Great War Theatre

Deliver The Goods

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This seems to be a well-meant play with the design of inculcating harmony between classes and hard work after the war. There is mixed up with that, of course, a plot of love and villainy. It begins while the war is in early stage. John Williams, villain, stirs up disaffection in the Ross works and vows he will wed Mary, in spite of her love for Peter Ross. Peter goes away to the front; John shirks and makes a fortune by profiteering. Peter is reported dead and John keeps the subsequent news of his survival from Mary and persuades her, as the price of saving Peter’s father from ruin, to marry him. Only however in name. Peter of course turns up and then peace is declared. The elder Ross has closed his works, but Peter with much eloquence about patriotism etc. persuades him to open them. John however, stirs up hatred against Peter, who escapes from the mob and is hidden by Mary in her innocent bed room; John arrives and is extremely brutal to Mary, but learns of his bankruptcy and dies of heart disease, leaving Peter and Mary free. There is rather a violent scene near the end, but nothing of a really objectionable sort. Recommended for licence. G. S. Street

Researcher's Summary:

The play’s author was advertised as ‘a Patriotic Britisher’ in the Faversham News, 17 November 1917, and as ‘an Ordinary Britisher’ in the Dover Express, 8 February 1918, and the Eastbourne Chronicle, 16 February 1918. Allardyce Nicoll, in ‘English Drama 1900-1930’, attributed the play to Leonard Mortimer who led the company which toured it and played the hero, Peter Ross, and who is the author of several other plays in this database. Performances of ‘Deliver the Goods’ have been identified in November and December 1917 and February-May 1918. ‘Deliver the Goods’ was advertised as a ‘during and after the war’ play about selfishness and sacrifice which made an appeal to masters and men to ensure ‘the future prosperity of Our Brave Sons when they return in their Hundreds of Thousands from across the seas’. The Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, 17 November 1917, saw the play as a riposte to critics of the war and the way it was being conducted when it said that it should ‘do much to counteract the mischievous talking of the pacifists until victory has been achieved’. And the Yarmouth Independent, 4 May 1918, said that ‘the whole scheme of this production discloses sound common sense [and] has quite the Horatio Bottomley touch’. ‘Deliver the Goods’ was commonly described as a ‘drama’ but Mortimer advertised it as a ‘Play Revue’ and as a ‘musical show’ in The Era, 3 April 1918, and as a ‘Comedy Revue’ in The Stage, 18 April 1918, and it was called a ‘revue’ by the Bury Free Press, 25 May 1918. It has not been possible to identify whether those descriptions reflect changes made to the play towards the end of its performance history.

Licensed On: 8 Nov 1917

License Number: 1227

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British Library Reference: LCP1917/22

