In the Trenches

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This first part of this production is a mere excuse for introducing Mdlle Delysia surrounded by soldier and singing a song. Some men of the London Scottish are in a trench on a quiet day. They play nap; there is a dispute; a lieutenant comes along and settles it handsomely while forbidding them to play again; a postman comes and gives out letters; one private reads to another a letter from his girl. Then Mdlle Delis comes along, having lost her way to the French trenches; the lieutenant asks her to sing the boys a song and she consents. The idea of an actress strolling about in the trenches is rather absurd, but I do not suppose any military harm would be done by this attempt at portraying life in them. As a matter of taste I dislike soldiers being made to talk cockney at this time - but that is a minute point. The word ‘tart’, however, on p.9 - ‘blowed if there ain’t a bloomin’ tart coming along ‘ere’ – may be thought objectionable: I don’t think there is really much significance in it nowadays. The second part is a rather pretty little play of a misunderstanding. A French soldier and an English nurse have fallen in love with one another. He has written her a love letter, but it went to the wrong nurse, he having mixed up ‘Rose’ and ‘Ross’ who naturally sent it back, so he thinks she will have nothing to do with him and she thinks he has forgotten her. They meet and after a little conversation the mistake is cleared up and they become engaged. The songs must be sent in if unpublished. Recommended for License. G. S. Street. July 29th - the songs have been sent in for this piece. One 'Life in a Trench’ is full-blooded soldier humour, but I see no harm in it. The others are quite innocent. G. S. S. [The following is a separate page] Christmas in the Trenches, London Opera House, 17 November 1916. This is merely a prologue to introduce 'In the Trenches' as already licensed. In it one of the chief players strives to explain the object of the charity matinee, but is interrupted by two of the others, till a fourth comes on and asks help for the Soldiers' Christmas pudding. Recommended for Licence. Ernest. A. Bendall.

Researcher's Summary:

Described as 'the first materialisation on stage of the Bairnsfather drawings' (Sunday Mirror, 13 August 1916), this play was popular from the end of July 1916 through to early 1919. Leslie Henson took the lead role in the early London shows (July-August 1916) but when the production went on tour in September 1916, and for the remainder of its run, it was led by Harry Buss. Leslie Henson later reflected on the experience of his co-actor, Jack Buchanan, saying 'there was an officer, played by a very charming modest and good-looking young actor, tall and with a fine figure. He went in dread of being handed the white feature, but the truth was that he was almost at death's door and would don't have passed the doctor at any time. this was Jack Buchanan, who laboured heroically for many years against the handicap of physical disability' (Henson, 'Yours Faithfully', London: Long 1948, p.56) The first version of the sketch was given as a series of 'Songs from the Trenches' performed as part of a matinee for wounded soldiers at the Prince of Wales's Theatre, London on 30 June. This included 'a Bairnsfather picture of British Tommies, with Mr Leslie Henson for their arch-humorist' (Globe, 1 July 1916).

