A Soldier, A Girl And A Jolly Jack Tar

"Hot and Cold," one of the best-mounted and thoroughly well-played revues which has the support of Stratford patrons was worth a visit to the Empire on Monday and some innovations in the cast and business will be noticed. Besides the inimitable A.W.Bascombe and Herbert Bolingbroke, there is a notable newcomer in the cast, Hylton Warde. Miss Ethel Oliver and Dorothy Frostick, the clever dancer, are filling the leading ladies parts, and the big beauty chorus has lost none if its bright attractiveness. Duncan and Godfrey will appear next week in an entirely new act entitled "A Soldier, a Girl and a jolly Jack Tar," a comedy conception replete with topical allusion expressed in their own typical cockney way. James Fawn and Jackson Potter (the famous baritone, featuring some fine numbers from a widely varied repertoire), are also at the Empire. (Eastern Post - 24 June 1916)

One of the best variety twice nightly programmes of the year will be found at Finsbury Park next week. It is an all star bill. There are no more resourceful couple of comedians than the Poluski Brothers who will present their comicalities on Monday next. There is nothing in variety quite like Van Hoven neither can there be. The eccentricities of this American artiste could never be duplicated with the effect that he produces. Nixon Grey has natural qualities that undoubtedly help him to be really funny. The turn of Duncan and Godfrey in their coster studies is familiar to all North London audiences. They will appear next week in an entirely new act entitled "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." Frank and Vesta, two American artistes will present their speciality dancing act brimful of novelty. Lovers of sweet music, vocal and instrumental will have their fill in the act of the Five Symphony Girls. Hal Skelley and Eunice Sauvain will introduce for the first time here the "Black Dog Trot." The Daunton Show Troupe present one of the finest trick cycling acts to be seen. (Holloway Press - Friday 7 July 1916)

That charming artiste, Miss Gertie Gitana, has been secured for the premier position on the bill at the Hackney Empire next week. She is one of the accepted queens of the variety stage. It can be declared with truth that few artistes can command the overwhelming welcome that awaits Gertie Gitana. The jolly "Dutch" girl, May Moore Duprez, is another popular visitor. There is no jollier or more entertaining personality on our stage that "the girl in the sabots." "My sort of work," says Miss Duprez "you can only get over the footlights by really feeling the part you play." And following we are to get Lawrence Wright's company of talented musical artistes, Will Gardner, the new style comedian, Duncan and Godfrey in "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar;" Jackley and Le Sine, Halma, and the Three Wolkens. (Eastern Post Saturday 5 August 1916)

Considerable variety will characterise the programme at the Hippodrome next week. Joe Peterman will present "The Lady Barbers," described as a society episode in three scenes, and which has a considerable reputation; and others who will appear are Jack Warman, character patter comedian; The Cleos, in a novelty gymnastic speciality; O'Gorman Bros., who sing talk, and dance; Alexander Prince, the celebrated concertina soloist; and Duncan and Godfrey, in a cockney conversation concerning a soldier, a girl, and a jolly Jack Tar. The war films on the Hipposcope will be a special attraction. (Coventry Standard - Friday 11 August 1916)

Hollier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 16 August 1916)

Hollier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 16 August 1916)

Hillier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 6 September 1916)

Hillier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 6 September 1916)

Hillier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 20 September 1916)

At the Sheffield Empire, last night, Harry Weldon was mirth-provoking as usual, and his substantial contributions the programme lacked nothing in the way of variety, he was particularly good as a timorous but talkative boxer in training. Jerry and Co "Builders?" - were responsible for some broad comedy, and the Vamagata Troupe of Japanese entertainers accomplished some wonderfully clever acrobatic feats. Lucille Benstead sang admirably, and Duncan and Godfrey appealed strongly with song and patter about ' a soldier, a girl and a jolly Jack Tar.' As typical American singers and dancers, Ed. and Jack Smith were tremendously popular, Zetta Mor sang daintily and well; and Benedetti Bros., musical acrobatic comedians successfully played violins all manner of unusual ways. War pictures were included in the excellent programme. (Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 26 September 1916)