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66177 M

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Performances

Date Theatre Type
12 Nov 1917 Playhouse, Faversham Unknown Licensed Performance
12 Nov 1917 Playhouse, Faversham Professional
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The Faversham News, 10 November 1917, advertised at the Playhouse on Monday 12 November for six nights the ‘Starring Engagement & First Appearance here of the Famous London Actor, Mr. Leonard Mortimer, And his Full No. 1 London Company in the Great During & After the War Play, Deliver The Goods Written by A Patriotic Britisher. A Story of Selfishness and Sacrifice! A sincere appeal for the future prosperity of our Empire, and a real reward for our brave who are doing the great work over there. A magnificent, patriotic, common-sense appeal for the future prosperity of Our Brave Sons when they return in their Hundreds of Thousands’ from across the seas. One great united pull together - master and man. Throw open wide the Gates of our Tens of Thousands of Great Works and - “Deliver The Goods!” The above Drama tells a true, moving story of Sacrifice and Selfishness, and appeals to All Classes - after the War is over - to Toe the Line’. Also: ‘Everyone who has visited the Playhouse this week is talking of the play “Deliver the Goods,” which is cleverly acted by Mr Leonard Mortimer and his company. The play provides a splendid lesson in patriotism and industrial unity. If you haven’t seen it, do so. There is a matinee on Saturday afternoon’ (Faversham News, 17 November 1917). And: ‘All who have not already done so should pay a visit to the Playhouse this week to see the great during and after the war play “Deliver the Goods,” which is being so excellently played by Mr. Lenard Mortimer’s company. The drama, which is written by a patriotic Britisher, teaches a powerful lesson to both employers and employed, and should also do much to counteract the mischievous talking of the pacifists until victory has been achieved ... The play was excellent mounted, and the scene depicting Mary’s vision of the Western Front was particularly effective' (Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, 17 November 1917).
19 Nov 1917 Pier Theatre, Herne Bay Professional
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‘The War and its Problems. The conditions in being during the war, and the problems that will arise when peace has been declared, form the text of the play, “Deliver the Goods,” presented by Mr. Leonard Mortimer and company at the Pier Theatre, Herne Bay, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and at a matinee on Wednesday. In the play patriotic selflessness and sacrifice are shown in contrast with personal selfishness and profiteering; the boys in France shedding their blood and giving their lives, and some men at home reaping dividends and filling their money bags; one man paying the price, another taking all. Then the need for Capital and Labour to unite for the country’s good, for employer and worker to join hands in the common cause not only in the presence of the tragedy, but when the sword is sheathed and the soldiers have come home, is set down here in scenes that are intensely dramatic, but are not left unrelieved by humour ... The play was well staged, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, who gave the company a hearty reception’. Herne Bay Press, 24 November 1917.
22 Nov 1917 Globe Theatre, Deal Professional
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Advertised in the Deal, Walmer & Sandwich Mercury, 17 November 1917: ‘Written by an Ordinary Englishman. A Story of Sacrifice and Selfishness. A Patriotic Appeal for the Future Prosperity of those Brave Lads who are fighting on all Fronts. An earnest endeavour for the Great Commercial Boom that should come after what we are fighting for – A Great All-Abiding Victorious Peace! Mr. Leonard Mortimer as “Peter Ross”’. Also: ‘For three nights, Mr. Leonard Mortimer is bringing a new and strong patriotic play, dealing with the present and future, entitled “Deliver the Goods”‘ (Deal, Walmer & Sandwich Mercury, 17 November 1917).
29 Nov 1917 Playhouse, Faversham Professional
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‘The return visit by Mr Leonard Mortimer and his company has been welcomed this week at The Playhouse, where they had a successful run a fortnight ago in “Deliver the Goods.” By request this play was presented again last night, and will be repeated to-night (Friday). On Saturday ... the bill with which the week commenced will be resumed. This includes “The Judgment Seat” (as a curtain raiser) and “Billy Boy”’ (Faversham News, 1 December 1917). ‘Last (Thursday) evening by special request [Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s company] gave performances of “Deliver the Goods,” and will repeat it again this (Friday) evening. All who have not seen this fine patriotic play should avail themselves of this opportunity’ (Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, 1 December 1917).
3 Dec 1917 Theatre Royal, Stratford Professional
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The Era, 5 December 1917, reviewed Deliver the Goods, a drama in three acts presented at the Theatre Royal, Stratford, on Monday 3 December. The cast was: Kenyon Ross, Mr. R. Cowell; Peter Ross, Leonard Mortimer; John Williams, Harry Gilbey; Ivor Hickman, Louis Gaye; Fritz, J. E. Wilson; Mary Haslewood, Ivy Shepperd, Vesta Mary Wood, Peggy Wise; Hannah Williams, Amy Lorraine; Cinderella Wells, Ida Clifford. The review continued: ‘John Williams, a narrow-minded and selfish man, is in love with Mary. She loves Peter Ross (the son of a local ironmaster). Peter gains his commission in the Army, and proceeds to France, not before securing Mary’s promise to wait for his return. John Williams fears conscription, and boasts to his friends that he has obtained an exemption on account of his having a weak heart. He tells Mary that Peter has been killed, and on the settlement of money she accepts him. The return of Peter from France on leave is followed by a series of exciting events. The story finishes with the death of John Williams from heart disease, and Mary is left free to marry the faithful Peter' (The Era, 5 December 1917).
