch: 'The Rev. A. J. Waldron, of Brixton, has written a tense and gripping little drama in The Wages of Hell, although it is, perhaps, not so entirely original in theme as some could wish. Indeed, more than one play touching upon or approaching a similar theme can be recalled during its action, and the experienced playgoer – not necessarily, perhaps, a person to be specially considered in the variety theatre – is able to anticipate the story pretty accurately by a mere glance at programme particulars. But these, after all, are but minor defects in an engrossing playlet, as is also a certain easily-remedied patchiness of dialogue which at present rather suggests eleventh hour alteration and revision. The story, which may soon be told, is one of German brutality and its consequences, and its obvious moral is all self-respecting people must treat the unspeakable Boche as a social pariah for many years after the present upheaval. The prologue, which is short and commendably reticent, tells how a girl in a school in Louvain is outraged by a drunken German officer; in the play proper, seventeen years afterwards, the outraged woman learns with horror that the young man who wishes to marry her (brutally begotten) daughter is the actual son of her German betrayer. She and the last-named scoundrel eventually meet face to face – he is posing as a Dutchman named Van Ralte – and, the woman being unable to take her own just revenge, the German brute is promptly killed by her brother. John Lawson, in a part not usually associated with his style, plays well as the avenging brother, and Adele Lawson, Lucille Sidney, and Charles Vane, are seen to great advantage in the remaining principal parts, the last-named gentleman being particularly clever in his assumptions, first as the drunken officer, and afterwards as the pseudo Dutch Boche. The Wages of Hell is being enthusiastically received by large audiences at Camberwell, and should repeat its success upon many occasions in spite of the fact that War plays are not generally popular. It is bad Christianity, but good drama'.

Performed from 22 May to around 28 May alongside 'The Man Who Came Back', Bioscope, &c’; also Lotto, Lilo & Otto; Two Vestas; Arthur Young; and Harry Champion.

Performed between 5 and 11 June. Other acts on the bill included: Daisy James, Daisy Dormer, Geo. Carney and Co. in “The Fool of the Force', Wilson Hallett, Ben Albert, Edie Gray, Bioscope

Performed here between 19 and 24 June 1916. Other acts on the bill include: 'The Knighthood of Posner', the Dugardes, who appeared in a refined musical and dancing act, a feature of which was the singing of a child vocalist; Tew and Lea, a pair of clever comedians; and the Five Wilbers, singers and dancers. The 'Belfast Newsletter' wrote (20 June 1916): ‘There were large and appreciative audiences at the Empire Theatre last evening, and in view of the fact that Mr. John Lawson fills the principal place in the programme this gratifying state of things will probably be maintained during the remainder of the week. Mr. Lawson appears in two sketches, one being a slight, humorous production entitled 'The Knighthood of Posner', and the other - 'The Wages of Hell' - a highly dramatic piece by the Rev. A. J. Waldron, of Brixton. The sketches give Mr. Lawson an opportunity of displaying his wonderful versatility, for the two roles which he assumes afford a striking contrast in characterisation, and require the employment of widely different histrionic methods. In 'The Knighthood of Posner' the bright and exhilarating humour got well over footlights; whilst in the sketch by Mr. Waldron the actor had a part which suited him admirably. His impersonation of Dave Raphael was intensely dramatic, and full of the vim and vitality which seem natural to Mr. Lawson on the stage. Miss Lucy Sidney acted with charm and force as Beryl Raphael, and the other parts were also capably sustained'.

‘This week at the Empire Theatre we are promised a return visit of the celebrated actor Mr. John Lawson, who will be well remembered here by his remarkable production entitled, 'Only A Jew'. This week, however, he will be seen in two new productions – 'The Knighthood of Posner' and 'The Wages of Hell'. Mr. John Lawson is certainly a remarkable actor, and has always proved a great favourite at the Dame Street house. His many friends and admirers will, no doubt, be glad to extend him a cordial greeting when he makes his reappearance this (Monday) evening. Supporting Mr. Lawson is a very powerful list of variety artistes. With such an attractive bill it is safe to assume that a liberal amount of patronage will be extended to the Empire this week’. (Dublin Daily Express, 26 June 1916)

'The top of the bill here is occupied by the Harmony Four, a quartette of musicians as clever as they were quaint. Miss Helen Charles, at the piano, received loud applause for her mimicry, and her artistic act was loudly applauded. Our old friend, Jock McKay, was soon on the best of terms with his audience, his side-splitting comedy, and his unique performance, gaining him a hearty reception. Joe O’Gorman, the Irish comedian and dancer, with much amusing patter, was also very successful. Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge have an excellent medium for their comedy and vocal talents in 'A Lucky Mistake'. A clever artiste like Jack Straw should getting some better material than he is at present working. Jas. Bendon, a good comedian, opened the programme; and Haydn Wood and Dorothy Court, in their artistic vocal and instrumental scene, with Miss Marjorie Broughton at the piano, scored a big success. The closing number, Love’s garden of roses,” was an especial favourite. The Rev. A. J. Waldron’s sketch, 'The Wages of Hell', in which Mr. John Lawson played powerfully Dave Raphael, brought the programme to a close. On Monday Cruikshank deputised here for Mr. Vernon Watson, and was particularly entertaining in his “cat” burlesque’. (The Era, 19 July 1916)