Hillier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar. (The Era - Wednesday 27 September 1916)

Hillier and Haynes Twa Draps O Scotch Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar. (The Era - Wednesday 4 October 1916)

M D. Mr. Fred Willmot; R.M. Mr. Henry T. Downs. Gilday and Fox, Hebrew comedians, present here their latest success, "Ikey Levy's Birthday." John Terry and Mabel Lambert, prime favourites here, are paying a return visit in their witty and humorous act: Madge Velma and her "Ruffles," a quartette of lady vocalists, afford much pleasure with their concerted items; Minnie Duncan and Arthur Godfrey the popular coster comedians, have been accorded a capital reception; and also billed are Mary True, who plays grand opera on an English concertina; Frank Cass, comedian; and Billy Simpson, in character studies and monologues. (The Era - Wednesday 18 October 1916)

Two performances 6.40 and 9 pm Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (Ealing Gazette and West Middlesex Observer - Saturday 04 November 1916)

Twice nightly 6.30 & 9 pm Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 8 November 1916)

Twice nightly 6.30 & 9 pm Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 15 November 1916)

As was only to be expected, the Leicester Palace Theatre have started the New Year well, and the programme presented this week will compare favourably with any that have gone before. It is a variety entertainment of the very best type, and one in which all tastes are catered for. The leading turn is given by the famous artistes, Marie Novello, W.H. Squires and Lily Faviney, known collectively as the Vo-cell-ano Trio, and the entertainment they provide is both artistic and refined, and thoroughly deserving of the hearty applause it wins. The Royal Merry Four are a distinctly clever troupe, and please the audience immensely with their singing, dancing and fun. Other particularly good turns are presented by that quaint coster couple, Duncan and Godfrey, in a Cockney conversation about "a soldier, a girl and a jolly Jack Tar." The Magleys, who supply something new in the dancing art: Happy Tom Parker, an old favourite in Leicester; the Madcaps, dainty singers and dancers: Augustine and Hartley, in a barrel jumping exhibition; and Anna Hans, an entertaining American. It should be noted that in order to allow patrons to catch the last cars home the performances now commence at 6.30 and 8.30. Don't be late. (Leicester Journal - Friday 05 January 1917)

6.40 & 8.50 Welcome return of Miss Hetty King in her latest successes. The McNaughtons, Lydia and Francis, George Carnell, May Erne, The Five Jovers, Little Kitty Buchan, WIlfred Burnand. Duncan and Godfrey in a comedy conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (Manchester Evening News - Friday 12 January 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 14 March 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 14 March 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey present "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 4 April 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 11 April 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 11 April 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 25 April 1917)

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 25 April 1917)

Beatie and Babs, the famous juvenile artistes, are among the principal attractions on Monday. Five years ago they made their debut on the stage with "The Pavement Rehearsal." Their success was assured from the start. Next they starred in an indescribable pot pourri, "The Sagragette," that was so much to everybody's liking that, like Oliver, audiences were always left asking for more. Now they are presenting a new item which they call "Kitchen Frolics." Both Beatie and Babs pose as a couple of ambitious domestic servants - Babs as the dirtier of the two, as Sam Weller would have put it. The merry and ever-welcome coster couple, DUncan and Godfrey, are engaged to present their lovable Cockney conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." Two other favourite duos, in the persons of Brightie and Carlyon, and Holdon and Bert have also been secured. The Comedy Meisters direact from a long successful tour with "The Bing Boys" will make a welcome appearance together with the clever Pasquali Brothers, Ed. Baisden and the Versatile Four. (Ealing Gazette and West Middlesex Observer - Saturday 9 June 1917)

