Great War Theatre

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

[The Examiner's notes are handwritten]

Researcher's Summary:

There is seemingly little Great War-related material in 'Always Welcome': there is a naval lieutenant, Harry Clifton, who recovers his sight after having been blinded by a shell, and a Pierrot concert party is arranged for wounded soldiers. The play was performed by the author, Emma Litchfield’s, company apparently continuously from May to October 1917, when another of her plays, 'The King of the Gipsies', was added to the repertoire, initially on some Friday evenings only, but sometimes supplanting 'Always Welcome' for the whole week (at West Hartlepool for the week beginning 19 November 1917, and at Middlesbrough for the week beginning 17 December 1917). Thereafter, to complicate matters, where The Stage lists 'Always Welcome' as 'On Tour' somewhere, confirmation from another source is often lacking. That it is unwise to rely solely on On Tour listings is illustrated by the fact that The Stage, 24 January 1918, listed 'Always Welcome' as on tour from 21 January at the Palace, Newcastle, whereas local newspaper advertisements and reviews show that 'The King of the Gipsies' was performed for the whole week. When the company enjoyed an eight-week season at the Empire, Mountain Ash, from 25 March to 18 May 1918, 'The Stage' and 'Era' between them listed 'Always Welcome' as on tour / on the road there for six of the weeks, which is highly unlikely. Further plays were added to the repertoire - 'Queen of the Redskins', 'Sorrows of Satan', 'The Rival Mothers', and, from the end of July 1918, 'The Queen and the Knave' which is also in the Great War Theatre database - increasing the uncertainties about whether the company was still staging 'Always Welcome'. It may have played 'Always Welcome' for at least one night in several multi-week seasons in 1918-1922 at Mountain Ash, Jarrow, Whitehaven, West Stanley, Newcastle, South Shields, Halifax and Llandudno, but evidence is thin on the ground. Only those performance weeks are listed here for which there is some evidence that Always Welcome was performed with, from January 1918 onwards, a cautionary note if the only evidence is an advertisement or an On Tour listing in The Stage (or the equivalent in The Era).

Licensed On: 12 Apr 1917

License Number: 897

Author(s):

Genre(s):

British Library Reference: LCP1917/8

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66163 J

Performances

Date Theatre Type
21 Apr 1917 Empire Theatre, Tonypandy Unknown Licensed Performance
21 May 1917 Empire Theatre, Tonypandy Professional
Read Narrative
'Miss Emma Litchfield will produce her new play, “Always Welcome” (in four acts), at the Empire, Tonypandy, on Monday. The twice-nightly version will be played at the Elephant and Castle Whit. Week’. The Stage, 17 May 1917.
28 May 1917 Elephant and Castle Theatre, London Professional
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The Era, 30 May 1917, reviewed ‘“Always Welcome.” Play, in Seven Scenes. By Emma Litchfield, Produced for the First Time at the Elephant and Castle Theatre, Monday, May 28’. The cast was: Philip Webster … Conrad E. Stratford Lieut. Harry Clifton, R.N. … Lionel Balmont Louis Dugarde … Geoffrey Chate Ned Forde … Tom H. Solly William Forde … Thomas Campbell Mickey O’Connor … Willie Barrett P.C. Carter … T. C. Jackson Doris Delamere … Annie Laurie Tiny Little … Clare Elkington Mabel Webster … Winifred Rutland Rosie Summers … Lillie Livesey Emma Summers … Emma Litchfield. The review continued: ‘Miss Emma Litchfield’s new play, first presented on May20 at the Theatre Royal, Tonypandy, scored a big success, and the Metropolitan verdict has proved equally favourable. Philip Webster, alias West, becoming aware of the fact that William Forde leads a double life - a merchant in City and living on the charity of his married daughter, a “real good sort,” who is totally unaware of his wealth – induces Emma Summers’ daughter, Rosie, to give up her sailor-lover and marry him, he (Webster) being under the impression that Rosie is Forde’s heiress. Desperately pushed for money, and recognising his first wife in Forde’s typist, he murders the old man. The wife is