Licensed On: 4 Aug 1916

License Number: 387

British Library Reference: LCP1916/18

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66139 K

Download the Script →

Performances

Date	Theatre	Type
30 Jun 1916	Prince of Wales Theatre, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed as a series of 'Songs from the Trenches'. The scene showed a Belgian trench, a French trench and a British trench. Of note was the song 'Living in a trench' which had a chorus 'taking up any all the soldiers present' (Era, 5 July 1916)
31 Jul 1916	Empire, Chiswick	Professional	Licensed Performance Read Narrative Messrs Geo. Grossmith and Edward Laurillard presented Roberts and Company for the week. Company included: Leslie Henson (actor), Ralph Roberts (writer), Miss Marjory Kennard (singer), Jean Nougues or Nouques (music by), Donovan Parsons (lyric writer). 'The piece is an excerpt from an entertainment given at a recent charity performance in town...has several amusing features, but there are one or two incongruities...The first scene is unnecessary...the piece...somewhat handicapped by the inclusion of a feminine character, a nurse (who, by the way, wears velvet shoes and openwork stockings for field work...It would be better...to rely upon the second scene and cut out the first with its frankly absurd love duet and dance between a French soldier and a nurse. Surely they don't do these things on the battlefield in France' (Stage 3 August 1916)
14 Aug 1916	Empire Theatre, Hackney, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week: 'the first materialisation on stage of the Bairnsfather drawings' (13 August 1916)
26 Aug 1916	Coliseum, London	Professional	Read Narrative A 'great reception...the light-hearted gaiety of the cockney Tommy....the Bairnsfather touch...splendid spirit' (Era, 23 August 1916). 'Leslie Henson is at the head of a company of clever players...[in a recent notice] we pointed out earlier or two incongruities, and...the causes of complaint have now been removed...a merry little trifle in the Bairnsfather vein...may hurt those who have lost loved ones in the war...the vast majority of the audience revel in the comical doings and sayings of the Cockney soldiers' (Stage, 24 August 1916) 'whether it is in the best of taste to produce such a realistic presentation of life in the firing line...is a matter which alone concerns those whom it may affect. But the sketch...is of a very merry order and is played with great humour ...the depiction of the eccentricities of the heroic but always light-hearted cockney soldiers and their companions roused much merriment in a crowded house' (People, 27 August 1916) Performed for the week by Ralph Roberts, Robert Blythe, Charles Penrose, J.F. Dockery, Leslie Henson, Mabel Woof, Jack Buchanan (actors).
5 Sep 1916	Hippodrome, Portsmouth	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
11 Sep 1916	Palladium, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week.
18 Sep 1916	Alhambra, Bradford	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week.
25 Sep 1916	Palace Theatre, Manchester	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week.
9 Oct 1916	Hippodrome, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
16 Oct 1916	Alhambra, Glasgow	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Ralph Roberts (writer), Harry Buss (actor): 'An amusing little sketch well staged and cleverly played' (Daily Record, 18 October 1916)
23 Oct 1916	King's Theatre, Edinburgh	Professional	Read Narrative Presented by George Grossmith and Edward Laurillard: Ralph Roberts' comedy sketch performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss: 'The humorous side of trench life is portrayed in a delightful sketch' (Sunday Post, 22 October 1916). 'Realistic in setting, the sketch affords a glimpse of the lighter moments of life in the trenches....The reproduction of a trench is an effective piece of stagecraft. There are the familiar dugouts and sand-bag parapets, with No Man's Land forming the background. Half-a-dozen begrimed Tommies man the trench, and Harry Buss, as Joe Higgins, takes the part of the humourist of the section. Somewhat unorthodox as a soldier, he is a success as a laughter-producer....The sketch was received last night with much favour' (Scotsman, 24 October 1916)
13 Nov 1916	Hippodrome, Brighton	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss .
20 Nov 1916	Hippodrome, Nottingham	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. '"In the Trenches" has a far more genuine note about it than the programme description of "a screaming comedy" would suggest...there is the letter which Private Higgins receives from his sweetheart telling him that she is being taken out as a "kindness" by a friend of his who is working in munitions is not without its counterpart in real life, judging by the reception it had' (Nottingham Evening Post, 21 November 1916)