There is a fine varied programme at the Aldershot Hippodrome this week, and full houses have been the order on each evening. One of the best turns is a delightful comedy sketch, "The Borstal Boy," which, however, has its aesthetic side. John McNally, in the role of Albert, scores a great success. Gwenda Wren is no less successful as 'Liza, his wife, and Arthur Budd and Fred Bington, as Charlie (Liza's brother), and Bell, the pugilist, are given hearty applause. Mart and Pep are two splendid acrobatic hand-to-hand balancers and tumblers, and Eileen Wayne a popular comedienne, is a great success in her song, "My Own Iona." Warner gives a ventriloquial sketch, entitled "The Castaway," which contains some novel features. The Bam-Bam, a pair of real American cowboys, mystify the audience. One of the cowboys, with his hands tied, is placed behind a black curtain, and mysterious hands which play the tambourine which is handed to them, hand out flowers through slits in the curtain. The knots are examined by members of the audience, and are intact! Michael E. Fitzgerald and his club-juggling girls give an enjoyable item, and Duncan and Godfrey are irresistibly encored for their Cockney comedy conversation, concerning a soldier, a girl, and a jolly Jack Tar. The most interesting feature of the Pictorial gazette is an official war film showing Rheims Town Hall four months ago and as it is now. (Aldershot News - Friday 03 August 1917)

Tuesday 2 October 1917. Twice nightly 6.50 & 9 pm. An All-star Programme. The Two Bobs Bob Adams and Bob Alder sing pop songs and character studies. Robert La Martine originator of the Staircase Dance. George Rap Scotch comedian. Elsie and Eddie Fay present Doll, Violin and Some Cat. Pat Clark Dancing, Juggler. Duncan and Godfrey in a comedy Cockney conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." Nellie Wallace The Quintessence of Quaintness. (The Scotsman - Tuesday 2 October 1917)

At the head of a first class variety bill at The Palace Doncaster next week are the favourite duo Duncan and Godfrey who are fulfilling a special return engagement. They present a delightful concoction of merriment in the shape of a comedy conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." The Five Wilburs are also starring in their high class refined entertainment; and other important bookings are The Lee Basties in a novelty act combining grace, mirth and marvellous skills, and the famous Harvard Sextette, in a clever vocal and dancing scene. Other turns include Gallafent and De L'Ornee, in a vocal titbits, Dave Bryant versatile Hebrew humorist, and Vera Vere the versatile girl. (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough and Swinton Times Saturday 6 October 1917)

Twice nightly 7 & 9.15 pm Special return engagement of the favourite comedy duo Duncan and Godfrey in a comedy conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (Grimsby News Friday 12 October 1917)

Clara Evelyn and Ivy St. Helier are heading the bill at the Finsbury Park Empire next week. Sinice they last played together they have been featuring in London productions - Miss Evelyn in "Bric-a-Brac" at the Palace Theatre, and Miss St. Helier at the Empire in "Samples" at the Vaudeville Theatre. The record in the way of economy in revue is claimed by Miss |Victoria Monks, who will present her latest conception, entitled "The Extra Turn." In this, "John Bull's Girl" herself supplies the leading lady and all that matters in the way of chorus. She despises scenery of any sort, carrying out her situations upon a bare stage with no backing but the wall of the theatre, thus affording her audience an unique view of things behind the scenes. Her supporting company is enlisted from the stage staff and great fun is promised in the interpretation of the plot. Monks possesses a rare discernment in the selection of her songs, and her winners in this connection are prolific. De Busse with his novelty piano accordion, is an act with is entirely new and original, while Vivian Foster, "The Vicar of Mirth," is sure of a hearty welcome from Empire patrons. The turn of Duncan and Godfrey in their coster studies is familiar to "Park" audiences, and they return with their act entitled "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar," a comedy conception replete with topical allusion expressed in their own typical cockney way. Other attractive items on the bill include Herbert Cave, the eminent English tenor from the Queen's and, Albert Halls and Drury Lane Theatre. Spalding and Vanguard, the Kamakura Family of Japanese conjurors, and the latest war films. (Holloway Press - Friday 21 December 1917)

The Woman Who Can Tell You Anything Zomah. Come and test Zomah for yourself. Rich Castaldini, Rich Hayes, Kenna Bros, Royal Bartle Quartette, Rosie Lloyd, Duncan and Godfrey in "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (Western Mail Monday 21 January 1918)