charged with the crime, but is able to establish her innocence. Harry is eventually restored to his sweetheart, Mabel is forgiven for helping her wastrel husband, and thus the story ends happily. Miss Emma Litchfield was excellently suited in the part of Emma Summers. A powerful piece of acting, as the despicable Philip Webster, came from Mr. Conrad E. Strafford. Mr Lionel Balmont did his best with the thin part of the blind sailor lover, Harry. A capital impersonation was Mr. Tom H. Holly’s Ned Forde. Mr. Geoffrey Chafe was distinctly good as a volatile French chauffeur, Louis Dugarde. Mr Willie Barrett’s Irishisms, as Micky O’Connor, were effective. Miss Lillie Livesey was sweet and pathetic as the unfortunate heroine, Rosie. Miss Winifred Rutland successfully represented the unsympathetic part of Mabel Webster. Tiny Little was in the hands of Miss Clare Elkington, a clever study of a Cockney servant. Miss Annie Laurie made Doris Delamere a demure yet knowing damsel’ (The Era, 30 May 1917). The Stage, 31 May 1917, also reviewed the play: 'That popular actress-authoress, Miss Emma Litchfield, whose successful plays have ever won favour at the Elephant, has thither for Whitsuntide her latest drama, with the capital and cheering title of “Always Welcome,” produced only last week at Tonypandy. In the composition of this, employing generally familiar materials, Miss Litchfield has done good, sound, effective work'. The review continued with a detailed account of the plot.
4 Jun 1917 Theatre Royal, Woolwich Professional
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The Stage, 31 May 1917, listed Always Welcome as On Tour from 24 June at the Royal, Woolwich. And when Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 7 June 1917, the address for that week was the T.R., Woolwich.
11 Jun 1917 Theatre Royal, Stratford Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 7 and 14 June 1917, the address for the week beginning 11 June was the T.R., Stratford.
18 Jun 1917 Palace Theatre, Battersea Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 14 and 21 June 1917, the address for the week beginning 18 June was the Pal., Battersea.
25 Jun 1917 Royal Court Theatre, Warrington Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 21 and 28 June 1917, the address for the week beginning 25 June was the Court, Warrington. And when Miss Winifred Rutland of the Always Welcome company inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 28 June 1917, her address for that week was Warrington.
2 Jul 1917 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
Read Narrative
The Smethwick Telephone, 30 June 1917, reported that the booking at the Theatre Royal for the following week would be ‘“Always Welcome” … staged under the supervision of Miss Emma Litchfield, who is also responsible for the compilation of the story, and takes the leading role of Emma Summers, the character in whom probably the most interest centres. Mr. Conrad E. Stratford appears as Philip West’. Also, ‘“Always Welcome,” the title of the play produced by Miss Emma Lichfield [sic] [at the Theatre Royal], has been appropriately named. It is a drama which receives a welcome wherever it is staged’ (Smethwick Telephone, 7 July 1917).
9 Jul 1917 Theatre Royal, Aston Professional
Read Narrative
‘The Aston Theatre Royal is to stage [next week] a new domestic drama, “Always Welcome,” by Emma Litchfield. It has seven scenes, all of which give promise of tense situations’ (Birmingham Mail, 6 July 1917). ‘[At] Aston Theatre Royal “Always Welcome,” by Miss Emma Litchfield, is the attraction this week. The play contains an exciting plot, which presents many thrills, all of which appealed strongly to the large houses last night. The company is a strong one, and includes Miss Emma Litchfield (the authoress)’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 10 July 1917).
16 Jul 1917 Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 12 July 1917, the address for the following week was the T.R., Wolverhampton. And when Emma Litchfield advertised in The Stage, 19 July 1917, for a ‘good Juvenile Man’ for Always Welcome (owing to Mr. Lionel Balmont being called up); 'Rehearse Bordesley, July 24’, her address was the T.R., Wolverhampton.
