Great War Theatre

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

An average melodrama. Richard, the villain, beguiles Mavis from his cousin Paul, an honest smack-owner, to whom she was betrothed. He is instigated to this by Edith, Paul's sister, with whom he is really in love and who, learning that Mavis will inherit money, proposes to live in luxury at her expense. So Richard and Mavis marry and go to America, accompanied by Richard's mistress: the money is all spent and Mavis leaves Richard with her child. Edith leaves him too. Mavis's ship is wrecked and Paul saves her life. Then Richard also is wrecked gets into a lighthouse which Paul is tending: they fight and Paul kills him in self defence, as is satisfactorily proved at the inquest. The hymn quoted is sung by the onlookers while Paul is struggling in the waves and rescuing Mavis. There is no harm in the piece. Recommended for Licence. G. S. Street

Researcher's Summary:

Only two performances of ‘For Those in Peril on the Sea’ in 1917 have been found, at Plymouth and Walsall. When the play reappeared in January 1918 its title had been changed to ‘A Son of the Sea’ and the heroine Mavis Wentworth renamed Poppy Wentworth. A comparison of reviews in The Stage, 12 July 1917 and 7 February 1918, and in The Era, 18 July 1917 and 6 February 1918, shows that the names of the other characters and the play’s plot were unchanged. ‘A Son of the Sea’ was toured by one of Will H. Glaze’s companies with the author Clifford Rean playing Paul Tregarron. Rean announced in The Stage, 21 November 1918, that he was shortly retiring from touring in order to be better able to cope with the mass of requests he was receiving for new plays. The last performance week that has been identified for ‘A Son of the Sea’ is 9-14 December 1918. Reviewers noted the play’s ‘thrilling incidents’, particularly the storm scene showing the heroine rescued from the sea, and the fight in the lighthouse.

Licensed On: 4 Jul 1917

License Number: 1036

Author(s):

Genre(s):

Keyword(s):