10 Dec 1917 Elephant and Castle Theatre, London Professional
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The Stage, 13 December 1917, reviewed Deliver the Goods. The review began, ‘On Monday, December 10, 1917, Mr. Charles Barnard presented [at the Elephant and Castle] Mr. Leonard Mortimer and company in the play, by Leonard Mortimer, in three acts, entitled:- “Deliver the Goods”’. The cast was: Kenyon Ross, Richard Langdon; Peter Ross, Leonard Mortimer; John Williams, Harry Gilbey; Ivor Hickman, Bob Harrold; Fritz, J. E. Wilson; Mary Haslewood, Ivy Shepperd; Vesta Mary Wood, Peggy Wyse; Hannah Williams, Amy Lorraine; Cinderella Wells, Ida Clifford. The review continued: ‘An effective blend of romance and actuality is often to be found in Leonard Mortimer’s plays, and is to be noted again in his latest piece with the slangy and expressive title of Deliver the Goods,” performed at the Elephant this week ... Herein again, as in his “When Love Creeps in Your Heart,” Mr. Mortimer has worked once more the Capital v. Labour vein, his method being differentiated from that of John Galsworthy in “Strife” by reason of the special purpose of this “During and After the War” drama, styled a moving story of selfishness and sacrifice, and ending with vigorous appeal “for the future prosperity of our brave sons when they return in their hundreds and thousands from across the seas.” In this, with his exhortations to Master and Man to work together, Leonard Mortimer may be said to be trying to aid the Minister of Reconstruction. Apart from any such question of beneficent and not purely destructive propaganda, “Deliver the Goods” has some good dramatic situations in it'.
25 Jan 1918 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
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‘The oncoming week has for its play one of Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s productions, entitled “Deliver the Goods.” This is a true moving of selfishness and sacrifice, written specially to appeal for the future prosperity of brave lads when they return in their hundreds of thousands from across the seas … It will be played by Mr. Mortimer’s No. 1 London Company, which includes Miss Ida Clifford, Mr. Richard Cowell, Mr. L. Mortimer, and other stars’. Smethwick Telephone, 23 February 1918.
11 Feb 1918 Hippodrome, Dover Professional
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The Dover Express, Friday 8 February 1918, advertised at the Royal Hippodrome ‘Very Important Engagement! Mr. Leonard Mortimer And Full No. 1 Company, in the Great During & After the War Play, Deliver The Goods. A True Moving Story of Selfishness and Sacrifice. A Magnificent Appeal for the Future Prosperity of our Brave Sons when they return in Hundreds of Thousands from across the Sea. Written by an Ordinary Britisher'. Also: ‘Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s full No. 1 Company have been playing “Deliver the Goods” this week to crowded houses, twice nightly, at the Royal Hippodrome. The play, which is described as being written by “an ordinary Britisher,” is one dealing with events during “during and after” the war, and its object is to make an appeal for the future prosperity of our brave soldier lads on their return from the war. The plot is full of incidents, and it is cleverly acted by an excellent company' (Dover Express, 15 February 1918).
18 Feb 1918 Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne Professional
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The Eastbourne Chronicle, 16 February 1918, advertised: ‘Very Important Engagement! Mr. Leonard Mortimer And Full No. 1 Company, in the Great During & After the War Play, - “Deliver The Goods!” A True Moving Story of Selfishness and Sacrifice. A Magnificent Appeal for the Future Prosperity of our Brave Sons when they return in hundreds of thousands from across the Seas. Written by an Ordinary Britisher. Mr. Leonard Mortimer as “Peter Ross,” supported by a Star Cast. The Play Produced under the Sole Direction of Mr. Leonard Mortimer’.
4 Mar 1918 Hippodrome, Aston Professional
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‘The name of the author of “Deliver the Goods,” which Mr. Leonard Mortimer stages at the Aston Hippodrome, is hidden under the nom de plume of “An Ordinary Britisher.” It is nevertheless a stirring British story of sacrifice and devotion to duty’ (Evening Despatch, 2 March 1918). ‘“Deliver the Goods” is the title of the play at Aston Theatre Royal. It a war production, and there is a big vein of truth running through the story, which strongly appealed to last night’s audiences. Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s company is responsible for the presentation of the piece, which is localised by Miss Peggy Wise, who portrays Vesta Mary Wood, from Birmingham’ (Evening Despatch, 5 March 1918). ‘Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s company in the war play, “Deliver the Goods,” is the attraction at the Aston Royal this week, and last night’s audiences showed full appreciation of the many interesting incidents which make up a moving story of selfishness and sacrifice' (Birmingham Mail, 5 March 1918).
11 Mar 1918 Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Professional