23 Jul 1917 Palace Theatre, Bordesley Professional
Read Narrative
Advertised in the Birmingham Mail, 23 July 1917: ‘Soldiers in uniform half-price’. ‘“Always Welcome,” a domestic drama, is being produced at the Palace Theatre this week. It has been written by Miss Emma Litchfield, who herself plays the principal part with distinction. The play was cordially received last night’ (Birmingham Mail, 24 July 1917; also reported in the Birmingham Daily Gazette, 24 July 1917 and The Era, 25 July 1917).
30 Jul 1917 Grand, Lancaster Professional
Read Narrative
‘Emma Litchfield’s company are here [the Grand, Lancaster] in her domestic drama, “Always Welcome,” in which Miss Litchfield plays the part of Emma Summers, and Conrad E. Stratford that of Philip West. Both are strong characters, and the play is full of incident and good situations’. The Stage, 2 August 1917.
6 Aug 1917 Theatre Royal, South Shields Professional
Read Narrative
‘Holiday crowds packed both performances at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, last night, when a play entitled “Always Welcome” was produced. The central character is Rosie Summers, the supposed heiress of her grandfather, and therefore wooed by well-dressed scamp named Philip Webster, alias West. The girl is infatuated with the villain, although loved for herself alone by Lieut. Hardly Clinton, R.N., and despite the earnest pleadings of her mother, Emma Summers, in her wilful disposition rejects all friendly advice, throws in her lot with her tempter. The latter, to hasten the hour he shall come into the girl’s wealth, shoots the grandfather just after the old man has handed over his will to the girl’s mother, bequeathing everything to her and her brother. When he finds out that has married a penniless girl Philip West is furious, and treats his young wife with great brutality, and tells her that she is really no wife of his, as he had been already married, and his first wife is still living. The first wife, Mabel Webster, puts in her appearance. She had become a drunkard, but is taken into the household of the good-hearted Emma Summers, and reforms, to become a useful member of society as a professional nurse, and as such tends Lieut. Hardy Clinton, who has been stricken blind in a naval fight. By the highest medical skill his sight is restored, and he marries the girl Rosie, who had long since discovered her fatal blunder in allying herself with Philip Webster. The dominating figure throughout the play is Miss Emma Litchfield in the part of Emma Summers. She is a bright actress, and as the mother of the heroine is full of human sympathy, not only for the wayward daughter, but for other misguided mortals such as Mabel Webster. Another strong character is that of Philip Webster played by Mr Conrad E. Stratford. The cruelty of the heartless husband, the dissipated rake, and the fugitive flying from justice are all traits depicted with much force. Miss Winifred Rutland is very effective as Mabel Webster, and Rosie Summers finds a charming exponent in Miss Lillie Livesey. Abundance of light comedy is introduced into the piece by Mr Tom H. Selby [sic - Solly], William Barrett, and Miss Claire Elkington, in which both singing and dancing are alike a feature’. Shields Daily News, 7 August 1917.
13 Aug 1917 Theatre Royal, Jarrow Professional
Read Narrative
‘This week Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company have been appearing with success in “Always Welcome,” Miss Litchfield herself taking the part of Emma Summers, the mother of the heroine. Her daughter is infatuated with a man she has met and goes away with him, despite her mother’s protest. Miss Litchfield’s presentation of the part is exceedingly good and she has been heartily applauded each evening. Mr. Conrad E. Stratford takes the heavy part of Philip Webster, alias West, with great ability; he is particularly good in the third scene where he admits that he has committed bigamy. Miss Lillie Livesey makes a charming heroine as Rosie Summers. Influenced by Webster she leaves her mother, but quickly finds out that he was under the impression that she had money. She does not like to return home, but friends bring about a meeting between Rosie and Mrs. Summers, and the former finds that there is always a welcome for her at home. Miss Winifred Rutland is very good as Mabel Webster. She is the legal wife of Webster, who has deserted her. She finds out that he has contracted bigamous marriage with Rosie and tells the latter’s mother. Mr. Tom H. Solly takes the part of Ned Forde, brother of Mrs. Summers, with success. Mr. William Barrett is an excellent comedian, and as Mickey O’Connor creates a great deal of amusement. He works very hard and contributes in no small degree to the success of the play. He is ably supported by Miss Annie Laurie as Doris Delamere; and Miss Claire Elkington as Tiny Little; they create a good deal of merriment as Ned Forde’s Pierrot Party. The play is well staged and the costumes very pretty. The attendance each evening has been very satisfactory’. Jarrow Express, 17 August 1917.