British Library Reference: LCP1917/14

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66169 I

Performances

Date Theatre Type
9 Jul 1917 Grand Theatre, Plymouth Unknown Licensed Performance
9 Jul 1917 Grand Theatre, Plymouth Professional
Read Narrative
Reviewed at length in The Stage, 12 July 1917:’On Monday, July 9, 1917, at the Grand, Plymouth, Messrs. King and Parry produced a drama, by Clifford Rean, entitled “For Those in Peril on the Sea”’. The cast was: Paul Tregarron, Fred Edouin; Richard Tregarron, Eris Morden; Rev. John O’Farrell, John Durant; Jacob Polperro, Dick Seddon; Jack Hern, Derek Mason; Coroner, Augustine Bowerman; Jane Polperro, Maudie B. Douglas; Edith Tregarron, Flora Leslie; Aunt Sarah, Marie Edwards; Mavis Wentworth, Violet Ingram. The review began: 'A homely tale of Cornish fisherfolk opens at the Old Farm, the home of the Tregarons [sic], in the village of West Foy a supper party being in progress ...' (The Stage, 12 July 1917). Also reviewed at length in The Era, 18 July 1917; the cast was as in The Stage, 12 July 1917; and the review began, 'Mr Clifford Rean’s new drama, “For Those in Peril on the Sea,” has not only a domestic touch but a rich vein of comedy runs through the play, which at the opening performance was well received by a demonstrative audience’.
17 Sep 1917 Her Majesty's Theatre, Walsall Professional
Read Narrative
‘The play produced by the Repertory Company [at Her Majesty’s Theatre] this week is “For Those in Peril on the Sea,” a story of Cornish fishing life, and it met with a deservedly hearty reception. The piece goes with a swing throughout it, and is played with fine feeling by the Company. The storm scene was well-produced and proved most effective, Mr. John B. Shinton, by his fine work in this and the lighthouse scenes, winning the hearty applause of the audience. He most admirably sustained a heavy rôle, and in his solo appearances, which are a hard test for any actor, he held his audience perfectly soundless. Mr. C. Alan Hineson, as the Rev. John O’Farrell, was very good. He was a jolly and likable Father, who quite captivated the audience. Mr. Stuart Lomath and Miss Enid Ross were perfect villains - on the stage, that is. Miss Ada M. Ryder, as Mavis Wentworth, had a part which she has often played, that of an appealingly lovely young girl whose love tangle eventually comes right so that she can marry the right man, and she played with her accustomed charm. Mr. Bert Atherton and Miss Poppy Lytton supplied the humour with their usual success. The other members of the cast, who contributed in small measure to the general excellence of the presentation, were Miss Marie Thorne, as a sweet old lady; Mr. Fred Blake, as a beery, weary, lying and sly salt; and Mr. Jack Bland as the coroner’. Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle, 22 September 1917.
21 Jan 1918 Theatre Royal, Woolwich Professional
Read Narrative
The details shown are conjectural. Allardyce Nicoll, 'English Drama 1900-1930', lists For Those in Peril on the Sea as performed on 21 January 1918 at Woolwich under the title A Son of the Sea. That week a show called Hiawatha was at the Hippodrome (advertised in The Era, 16 January 1918); and The Stage, 24 January 1918, listed The Bing Boys Are Here that week at the Woolwich Artillery. That leaves the Theatre Royal as a possible venue at Woolwich for A Son of the Sea.
28 Jan 1918 Theatre Royal, Stratford Professional
Read Narrative
Advertised as A Son of the Sea in The People, 27 January 1918.
4 Feb 1918 Elephant and Castle Theatre, London Professional
Read Narrative
Reviewed at length under the title A Son of the Sea in The Era, 6 February 1918: ‘Drama, in Ten Scenes, by Clifford Rean, Produced for the first time in London, at the Elephant and Castle Theatre, Monday, Feb. 4’. The cast was: Paul Tregarron, Clifford Rean; Richard Tregarron, John Worth; Rev. John O’Farrell, Edmund O’Grady; Jacob Polperro, Wilford Bailey; Jack Hern, Tom Wheeler; Coroner, George Gormley; Jane Polperro, Maude Ryder; Edith Tregarron, Maude Steeples; Aunt Sarah, Clara Spillard; Poppy Wentworth, Marie Desmond. The review began: '“A Son of the Sea” is a capital story, vividly depicting the life story of those who “follow the flag” on the waters; and the play met with a cordial recognition on Monday from a large audience’ (The Era, 6 February 1918). Also reviewed at length under the title A Son of the Sea in The Stage, 7 February 1918; the cast was as in The Era, 6 February 1918; the review continued, 'A plain, straightforward story of seafaring life, “A Son of the Sea” has eight of its ten scenes laid in, or in the neighbourhood of, West Foy, in Cornwall, the others taking place in South America, and in the Dragon’s Teeth lighthouse off this portion of the Cornish coast, the locale of at least two shipwrecks in the course of the action ... [the play has] ‘a passing suggestion of a Grand Guignol “shocker”’.