27 Nov 1916	Hippodrome, Wolverhampton	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week.
4 Dec 1916	Hippodrome, Boscombe	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week.
6 Dec 1916	Palace Playhouse, Dundee	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss (the Hepworth Cinema Comedian), Mark Webber, Frank Quinn, A.J. Charlwood, A. Stevenson, J.F. Dockery, Nora O'Mally. 'Grossmith and Laurillard's comedy "In the Trenches" occupies the place of prominence on a bill of exceptionally high quality...Miss O'Malley's singing of "There's a Road" is very sweet, and a splendid finale' (Dundee Courier, 7 November 1916)
11 Dec 1916	Empire Theatre, Preston	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week: Ralph Roberts (writer), Jean Nougues (music and songs), Harry Buss (actor)
18 Dec 1916	Palace, Blackpool	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
1 Jan 1917	Metropolitan Theatre, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week: 'the sketch is staged with an eye to correct detail' (Stage, 4 January 1917)
5 Feb 1917	Theatre Royal, Hanley	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Ralph Roberts, Harry Buss, Nora O'Malley. Other acts on the same bill: The Zantrellas (pedestal equilibrists), Jock Mills (comedian), Kenna Bros (original and mirth-provoking), De Busse (piano-accordion), Selbini Troupe (cyclists), Doris Wynter &Co (vocal and dancing act).
12 Feb 1917	Empire Theatre, Birmingham	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Nelly Wallace (singer and actress), the Vogues, the Five Gregorys (performance with hoops), Phil Ralli Trio (acrobats and comedy vocalists), Firenza Quartette, and a series of films on 'The Romance of the life of Lloyd George'. 'It is not so screamingly funny as the programme suggests: in parts it is dull...One or two songs, especially that by a nurse, helped the sketch along, but it will need much brightening in dialogue and incident before it justifies the description of a "screaming comedy sketch"' (Birmingham Daily Post, 13 February 1917)
26 Feb 1917	Hippodrome, Newcastle	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: The Cochens (Indian equilibrists), Dorothy Storm (singer), Wilson Hallett (eccentric violinist), Valazzi, Viviana and Company, Jack Lord (handcuffed violinist). 'Chief character is Private Joe Higgins, a Cockney with a large fund of London humour...meets with the public approval...keeps the audience merry' (Newcastle Daily Journal, 27 February 1917)
5 Mar 1917	Alhambra, Bradford	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Florence Way and Company in 'His Own Way', Joseph Hollman ('cellist), Mella Webb and Elvyn Hedges (entertainers), Connor and Maxon (comedy duo), Jackley and Le 'Sine (eccentric comedians), Purcella and Ramsay (singers and dancers), the Cochens (Indian equilibrists).
12 Mar 1917	Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Nella Webb (singer, accompanied by Mr Elven Hedges (ragtime pianist), the Bradshaws (acrobats), Hall and Turn (hand and foot balancing), Miss Amy Bryce (singer), Mr. Shepherd and his orchestra accompaniments. 'The playlet is well stage-set, and Mr. Harry Buss keeps the rolling-ball of fun perpetually on the move. His song, which is going to catch on, is "In an Old French Trench"... "In The Trenches" goes well ' (Aberdeen Daily Journal, 13 March 1917)
19 Mar 1917	Hippodrome, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: The Syncopating Septette, 4 Martelloni Sisters (acrobats and equilibrists), the Kirbys (comedy artists), Silvano (comedy cyclist) and Alice Craven. 'rather a pity that "In The Trenches" should have been so recently preceded on the same stage by "A Day in the Dug-Out". Both are good, but the later comer (which I believe was on tour first) was bound to go over similar ground. In a chat with Mr. Harry Buss, the very comical comedian, I put the point as to how far it was permissible to represent the lighter side of life out there. They found, he said, that even people who had suffered bereavements, or were in present anxiety, could witness the sketch with enjoyment....For after all nobody needs reminding of the perils of the front line...as to the general joviality, that must exist if the men are to get through at all' (Yorkshire Evening Post, 24 March 1917)
2 Apr 1917	Hippodrome, Portsmouth	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Also on the bill: Fred Ginnett with his talking horse, the Miller Sutcliffes in Highland sports and pastimes, Thornley Dodge (drawing room entertainer), the Syncopating Septet, Frank Jagger (violinist), Hilda Glyder (entertainer), Daisy Stratton.