20 Aug 1917 Grand Theatre, Stockton Professional
Read Narrative
The Daily Gazette For Middlesbrough, 20 August 1917, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Stockton, ‘Miss Emma Litchfield’s company in an Entirely New Production The Thrilling Domestic Drama: “Always Welcome,” By Emma Litchfield’.
27 Aug 1917 Grand, West Hartlepool Professional
Read Narrative
‘A domestic drama, entitled “Always Welcome,” is being presented at the Grand Theatre this week. The story is one of many thrills, of exciting situations, of much self-sacrifice, and abiding love. A bright and happy girl leaves her humble home under the care of a man, who proves a worthless rake. After a period of misery she returns to the place, where there is always a welcome. The plot is well conceived, and interest never fails. Mr. Conrad Stratford as Philip Webster, the rake, is exceedingly good, and the same may be said of Miss Emma Litchfield in the part of Emma Summers.. Miss Lillie Livesey makes a capable Rosie Summers, and comedy parts are nicely balanced, Mr. Tom Solly being very smart as Ned Forde’ (Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 28 August 1917; also reported in The Stage, 30 August 1917).
3 Sep 1917 Metropole Theatre, Gateshead Professional
Read Narrative
‘Emma Litchfield and company are paying a visit here [the Metropole, Gateshead] with her play “Always Welcome.” The principal characters receive capital treatment at the hands of Conrad E. Stratford, Geoffrey Chate, Tom H. Solly, Thomas Campbell, Wm. Barrett, Emma Litchfield, Annie Laurie, Lillie Livesey, Winifred Rutland, and Clare Elkington’. The Stage, 6 September 1917.
10 Sep 1917 Theatre Royal, Whitehaven Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 20 September 1917, the advertisement included: ‘Refer Stanley Rogers, Esq., re business last week at T.R., Whitehaven. Two good houses Monday, maintained until Friday, which beat Monday. Money turned away Saturday’.
17 Sep 1917 Queen's Park Hippodrome, Manchester Professional
Read Narrative
‘Miss Emma Litchfield’s company is presenting a strong domestic drama, “Always Welcome,” at the Queen’s Park Hippodrome. The acting of Conrad E. Stratford, Charles Edwards, Emma Litchfield, and Winifred Rutland is exceptionally good’. Manchester Evening News, 18 September 1917.
24 Sep 1917 Theatre Royal, Seaham Harbour Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 20 September 1917, the address for the following week was the T.R., Seaham Harbour.
1 Oct 1917 Alexandra Theatre, Pontefract Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 4 October 1917, the address for that week was the Alex., Pontefract.
8 Oct 1917 Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough Professional
Read Narrative
Advertised in the Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 5 October 1917: ‘Next Week: “Always Welcome”’.
15 Oct 1917 Theatre Royal, Dewsbury Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 11 and 18 October 1917, and in The Era, 17 October 1917, the address for the week beginning 15 October was the Theatre Royal, Dewsbury.
22 Oct 1917 Grand Theatre, Halifax Professional
Read Narrative
‘“Always Welcome” is the play which Miss Emma Litchfield is presenting this week at the Grand, in which this popular author-actress is supported by Mr Conrad E. Stratford [an] actor of remarkable talent. The piece is one of absorbing interest, and the audience follows the story breathlessly through its many vicissitudes. “The King of the Gipsies,” another of Miss Emma Litchfield’s creations is the special attraction for Friday Night’. Halifax Evening Courier, 23 October 1917.