11 Feb 1918 Grand, Brighton Professional
Read Narrative
Noted in The Era, 13 February 1918, produced by William Glaze and his company and with the author Clifford Rean playing his own chief character.
18 Feb 1918 Grand Theatre, Nottingham Professional
Read Narrative
‘A stirring story of sea life is told at the Nottingham Grand Theatre this week, “A Son of the Sea” being staged by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company. The piece, which is a new production, is written by Clifford Rean, who, as Paul Tregarron, a Cornish smack owner, proves himself as versatile an actor as he is an author. As Poppy Wentworth Miss Marie Desmond shows considerable skill and talent, while in the character part of the Rev, John O’Farrell Mr. Edmond O’Grady is very telling. There a comedy side to the drama, which lightens it up very divertingly, and taken as a whole the play is entirely to the liking of the patrons of the Hyson Green house’ (Nottingham Journal, 19 February 1918). The Nottingham Journal, 16 February 1918, listed other cast members: John Worth, Charles Leverton, Arthur Gilroy, Clara Spillard, Maud Steeples, and Maudie Ryder.
25 Feb 1918 Palace, Newcastle Professional
Read Narrative
‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company is again in possession of the boards at the Palace Theatre, and presented last night the drama, “A Son of the Sea,” which contains much of the breeziness suggested by the title. The scene is laid on the Cornish coast. and, like many more having their origin in that neighbourhood, has a pleasing variety of romance and domesticity that will always be a recommendation to such plays. Paul Tregarron [sic - Clifford Rean], in the name part, plays it in a manly fashion; while Poppy Wentworth is made quite a popular character by the earnest work of Dorothy Kirk. Leading parts are taken by John Worth, Edmond O’Grady, Maud Steeples, and Clara Spillwood [sic – Spillard?]’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 26 February 1918). ‘“A Son of the Sea” is a new drama which deals with life on the Cornish coast. It is a story, prettily evolved, of fisher life, the chief characters being Paul Tregarron a fisher lad, and Poppy Wentworth, the heroine. These characters are admirably pourtrayed by Clifford Rean and Miss Dorothy Kirk’ (Newcastle Journal, 26 February 1918).
4 Mar 1918 Theatre Royal, Stockport Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 28 February and 7 March 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 4 March at the Royal, Stockport.
11 Mar 1918 Theatre Royal, Ashton-under-Lyne Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 7 and 14 March 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 11 March at the R., Ashton-under-Lyne.
18 Mar 1918 Grand, Hartlepool Professional
Read Narrative
The Hartlepool Daily Mail, 19 March 1918, advertised Will H. Glaze’s company in the new play A Son of the Sea by Clifford Rean at the Grand. ‘“A Son of the Sea” is the title of a play which is occupying the boards at the Grand Theatre this week. It is interesting and at times exciting, as, for instance, in the storm scene, where a thrilling rescue is effected. The story is sufficiently absorbing to demand the closest attention of the audience throughout. There is pathos, humour, and a strong element' (Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 19 March 1918).
25 Mar 1918 Grand Theatre, Falkirk Professional
Read Narrative
‘The new play, “A Son of the Sea,” by Clifford Rean, is staged at the Grand this week by Mr Will. H. Glaze’s company. Within the limits of ordinary drama, “A Son of the Sea” is attractive, the story being interesting, the manner of its telling being effective, and the appeal to the emotions having at times more grip and reality than is ordinarily attained by such plays. Some of the scenes are indeed strong in. interest and appeal, notably that in which “Poppy Wentworth” (the heroine) is rescued from a wreck by “Paul Tregarron” (the “son of the sea”). Very touching is the hymn of supplication, “For those in peril on the sea,” by the anxious watchers on shore. Also very effective is the situation when, in a lonely lighthouse, Paul stands face to face with “Richard Tregarron,” his cousin, the man who has wronged him deeply'. Falkirk Herald, 27 March 1918.
1 Apr 1918 Theatre Royal, Coatbridge Professional
Read Narrative