21 May 1917	Coliseum, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss, Mick Webber, J. F. Dockery, A. J. Charlwood, A. Stevenson, H. Mitchell (actors), Donal Parsons (writer of song "Living in a Trench".
28 May 1917	Empire Theatre, Hackney, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Jean Nogues, Harry Buss.
11 Jun 1917	Empire, Wood Green	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
18 Jun 1917	Hippodrome, Newcastle	Professional	Read Narrative Performed by the week by company including Harry Buss. 'Appropriately and admirably staged....in the hands of thoroughly capably artists....exceptionally smart and entertaining' (Newcastle Daily Journal, 19 June 1917)
25 Jun 1917	Empire Theatre, Ardwick, Manchester	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week alongside Jack Pleasants (singer and comedian), May Hopkins (song and story), George Schreck and Mabel Percival (tumblers), Ada Cerito, Howard Bellman, Vera Caine, Brandow and Brand.
2 Jul 1917	Empire, Chiswick	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week: 'In the opening scene a wounded French officer makes love to a Red Cross Nurse. The Frenchman is very emotional and his love-making is intensely funny' (West London Observer, 29 June 1917)
9 Jul 1917	Hippodrome, Bristol	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss, and Mick Webber. 'All the artists appearing in this sketch have served with H. M. Forces, or are over military age' (Western Daily Press, 7 July 1917)
6 Aug 1917	Empire Theatre, Kilburn, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week. Other acts on the same bill: Coram, Kirkby and Hudson, West and Co in a Song-Scene "There's a Long, Long Trail", the Bam Bams, Hilda Glyder, Walter Wade Hurman.
13 Aug 1917	Hippodrome, Woolwich	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. On the same bill: Gertie Gitana, Geo. Gilbey, Sam Stern, Lily Lena, Rosie Lloyd, Jas. Godden, Cassie Walmer, Ridiculous Recco
20 Aug 1917	Hippodrome, Devonport	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
27 Aug 1917	New Theatre, Northampton	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. On the same bill were: Mr Hymack in 'At Bogey Villa', Romanoff (Apache violinist), Sisters Mestrys (acrobats), Armstrong and Howarth (song, dance and patter), Gwen Thomas (soprano), Little Ludo (skating and dancing).
3 Sep 1917	Palace Theatre, Reading	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. On the same bill were: Jessie Buckle (vocalist), Dick Tubb (the grotesque comedian), the Sisters Mestrys (Balancing and Revolving Act), Vera Vere (comedienne), Mimi (dainty dancer), the Five Sisters (vocal, instrumental and dramatic act).
10 Sep 1917	Hippodrome, Lewisham	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. The 63rd week of performance.
24 Sep 1917	Hippodrome, Brighton	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
1 Oct 1917	Empire, Swansea	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss.
22 Oct 1917	Hippodrome, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. On the same bill were: Haydn Wood & Dorothy Court (instrumental and vocal scene), Bert Weston (comedian), Billy Housini & Company (plate smashing), Rell & Butt (comedians), J.G.Glass and Mamie Grant (entertainers). 'Mr. Harry Buss makes up as a typical "Old Bill", created by Bairnsfather' (Leeds Mercury, 23 October 1917)
29 Oct 1917	Empire Theatre, Middlesbrough	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. On the same bill were: Miss Carrie Copeland (eminent soprano), Miss Adela Harvey in 'My Friend the Enemy), Tina Paynola (mimetic speciality), Victoria &Ramoo (juggling equilibrists), Frances Kinders (vocalist and dancer), Paul Witt & Teddie Butt (piano and song).
22 Nov 1917	Hippodrome, Sheffield	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week: H. Buss, M. Webber, F. Quinn, A. J. Charlwood, A. Stevenson, J. F. Dockery, Nora O'Malley (all actors). 'A continuous series of hearty laughs...as if Captain Bairnsfather's sketches had come to life' (Sheffield Independent, 23 January 1917) Other acts on the bill: Novelty Minstrels including Terris and Romaine, Harry Evans and Raglus, Dnig Sen Bros (gymnasts), King and Mayfair (singer and pianist), Jaffa (burlesque conjuror), Audrey Cooper (vocalist).
26 Nov 1917	Empire Theatre, Ardwick, Manchester	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. On the same bill were: De Busse, George Newburn, Yamagata Japanese troupe, Alice Craven, The Kavanaghs, Little Erna Maude, Adam Tomlinson The Tyneside Comedian. '"In the Trenches" has made a great hit here before, for the capital picture it gives of the life and irrepressible humour of our Tommies' (Manchester Evening News, 27 November 1917)