Zomah, "the woman who tells you anything," pays a return visit to Leicester Palace after her interesting engagement here some months ago. Those who then failed to see this remarkable act have now the chance of making up for lost time or opportunity. Not since the days of the Zancigs have a music-hall audience been so puzzled by a thought-reading display. When the discussion with regard to the Zancigs was at its height, M. and Mde. Zomah went to see the performance, alleged to 'due to a clever system of codes, and M.Zomah was more than ever convinced that true telepathy needed no talking to help it out. He then experimented assiduously with his wife, and at the end of two years the results were fairly sure. But it took them seven years to reach their present state of perfection. The Royal Gotham Quartette, also due, came to London 22 years ago from America. They were not "royal" then. A "command" performance entitles them to add the prefix nowadays. Only one of the original team, Frank Parker remains. Frank and Vesta, the champion American dancers (son and daughter of that fine pantomimist. Frank Boise," are booked, and the merry and ever-welcome Duncan and Godfrey are engaged to present their lovable Cockney conversation concerning, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." It is not too much to say that the names of Arthur Duncan and Minnie Godfrey are household words in many parts of the world. They are equally welcome in far-away Australia, South Africa, and India as they are in London, and their dialect is just as readily understood in our Colonies as it is in any English town. Ask any member of our overseas forces if he has seen Duncan and Godfrey and the answer is sure to be 'seen them? I should say why, they take me right home to the Tivoli, Sydney.' Or it may be the variation will be 'The Empire Jo'burg,' or 'Bandsman's Calcutta.' Duncan and Godfrey are known at all three and more besides. Among other artistes due in the same bill are jack Kellino, May Edney, and Spensel Brothers. (Midland Mail - Friday 25 January 1918) It may be asserted that never has a more mystifying and more thoroughly fascinating performance been witnessed in Leicester than that afforded by Zomah, who pays a return visit to the Palace. Zomah is "the woman who tells you anything," and whatever may be the key to this deeply concealed mystery, the exploits are certainly impressive, and her partner who is doubtless a far less negligible factor in the scheme of things than he would have one suppose, have achieved a great deal in bringing the idea of thought transference within the realms of popular conception. Baffling it is, but whatever the explanation it would not in the least detract from its high standard of ingenuity. If, as it is said, seven years were spent in perfecting the show, the inventors are amply rewarded by the bewildered interest it has aroused. The Royal Gothams and humour are terms as inseparable as the Siamese twins. Their performance this week is as "side-splitting" as ever. As a party of humorists and vocalists they are incomparable. Of the many novel dances given by Frank and Vesta Cohen's Rag is worthy of particular mention. Besides an effective get up Frank's action is eminently characteristic. Of the remaining turns Duncan and Godfrey in a truly amusing sketch "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar," is worth witnessing. ( Leicester Evening Mail - Tuesday 29 January 1918)

This week's great star company. Twice nightly 6.40 & 9 pm Winifred Ward The Immaculate Boy Duncan and Godfrey in a Cockney Comedy Conversation Concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." Radford and Valentine Eccentric Comedy Jugglers "Maniacs of Mirth" Napoli, Ragtime Violinist Elegy The Armless Wonder Kenna Brothers The Funny Airmen (Coventry Evening Telegraph - Friday 15 February 1918)

Monday February 25 and during week. Twice nightly 6.50 & 9 pm. Duncan and Godfrey in a Comedy Conversation Concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." May Henderson, The Dusky Comedy Queen, Vera Vere, Original and Unique, Eddy Read, American Raconteur, The Omega Trio, sensational and revolving equilibrists, Morgan and Burkin, a Novelty Comedy Speciality, J.Wilde and Co. in a Lancashire Comedy "The Woman Who Would." (Derby Daily Telegraph - Friday 01 March 1918)