‘On Monday evening Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company appeared in the Coatbridge Theatre Royal in the new play “A Son of the Sea,” by Clifford Rean … There are four acts in the play, and the staging is magnificent. There was a large and appreciative audience. The story is one in which an innocent. girl is lured into marriage by a man of world is preference to a big hearted seaman, whom she deserts ... The play is a good one, the acting outstanding, the comedy rippling, the staging brilliant. In a word, play ranks among the best that has been staged in the Royal for many a day, and Mr. Cole, the go-ahead local manager, deserves good houses during the remaining nights of the week’. Coatbridge Express, 3 April 1918; similarly in the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, 6 April 1918.
8 Apr 1918 Theatre Royal, West Stanley Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 4 and 11 April 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 8 April at the R., W. Stanley.
15 Apr 1918 Theatre Royal, Castleford Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 11 and 18 April 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 15 April at the R., Castleford.
22 Apr 1918 Theatre Royal, South Shields Professional
Read Narrative
The Shields Daily News, 22 April1918, advertised at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, ‘Will H. Glaze’s Company in the new plays “A Son of the Sea”. Also: ‘The attraction at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, is a play entitled “A Son of the Sea.” The leading character is Paul Tregarson [sic], the head of the local fishing community, and a popular hero with the village people. The part of the hero is played with great effectiveness by Mr Clifford Rean, and that of the villain is well accounted for by John Worth. Miss Dorothy Kirk is a charming heroine. The comic element is provided by Mr Charles Leverton, Mr Arthur Gilroy and Miss Maudie Ryder’. Shields Daily News, 23 April 1918.
29 Apr 1918 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
Read Narrative
‘“A Son of the Sea” [at the Smethwick Royal] had the advantage of being quite topical. Mr. Clifford Rean has brought into the story some capital incidents, and Mr. Wm. H. Glaze had a company which was capable in every way’. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 30 April 1918.
6 May 1918 Theatre Royal, Aston Professional
Read Narrative
‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company’s “A Son of the Sea” is the attraction this week [at the Aston Royal]. It contains an interesting plot with some exciting incidents’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 7 May 1918). ‘The new play, “A Son of the Sea,” is presented by Hr. Will H. George’s [sic] company at the Aston Theatre Royal. This charming story is well sustained. The acting of Miss Dorothy Kirk and Mr. Clifford Rean, in the title role, was quite effective’ (Birmingham Mail, 7 May 1918). ‘“A Son of the Sea,” a new nautical play, is being produced at the Aston Theatre Royal by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company. The piece contains a pretty plot, in which naval incidents are introduced. The cast includes Miss Dorothy Kirk, Miss Maud Steeples, Miss Maudie Ryder, Miss Clara Spillwood [sic – Spillard?], and Messrs. Clifford Rean, John Worth, Edmund O’Grady, Charles Leverton, Arthur Gilroy, and George Gormley’ (Evening Despatch, 7 May 1918).
13 May 1918 Her Majesty's Theatre, Carlisle Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 9 and 16 May 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 13 May at H.M., Carlisle.
20 May 1918 Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough Professional
Read Narrative
The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 21 May 1918, advertised at the Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough, ‘The Nautical Drama of Great Interest, A Son of the Sea’. Also: ‘“A Son of the Sea,” the play which was staged last night [at the Theatre Royal], proved indeed an attraction well worthy of the huge crowds which assembled to witness it. It is a drama of the very best type, and includes many thrilling incidents. A particularly exciting incident was a lifeboat rescue. It was exceedingly well staged, as was the whole pace. The acting leaves nothing to be desired, the principal parts being sustained by Clifford Benn [sic – Rean], John Worth, Miss Dorothy Kirk, and Miss Maudie Ryder’. Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 21 May 1918.
27 May 1918 Palace Theatre, Bordesley Professional
Read Narrative