3 Dec 1917	Hippodrome, Derby	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss: 'Topping this gigantic bill is the inimitable comedian Harry Buss in a screaming absurdity...From the information we have of visits in other towns this sketch is a real rib-tickler...the six characters are played by artistes who have either served in his Majesty's forces or are over military age' (Derbyshire Advertiser, 30 November 1917) 'All these artistes have either served in His Majesty's forces or are over age...Although the sketch is very amusing, there are one or two pathetic incidents which go to show the real good feeling which our British Tommy has for his pals..' (Derbyshire Advertiser, 7 December 1917) On the same bill were: Alice Craven (Lancashire dialect comedy songs), Clown Barker and his wonderful midget circus (including two midget ponies, one 29.5 inches high, eight clown dogs and comedian cat), James Stewart (tramp entertainer at the piano), The Jees (sensational wire act), Walter Wade (the Yorkshire "Scot", Gaetano Ollams with his famous concertina.
10 Dec 1917	Empire Theatre, Hackney, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: G.H. Chirgwin, Ina Hill (singer), Mooney and Holbein, the Four Vagabonds (glees and part-singing), Mlle Blanchetta (dancer), Edivictas (cycling girls), Winifred Ward, Great and Good (acrobats).
17 Dec 1917	Hippodrome, Coventry	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Nixon Grey (comedian), the Five of Clubs (comedy juggling), Charles Mildare (whistler), Madame Dalmere's table circus (50 performing rabbits, cats, dogs, rats, doves and monkeys), the Ryewodes in a musical scena 'Music Awakes', Lal Wyndham (comedienne and novelty dancer), 'and the war films'. 'a most laughable concoction, depicting life on the battlefield...Harry Buss is responsible for much of the mirth...all...have served with His Majesty's forces or are over military age' (Coventry Evening Telegraph, 18 December 1917)
26 Dec 1917	Hippodrome, Aston	Professional	Read Narrative Performed likely from 26 to 29 December by Harry Buss who is 'excruciatingly funny, and he has capable support from his company, all of whom are either discharged soldiers or too old for the Army' (Birmingham Mail, 27 December 1917)
14 Jan 1918	Hippodrome, Birmingham	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Mareski (the crazy fiddler), Elroy (the armless wonder), Effie Mann (the Famous Musical Comedy star), the Myra Forbes Trio (refined musical and dancing act), Lois Barker and Percy Tarling as the Grumblers, Pathe Gazette.
28 Jan 1918	Empire Music Hall, Burnley	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Will Lacy (American cycling comedian), the Two Violets (speciality dancers), Les Morris (whistling gipsy), Jack Martin (baritone), Alice Gill (Swiss Tyrolean vocalist). 'One of the most expensive sketches which have been shown here, and wherever it has been shown it has created roars of laughter' (Burnley Express, 26 January 1918) 'A very full house on Monday night..."In the Trenches", by Mr. Ralph Roberts, is a delightful little one-act production, and though humour, of course, predominates, there is a touch of realism and a suspicion of pathos which very vividly pourtray (sic) the life of the men in the front line. "Any old trench" is the scene, and the sketch opens with several of the men playing cards, with Pte Joe Huggins (sic) on the look-out. Then he looks over the card deal, and tells one chap that he can't go nap as one of the others has the ace - a breach of the rules which ends in a rich bit of comedy when the officer makes Huggins tip up the losings. The arrival of the postie, following two capital trench jingles, has both its laughable and pathetic side. Joe receives a letter " 'from 'er" - 'er being "Hemma" - and the reading of the letter is richly funny. Then the attempt to provide a parcel for the disappointed one is a piece of brotherliness which, though it ends in fun, is realistic and characteristic. "Joe Huggins" is not of the "Ole Bill" type, but he is a charming personality - full of humour, wit, and cheeriness. Mr. Harry Buss, with his wealth of facial expression, is perfect in the part, and has indeed created a real, live character. He is well supported in every way' (Burnley Express, 30 January 1918)
4 Feb 1918	Hippodrome, Rochdale	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: The Sisters Tremper (American Novelty Equilibrists), Gaumont's War Graphic Etc, Ethel Castaldini (musical comedy favourite), Josephine Langley (Lady Ventriloquist), the Realms (artistic dancing duo), Marvello (the Entertaining Magician), Those Four Kids (actual sisters in a Happy Razzle), Mlle San San (Japanese juggler), Dainty Lillian (vocalist and dancer), Harry Riley (elocutionist).
