Never Give In

After having been thoroughly re-decorated, the Leicester Opera House will re-open next week, and the attraction will be a new romantic play of the Napoleonic period, entitled "Never Give In," by William Boyle and Gil Byan, and operatic musical numbers by Riddell Hunter. The cast is headed by Mr. E. C. Hedmont, whose acting ability, combined with his magnificent singing, is well known to Leicester playgoer. The play is beautifully staged" (Leicester Chronicle, 28 July 1917)

"Comedy, song and romance are embraced in "Never Give In," which forms the attraction this week at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool. It is the work of Messrs. William Boyle and Gil Byan, with special musical numbers by Mr. Riddell Hunter. It is not grand opera, but the company producing Never Give In" has at its head, in the person of Mr. E. C. Hedmont, an actor-vocalist whom the public delighted to honour when he trod the stage in the old Carl Rosa days. He is still bright, buoyant and beaming in a character that admirably suite him; that of Lucius Brutus O'Conor, a captain in Wellington's Army in Portugal, for it is in the latter country, in the days of the Napoleonic wars, that the plot of "Never Give In" is worked out. Perhaps there is not much plot, but it serves to provide opportunities for excellent acting and singing, and there is some charming music. The company is only ten strong, but if it be not numerous it is decidedly. efficient. There are some capital musical numbers, for instance "Jack Briton" and "I come from the land," two of the songs which fall to the share of Mr. Hedmont, who also participated in a delightful septet "Strangers," cue of the genie of this romantic comedy. Miss Elsie Norris as Francisca, the daughter of Dom Jeronymo, and the heroine of the comedy, does some admirable work, and has several tuneful numbers allotted her; one of the beat is "I loved a hero," whilst most effective is her singing in the duet with Mr. Hedmont, "When you've gone from me." Mr. Wensley Russell as Don Jeronymo, the Portuguese noble, afflicted with gout consequent, perchance. on his liking for port wine—and a maiden sister who fain would wed, does capitally; he is a versatile artiste. Mr. Reginald Gordon portrays Dom Pombal effectively, and Miss Nellie S. James must be accorded a meed of praise for her impersonation of Isabella, tho aunt of Francisca. The minor roles are capably filled, and a visit to the Royal Court during the week may be cordially recommended." (Birkenhead News, 15 August 1917)

"It is axiomatic that the mime seldom possesses the gift of song, and that the singer is rarely an actor. The really notable exceptions could almost be counted upon the fingers. Mr E. C. Hedmont, the famous Irish- American tenor, who for many years has been ornament British operatic stage. Next week this talented vocalist will appear at His Majesty's Theatre in two plays of widely different calibre. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday’s matinee, is a musical romance the Napoleonic wars, entitled "Arms and the Lady," will given. This play is William Boyle and Gil with musical numbers Mozart, W. H. Squire, and Riddell Hunter. (Aberdeen Press and Journal 14/9/17)