‘At the Bordesley Palace [next week] revue will be followed by melodrama – “A Son of the Sea,” a new and brightly-written nautical play, given by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company’ (Evening Despatch, 25 May 1918). ‘“A Son of the Sea,” the attraction at the Bordesley Palace Theatre, is a topical and thrilling naval drama’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 28 May 1918). Noted in The Era, 29 May 1918; cast members named were Clifford Rean, Jno. Worth, Edmund O’Grady, Chas Leverton, Maudie Ryder and Dorothy Kirk: ‘Sentiment and adventure are pleasantly blended in the play, and lively touches of comedy break in upon its graver qualities’.
3 Jun 1918 Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 30 May and 6 June 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 3 June at the R., Wolverhampton.
17 Jun 1918 Theatre Royal, Jarrow Professional
Read Narrative
'Mr. W. H. Glaze’s Company have been delighting large audiences each evening this week [at the Theatre Royal], with the new play “A Son of the Sea.” The play opens in a fishing village on the Cornish coast. Mr. Clifford Rean takes the part of Paul Tregarron, a fisherman. He is disappointed in love, The girl whom he hoped to make his wife refuses him for his cousin, who is in the hands of an unscrupulous woman ... The piece is nicely staged and well dressed. The lighthouse scene being particularly good’. Jarrow Express, 21 June 1918.
24 Jun 1918 Grand, Lancaster Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 20 and 27 June 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 24 June at the G., Lancaster.
1 Jul 1918 Theatre Royal, Leeds Professional
Read Narrative
‘“A Son of the Sea,” a play possessing appealing elements and excellent comedy, is presented at the Theatre Royal by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company, who carry it through with good dramatic effect’. Leeds Mercury, 2 July 1918.
8 Jul 1918 Hippodrome, Huddersfield Professional
Read Narrative
‘“A Son of the Sea,” a new melodrama of the popular kind, which appears at the Hippodrome, is this week played at that house by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company. A storm at sea, a fight in a lighthouse, and numerous other thrills are included in a story which tells of a woman’s unhappy marriage, her husband’s opportune death, and her ultimate reunion with the man she really loves. Miss Dorothy Kirk is successful in the part of Poppy Wentworth, the erring woman, and Mr. Clifford Rean (the author of the piece), as Paul Tregarron, the “son of the sea,” her true lover. The husband, the conventional villain, is in the capable hands of Mr. John Worth. Mr. Edmund O’Grady puts in a touch of dry humour as the Rev. John O’Farrell. and other lighter roles are taken by competent players. Minor parts are all well sustained. The staging is skilfully carried out. On Friday evening a play on the race suicide question, “His Childless Wife,” will be presented instead of “A Son of the Sea”’. Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 9 July 1918.
22 Jul 1918 Grand Theatre, Doncaster Professional
Read Narrative
The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 20 July 1918, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, twice nightly from Monday 22 July, ‘Will H. Glaze’s Company In the New Play – A Son of the Sea By Clifford Rean’.
5 Aug 1918 Theatre Royal, Liverpool Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 8 August 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 5 August at the R., Breck Road, Liverpool.
12 Aug 1918 Hippodrome, Bolton Professional
Read Narrative
‘ A Son of the Sea is presented by Will H. Glaze’s company. Clifford Rean, the author of the piece, ably portrays Paul Tregarron, and John Worth as Richard Tregarron is excellent. Dorothy Kirk as the heroine is charming, while Maud Steeples gives a fine representation of Edith Tregarron. Edmund O’Grady is capital as the vicar. Others are Maudie Ryder, Clara Spillward [sic – Spillard?], Hughie Williams, and Arthur Gilroy’. The Stage, 15 August 1918.
19 Aug 1918 Palace Theatre, Radcliffe Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 22 August 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 19 August at the Pal., Radcliffe.
26 Aug 1918 Palace Theatre, Rawtenstall Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 22 and 29 August 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 26 August at the Pal., Rawtenstall.
16 Sep 1918 Theatre Royal, Sheffield Professional
Read Narrative
‘“A Son of the Sea,” a stirring drama with an interesting plot, well presented by W. H. Glaze’s company, is the attraction at the Royal’. Sheffield Independent, 17 September 1918.
30 Sep 1918 Theatre Royal, West Bromwich Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 26 September and 3 October 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 30 September at the R., W. Bromwich.
7 Oct 1918 Public Hall, Runcorn Professional
Read Narrative