29 Oct 1917 Hippodrome, Huddersfield Professional
Read Narrative
‘The plentiful diversity of tragedy, sentiment, and the broadest of comedy in Miss Litchfield’s new drama, “Always Welcome,” ensured a favourable reception from Hippodrome houses last night, and will, no doubt, secure large attendances during the week. The authoress set an excellent example to the members of her company by the warmth of her personification of a loving mother who sacrifices everything for her daughter. She has had the latter educated above her station, and though ashamed of her mother, she is ultimately led in the stern school of adversity to realise her real worth. Mr. Tom H. Solly also docs well in a breezy, straight-spoken Cockney part, and assists Miss Litchfield in imparting a good deal of humour to the play. In a different part Mr. Conrad E. Stratford gives a very capable representation of the villain, and Mr. R. Power, as a naval lieutenant, is satisfactory. Misses G. Moody and W. Rutland give graceful portrayals of their parts, and other characters are well represented by Misses A. Laurie and C. Elkington, and Messrs. T. Campbell, W. Barrett, and T. C. Jackson. The piece goes with a swing, and though there is a good deal of the “Go as you please” style about it, it provides enjoyable fare for lovers of this particular style of entertainment. On Friday night “The King of the Gipsies” is to be substituted’. Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 30 October 1917.
5 Nov 1917 Theatre Royal, Stockport Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 1 and 8 November 1917, the address for the week beginning 5 November was the T.R., Stockport.
12 Nov 1917 Hippodrome, Mexborough Professional
Read Narrative
The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 10 November 1917, advertised at the Mexborough Hippodrome on Monday 12 November and during the week ‘Emma Litchfield’s Company, in an Entirely New Production - The Thrilling Domestic Drama: Always Welcome, By Emma Litchfield. By Special Request – Friday Night Only – The Successful Romantic Drama – King of the Gipsies, By Emma Litchfield’. Also, ‘Miss Litchfield’s company in “Always Welcome!” will visit the Hippodrome next week. The drama was produced early in the year, and has had a continuous run, playing to splendid business at all the best dramatic theatres in London and the provinces. Miss Litchfield, the authoress, has written several plays, and belongs to a well-known theatrical family, of whom she is naturally very proud ... Mr. Conrad E. Stratford, who plays the part of “Philip Webster,” is a rising young actor of great promise ... Mr. Tom H. Solly, a well-known clever comedian. is another prominent member of a really excellent company. On Friday night (by special request) the successful romantic drama, “King of the Gipsies” (by Emma Litchfield) will be played' (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 10 November 1917).
26 Nov 1917 Cambridge Theatre, Spennymoor Professional
Read Narrative
‘Emma Litchfield’s company are appearing here [the Cambridge, Spennymoor] with “Always Welcome” and “The King of the Gipsies.” The principal characters are ably played by Emma Litchfield and Conrad E. Stratford, who are well supported by a fine combination’. The Stage, 29 November 1917.
3 Dec 1917 Palace, Newcastle Professional
Read Narrative
‘“Always Welcome” is the title of next week’s play at the Palace Theatre, Newcastle, and it will be presented by the authoress, Miss Emma Litchfield. It is a domestic drama with a big human interest, and with Miss Litchfield herself in the role of heroine, supported by a specially selected company, it should prove most successful. The play is Miss Litchfield’s latest effort’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 1 December 1917). ‘A domestic Drama, “Always Welcome,” is the type of entertainment always welcomed by Palace patrons. It possesses seven stirring scenes, each of which holds the audience’s attention. Miss E. Litchfield and Winifred Rutland and Conrad Stratford are the more prominent members of a good company’ (Newcastle Journal, 4 December 1917). ‘Miss Emma Lichfield’s No. 1 Company [at the] Palace Theatre this week are presenting an entirely new play, “Always Welcome” [which] was accorded a hearty reception last night at the hands of thronged audiences’. The rest of the review is hard to read on the British Newspaper Archive but it mentions cast members Gertie Moody, Conrad E. Stratford, Robert Power, Tom B. Solly [sic] and Winifred Rutland (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 4 December 1917).