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The Stage, 7 and 14 March 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On Tour from 11 March at the R., Wolverhampton.
18 Mar 1918 Palace Theatre, Bordesley Professional
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‘“Deliver the Goods received an enthusiastic welcome at the Bordesley Palace. A war play, the first two acts aim at showing the evils of profiteering, and the last act shows the fate that is to befall the profiteer after the war. The fact that part of the play is supposed to take place in Birmingham gave it an extra value in the eyes of last night’s audiences (Evening Despatch, 19 March 1918). ‘“Deliver the Goods,” a drama attune with the times, met with a hearty reception at Bordesley Palace Theatre last night ... there is a strong current of fun running through the play, and interest in the plot is well preserved to the end’ (Birmingham Mail, 19 March 1918).
25 Mar 1918 Empire Theatre, Oswestry Professional
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The Stage, 21 and 28 March 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On Tour from 25 March at the E., Oswestry. And when Louis Gaye, comedian in 'Deliver the Goods', inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 28 March 1918, his address was the Empire, Oswestry.
1 Apr 1918 Grand Theatre, Wellington Professional
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The Stage, 28 March and 4 April 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On Tour from 1 April at the G., Wellington; similarly The Era, 3 April 1918. And when Leonard Mortimer advertised in The Era, 3 April 1918, for theatres for ‘the great Play Revue of the times, “Deliver the Goods”’, his address was the Grand, Wellington: 'Terrific opening at Wellington. Wire L. Mortimer, Grand, Wellington, Best terms for a great musical show. Star Cast, including Leonard Mortimer, Peggy Wyse, Ida Clifford, Louis Gaye, Walter Graham, Richard Cowell, Ethel Stayman, and Ivy Shepperd. Magnificent London scenery (the original!)'.
15 Apr 1918 Grand, Brighton Professional
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The Era, 10 April 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On The Road from 15 April at the G., Brighton; similarly The Stage, 18 April 1918. And when Leonard Mortimer advertised in The Stage, 18 April 1918, for theatres for Deliver the Goods, his address was the Grand Theatre, Brighton. The play was ‘the Strongest Topical Comedy Play ever toured … Mr. Leonard Mortimer and an All-star Cast. The comedy alone in this Production makes many revues seem feeble. The Play as strong as concrete; the Cast a genuine London one; the Scenery worthy of any West End production. 24th week of continued Successful, Record-smashing Run ... A Challenge! No stronger Comedy Revue-Play than “Deliver the Goods” touring’.
22 Apr 1918 Olympia, West Bromwich Professional
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The Stage, 18 and 25 April 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On Tour from 22 April at the O., W. Bromwich.
29 Apr 1918 Palace Theatre, Rugeley Professional
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The Stage, 2 May 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On Tour from 29 April at the Pal., Rugeley.
6 May 1918 Theatre Royal, Great Yarmouth Professional
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‘That well-known London actor, Mr Leonard Mortimer brings his No. 1 Company to the Theatre Royal next week, producing an excellent London success, “Deliver the Goods.” He is supported by a capital cast, in quite a novel play, abounding in healthy sentiment and the best of natural comedy. Many patriotic plays have been written since 1914, but few have made such as appeal as “Deliver the Goods.” The whole scheme of this production discloses sound common sense, has quite the Horatio Bottomley touch, and is the most convincing story of selfishness and sacrifice daring the present days of the great tragedy, that has been presented to theatrical patrons' (Yarmouth Independent, 4 May 1918). ‘The play, “Deliver the Goods,” has an intensely human story, well told and capitally interpreted. The fighter and the conscientious objector are both represented, the latter a man with no conscience, who makes money out of the war, and endeavours to stir up strife amongst workmen. The patriotic man, Peter Ross, is ably played by Mr. Leonard Mortimer, who gives a natural and manly study of the role. The selfish money-maker, John Williams, is most successfully enacted by Mr. Walter Graham. Miss Ivy Shepperd plays with much charm and feeling as Mary Haslewood, and Miss Ida Clifford is excellent as Cinderella Wells. Comedy is supplied in merry fashion by Mr. Louis Gaye as Ivor Hickman, and Miss Peggy Wyse as Vesta Wood. Other roles are well filled’ (Yarmouth Independent, 11 May 1918).
13 May 1918 Marina Theatre, Lowestoft Professional
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The Stage, 9 and 16 May 1918, listed Deliver the Goods as On Tour from 13 May at the Marina, Lowestoft. And when Louis Gaye in 'Deliver the Goods' inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 16 May 1918, his address was the Marina, Lowestoft.
20 May 1918 Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Professional
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‘The holiday attraction at the Theatre Royal was the topical revue, “Deliver the Goods,” which was presented on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings The company was a good one. and included the popular London actor-author, Mr Leonard Mortimer. The revue was well staged and was quite a success. It dealt with the perplexing times in which we live today, and it was quite an enlightening and instructive performance’. Bury Free Press, 25 May 1918.