‘“A Son of the Sea,” a first-rate drama, which is appearing this week at the Public Hall, has taken well with Runcorn audiences, and business is resulting. It is exceedingly well presented by a talented company. and the story unfolded has some thrilling incidents’ (Runcorn Weekly News, 11 October 1918). ‘Mr. Clifford Rean, the author of the drama holding the Hall stage this week, has written and produced many plays, but possibly none more attractive than this drama of the Cornish coast. It is thrilling, romantic, and pathetic in turn, has very ingeniously devised situations and some amusing comedy. The only criticism one can well offer is that the long arm of coincidence is stretched rather beyond belief once or twice, but possibly this is playwrights’ licence. The staging of the piece is very pretty and unusual. The storm scene and the rescue of the heroine from the swirling waves is most effective, and a novel scene is that set in the lantern of a lighthouse. There are ten scenes altogether. and every one is neat and up-to-date in style. Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company act the new play very satisfactorily. The author makes a capital hero, and Mr. John Worth is the bold, bad man of the play. Of the ladies Miss Maud Steeples perhaps shines most’ (Runcorn Guardian, 11 October 1918).
14 Oct 1918 Pavillion, Northwich Professional
Read Narrative
‘Will H. Glaze’s well-balanced company are presenting A Son of the Sea in successful fashion’ at the Northwich Pavilion. The Stage, 17 October 1918.
28 Oct 1918 Hippodrome, Mexborough Professional
Read Narrative
The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 26 October 1918, advertised at the Mexborough Hippodrome, twice nightly from Monday 28 October, ‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s New Production – A Son of the Sea By Clifford Rean. A Story of our Island Home. A Play that has met with Unparalleled Success. Magnificent Scenery. Everything carried. First-Class Company’. Also: 'Drama lovers are thoroughly enjoying their turn at the Hippodrome this week, where big crowds have welcomed Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company in the new romantic play, “A Son of the Sea.” A romance of the Cornish coast, the story has a picturesque background, which is capitally portrayed, and the solemn impressiveness of some of the scenes, with the real human touch and vivid realism of the various incidents make an impression that will linger long in the memory. The acting is splendid all round, Mr. Clifford Rean giving a thoughtful study of Paul Tregarron; Richard Tregarron is vigorously presented by Mr. J. Fulton-Millar; Miss Dorothy Kirk, Miss Maud Steeples, Miss Clara Spillward [sic – Spillard?], Mr. Edmond O’Grady, and others skilfully sustain their respective roles. “A Son of the Sea” will draw immensely to-night (Friday) and Saturday night’. South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 2 November 1918.
4 Nov 1918 Palace Theatre, Durham Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 31 October and 7 November 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 4 November at the Pal., Durham.
25 Nov 1918 Metropole Theatre, Glasgow Professional
Read Narrative
The Daily Record, 25 November 1918, advertised at the Metropole, Glasgow, ‘Will H. Glaze’s Latest Successful Production, “A Son of the Sea,” A Story of our Island and Home. By Clifford Rean’. Also: ‘Will H. Glaze’s company are playing A Son of the Sea [at the Metropole, Glasgow]. The author, Clifford Rean, as Paul plays admirably. Dorothy Kirk is a sympathetic Poppy. J. Fulton Millar does fine work as Richard. Hetty Fergerson scores a success as Edith. Humorous business is furnished in happy fashion by Arthur Gilroy as Jacob, and Maudie Ryder as Jane’ (The Stage, 28 November 1918).
2 Dec 1918 Theatre Royal, Glossop Professional
Read Narrative
The Stage, 5 December 1918, listed A Son of the Sea as On Tour from 2 December at the R., Glossop.
9 Dec 1918 Theatre Royal, North Shields Professional
Read Narrative
‘A romantic drama of the Cornish coast, entitled “A Son of the Sea,” is visiting the North Shields Theatre Royal this week. It is in the hands of a capable company, and the play is an interesting one. Mr Clifford Rean gives a capital reading of the leading part of Paul Tregarron, and Miss Dorothy Kirk, as Poppy Wentworth, made an exceedingly favourable impression upon the audience last evening. Mr J. Fulton Miller [sic – Millar], as Richard Tregaron [sic], and Miss Nellie Furgesson, as Edith Tregarron, the two plotters of the piece, acquit themselves admirably, and Mr Arthur Gilroy, who takes the part of Jacob Polperro, provides much amusement’. Shields Daily News, 10 December 1918.