18 Feb 1918	Empire Theatre, Shepherds Bush, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Alfred Leonard, Wizard of the Violin, and his Company in a Musical and Dancing Fantasy entitled "The Soul Kiss", the Royal Gotham Quartette, the Kavanags, Selwyn Driver, W. B. Raby, Ida Long, Meredith & Adnil, Nellie Anderson & Pat Nash.
25 Feb 1918	Hippodrome, Bristol	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Marcelle & partner (comedy jugglers), the cleverest performing Sea Lion in the World, Tom E. Hood, Rosa Dallow, Torino, Ida Long.
11 Mar 1918	Empire, Wood Green	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Jock Melvor (Scottish humour), Wilson and Waring (sketch), Louis J. Seymour (light comedian), Chirgwin, Herbert Winter and Bunny, Florence Barrow (singer), Ernesto (musical juggler).
18 Mar 1918	Empire, Chiswick	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: C. H. Chirgwin (the White Eyed Kaffir), Nellie Wallace (character comedienne), Daisy James (the popular comedienne), Wynne Hulme (contralto), Douglas Ascot, Hamamura family (an unequalled combination of Japanese Artistes), Latest Official War News by War Office Topical Budget.
15 Apr 1918	Hippodrome, Rotherham	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week.
6 May 1918	Argyle Theatre, Birkenhead	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Johnson Clark, Beth Tate, Garadini, Austin Rudd, Florence Rattray, Blodwen Gerrard, Brown's Bioscope.
13 May 1918	Rotunda, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: McDonagh & Russell, Evelyn Earle, Lal Windham, Clown Gaetano Olloms, Monty Walker, Campbell and Scott.
20 May 1918	Palace Theatre, Huddersfield	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Pauline Travis (male impersonator), O. Cavalotti (musical items), Duncan's Scotch Collies, The McGregors (concertina and pianoforte), George Adams (baritone), Amos Howard (dancer).
5 Aug 1918	Black's Theatre, Sunderland	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: David Clegg (organist), Claude Golden (Australian entertainer), Pictorial News Gazette (Bang up to Date), The Exquisite Super-Picture 'Magda' [or 'Ave Maria' in the 5 August edition] in five acts.
7 Oct 1918	Empire Theatre, Hackney, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Bert Lloyd & Co in 'The Get-Away', Ethel Hook (contralto), Fred Gwinnett in a horsey sketch 'Rejected Remnants', Joe O'Gorman, the Five Jovers, Lois Conn, Fields and Doreen
28 Oct 1918	Hippodrome, Hamilton	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: The Welcomes (versatile comedy duo), Francis Charl (conjuror) Gordon Inglis Trio (musical and vocal ensemble), Marie Elliott (comedienne and dancer), Harry Cowper (comedy juggler), the Great Fight Picture (film of boxing match at Chelsea Football Ground) 'A comedy sketch of life at the front...is staged with great realism and effect...Harry Buss...proves very entertaining in his ideas about love-making and what constitutes a nice fellow. The sketch is received with great favour' (Hamilton Advertiser, 2 November 1918)
16 Dec 1918	Empire Theatre, Shepherds Bush, London	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Ernest Krake &Co present 'The Electric Car Conductor', Joe O'Gorman (the Genial Irishman), Emilie Hayes, Mr. Hymack, Rae and Oliver, Cissie Lupino, Foreman and Fannon ('The Millionaires'), History Being Made (Original Cinematographs by War Office Topical Budget).
23 Dec 1918	Empire, Wood Green	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Miss Jessie Broughton and Mr Dennis Creedon (musical comedy). 'An echo of the war - but a pleasant one' (Globe, 18 December 1918)
30 Dec 1918	Hippodrome, Bristol	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Dan Rolyat (musical comedy star), The Diving Belles (skilful and graceful feats in water), Nora Blaney and Gwen Farrar (ragtime burlesque), Fred Milner (entertainer), W. V. Robinson (Canadian entertainer), Joe and Willy (Spanish equilibrists and comedians), up-to-date pictures. 'Thoroughly enjoyed by large audiences last night...Harry Buss displays great resourcefulness in keeping the sketch going merrily..' (Western Daily Press, 31 December 1918)
13 Jan 1919	Empire Theatre, Ardwick, Manchester	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Roxy La Rocca (harpist), Elsie Southgate (violinist, accompanied by her sister Dorothy), Zenora (hand equilibrist), Rich Hayes (clown), Neil McKay (Scottish comedian).
17 Feb 1919	Queen's Theatre, South Shields	Professional	Read Narrative Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Bound in Morocco featuring Douglas Fairbanks, Senor Angel Blanco ( Spanish violin virtuoso).

In the Trenches

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

Researcher's Summary:

Author(s):

Genre(s):

Keyword(s):

Performances