10 Dec 1917 Grand Theatre, Doncaster Professional
Read Narrative
The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 8 December 1917, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, on Monday 10 December ‘Emma Litchfield’s Company in an Entirely New Production – The Thrilling Domestic Drama – Always Welcome By Emma Litchfield. Conrad E. Stratford as “Philip West.” Emma Litchfield as “Emma Summers”’.
14 Jan 1918 Theatre Royal, Crook Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 10 January 1918, the address for the following week was the T.R., Crook. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
28 Jan 1918 Empire, Langley Moor, Co. Durham Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 24 and 31 January 1918, listed Always Welcome As On Tour from 28 January at the Emp., Langley Moor. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
4 Feb 1918 Gaiety Theatre, Houghton-Le-Spring Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 31 January and 7 February 1918, listed Always Welcome As On Tour from 4 February at the Gaiety, Houghton-le-Spring. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
11 Feb 1918 Palace, Meadowfield Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 14 February 1918, listed Always Welcome As On Tour from 11 February at the Palace, Meadowfield. And when Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 14 February 1918, the address for that week was the Palace, Meadowfield. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
18 Feb 1918 Theatre Royal, North Shields Professional
Read Narrative
The Shields Daily News, 18 February 1918, advertised at the North Shields Theatre Royal ‘Miss Emma Litchfield and Strong Company, in a New Thrilling Domestic Drama – “Always Welcome”’.
25 Feb 1918 Palace, Weston-Super-Mare Professional
Read Narrative
When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 28 February 1918, the address for that week was the Pal., Weston-super-Mare. And The Stage, 28 February 1918, listed Always Welcome As On Tour from 25 February at the Palace, Weston-super-M. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
4 Mar 1918 Pavilion, Pontnewynydd Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 28 February and 7 March 1918, listed Always Welcome As On Tour from 4 March at the Pav., Pontnewynydd. When Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 28 February 1918, the address for the following week was the Pavilion T., Pontnewynydd. And The Era, 6 March 1918, listed Always Welcome as On The Road from 4 March at the Pavilion, Pontnewynydd. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
18 Mar 1918 Theatre Royal, Merthyr Tydfil Professional
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The Stage, 14 and 21 March 1918, listed Always Welcome As On Tour from 18 March at the R., Merthyr. The Era, 20 March 1918, listed Always Welcome as On The Road from 18 March at the R. Merthyr Tydfil. And when Miss Emma Litchfield’s company advertised Always Welcome in The Stage, 21 March 1918, the address for that week was the T.R., Merthyr. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
25 Mar 1918 Empire, Mountain Ash Professional
Read Narrative
Various issues of The Stage and The Era listed Always Welcome as On Tour / On The Road at the Empire, Mountain Ash, in the weeks beginning 25 March and 1, 8, 15 and 29 April and 6 and 13 May 1918. But there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed.
3 Jun 1918 Theatre Royal, Jarrow Professional
Read Narrative
This was the last week of a three-week season at this theatre. ‘On the first three nights this week, Miss. E. Litchfield’s Company appeared in “Queen of the Redskins” before full houses … Last night (Thursday) “Always Welcome” was presented, Miss Litchfield appearing as Emma Summers, which she presented in a very able manner. Miss Gertie Moody is very good as Rosie Summers, the daughter. The heavy part is taken with success by Mr. C. E. Stratford, as Philip Webster, alias West. Mr. L. M. Tierney presents the part of Lieut. Harry Clinton in a very able manner. The lighter side is in the hands of Mr S. Bryant as Ned Forde, and Miss C. Elkington as Tiny Little. Miss Winifred Rutland takes the part of Mabel Webster with success. Miss Rose Carr appears as Doris Delamere. All the parts are well taken and the members of the company have been accorded a hearty reception each evening’ (Jarrow Express, 7 June 1918).