Prominent among the fine list of stars engaged to appear at the Chiswick Empire next week will be the names of Mary Leighton, the celebrated soprano, and Mamelle and Partner, comedy jugglers. Then we are to have the famous Joe Boganny and his "Fun in a Bakehouse" act. There is no doubt about the turn of the Boganny troupe being even more popular today than ever it was. The introduction of the dwarfs in contrast to the "huge Joe was a great idea; and the acrobatic work is done in masterly fashion. Perhaps the chief secret of the success achieved is that years ago, Boganny realised that there were other acrobats, and determined that he would not only make the people applaud, but would make them shout with laughter. And how splendidly he has succeeded. That quaint coster couple Duncan and Godfrey, in a Cockney conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl, and a Jolly Jack Tar," the Six Q's, Rinaldo, Tom E. Hood, and Bi-Bo-Bi, are other attractions booked. (Ealing Gazette and West Middlesex Observer - Saturday 02 March 1918)

That George Mozart goes about with his eyes pretty wide open is evidenced by his series of thumbnail sketches to which he is ever adding. Always up to date, always with something new and original, he brings to bear on his work a versatility which has easily placed him at the top of the tree in hiw own particular line. He is head of affairs at the SHepherd's Bush Empire next week. The merry, and ever-welcome coster couple, Duncan and Godfrey, are engaged to present their lovable Cockney conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." It is not too much to say that the names of Arthur Duncan and Minnie Godfrey are household words in many parts of the world. It is doubtful whether any one of the American acts which have appeared at Shepherd's Bush in the past enjoys a better reputation in the footlight world than Mr. Will H. For ("Paddy-whiski"), also due to appear, Nixon Grey, the Belle, the Three Campbells, and Carmen Hej, the eminent vocalist, are other new arrivals. (Richmond Herald- Saturday 15 June 1918)

Grock and Patrner a French turn comparatively new to British variety head the list of attractions at the Empire next week. Grock is unique in his comedy at the piano. There is no one quite like Grock, who introduces some marvellous acrobatting into his act. The Partner is a violinist who acts as an excellent foil to this ultra eccentric artiste's business. Two charming ladies are Nora Blaney and Gwen Farrah, they describe themselves as purveying "Mirth, Music and Melody," and they more than live up to their promise. A very welcome return visit to the Empire is that of the marvellous child artiste, Kiddy Kennedy. This little wonder from Wales, though only eleven years old, is in every way a finished actress and singer. The turn of Duncan and Godfrey in their coster studies is familiar to Finsbury Park audiences, and next week they return with their act entitled "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." James Fawn, the convivial comedian, The Marvellous Merril, in a sensational comedy cycling act; Ricardo and Mountford, and the latest war films complete the bill. (Holloway Press - Friday 9 August 1918)

Grock and Partner, a French turn comparatively new to British variety, have all laughing who have seen them, and they are due to head the list of attractions at the Empire next week. Grock is unique in his comedy at the piano. There is no one quite like Grock, who introduces some marvellous acrobatting into his act. The Partner is a violinist who acts as an excellent foil to this ultra eccentric artiste's business. The turn of Duncan and Godfrey in their coster studies is familiar to local audiences, and next week they return with their act, entitled, "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." An excellent item will be provided by Jan Latham in piquant and catchy ditties at the piano. Frank and Vesta, two American artistes, who have had the distinction of appearing at Buckingham Palace, will present their speciality dancing act, brimful of novelty. Mamos Fawn, the convivial comedian; Fyne and Hurley; Les Nosselas in their latest Parisian novelty, introducing Mdlle. Prudence Nossela, and the latest war films complete the bill. (Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette - Friday 16 August 1918)

Duncan and Godfrey The famous Cockney Comedy Couple in their successful scena "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 28 August 1918)

Duncan and Godfrey. The famous Cockney Comedy Couple in "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 28 August 1918)

Duncan and Godfrey. The famous Cockney Comedy Couple in their successful scena "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 4 September 1918)

6.45 & 8.45 Twice nightly, Saturdays and Holidays 6.40. Maximilian the Great! The World's most Wonderful Chimpanzee. Duncan and Godfrey in a comedy conversation concerning "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (Rochdale Observer - Saturday 9 November 1918)

Duncan and Godfrey. The famous Cockney Comedy Couple in their successful scena "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 11 September 1918)

Duncan and Godfrey. The famous Cockney Comedy Couple in their successful scena "A Soldier, A Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 18 September 1918)