10 Jun 1918 Theatre Royal, Whitehaven Professional
Read Narrative
During this lengthy season The Era, 26 June 1918, listed Always Welcome as On The Road from 10 June to 3 August at the R., Whitehaven; but there is no other evidence that Always Welcome was performed. On 29 July the company performed for the first time The Queen and the Knave which is also in the Great War Theatre database.
19 May 1919 Palace, Newcastle Professional
Read Narrative
This was the first of a two-week season at this theatre. ‘“Always Welcome,” a drama from the pen of Miss Emma Litchfield and produced by her own company, will be staged at the Palace Theatre. Miss Litchfield fills the principal role of Emma Summers, and is supported by Mr. Conrad E. Stratford as Philip Webster. On Friday night “The Rival Mothers,” by the same author, will be presented’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 17 May 1919). ‘Emma Litchfield’s company are giving some fine representations of her own play “Always Welcome” [at the Palace, Newcastle]. A specially excellent portrayal of Emma Summers comes from the authoress. Other important parts are in the hands of Rose Carr, Conrad E. Stratford, Frank Rothwell, Tony Snape, Claire Elkington, Winifred Rutland, and Percy J. Barnet’. The Stage, 22 May 1919.
8 Aug 1919 Theatre Royal, South Shields Professional
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This was the first of a two-week season at this theatre. The Shields Daily News, 5 August 1919, advertised at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, ‘Twice nightly Miss Emma Litchfield presents Queen of the Redskins. Friday only: “Always Welcome”‘. ‘Emma Lichfield [sic] and company are presenting the American play, “Queen of the Redskins” [at the Theatre Royal, South Shields] ... On Friday “Always Welcome” is down for production’ (The Era, 6 August 1919).
29 Sep 1919 Grand, Halifax Professional
Read Narrative
This was the second of a two-week season at this theatre. ‘Miss Emma Litchfield’s Repertory Company continues for another week, with a new bill. “Always welcome” is a nice little drama, and quite distinctive in its own unpretentious way. In the role of Emma Summers, Miss Litchfield is perfectly happy and appears at her best. Miss Rose Carr, in the character of Rosie Summers, figures delightfully, and reveals a special ability for such parts. Mr. T. C. Jackson’s “Philip Webster” is a fine representation, and Miss Winifred Rutland’s “Mabel” a clever example of dramatic capacity. Miss Claire Elkington makes Tiny Leith [sic – Little] a popular character, and Mr. Tony Snape excels himself as Ned Fore. Harry Clifton is capably rendered by Mr. Frank Rothwell, and Messrs. T. Campbell, P. J. Barnett, J. Cooper, and Miss Nellie Westerman play minor parts in a praiseworthy manner’ (The Halifax Evening Courier, 30 September 1919).
24 May 1920 Theatre Royal, Whitehaven Professional
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This was the first of a ten-week season at this theatre. ‘Emma Litchfield’s stock company opened here [the New Royal, Whitehaven] on Monday to a packed house with “Always Welcome.” Included in the cast are Conrad E. Stratford, Leonard Tierney, Tony Snape, J. C. Cooper, Percy J. Barnett, Frederick Day, Alice Barnett, Cecile Rene, Winifred Rutland, Rose Carr, and Emma Litchfield’. The Stage, 27 May 1920.
16 Dec 1921 Grand, West Hartlepool Professional
Read Narrative
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 12 December 1921, advertised at the Grand Theatre Emma Litchfield’s company, including Conrad E. Stratford, in a programme of plays including Always Welcome on Friday and Saturday. The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 13 December 1921, reviewed Emma Litchfield’s company in Her Chinese Husband at the Grand Theatre: ‘“Remembrance” and “Always Welcome” are the other plays which the company will present’.