The Test
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
The ‘test’ is that put to a famous inventor who is suspected by the Government on account of his having an Austrian wife. The test, invented by a friend of the couple, (who are both of them as loyal as they are affectionate) provides that the wife shall be overheard by a concealed detective confessing to the husband that she is a spy and imploring him to help her in her base traffic with the enemy. The inventor is to refuse indignantly to sell his patriotism for his love and the authorities are thus to be convinced of his trustworthiness. Luckily for him he hears this benevolent plot being concocted, and he 'plays up' so well that his wife fears she will be shot for her pains. Ingeniously effective and recommended for Licence. G. S. Street
Researcher's Summary:
The play seems to have been performed only once, at a charity matinee at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, on 21 March 1918 in aid of the Newcastle Orthopaedic Centre for wounded soldiers.
Licensed On: 12 Mar 1918
License Number: 1452
Genre(s):
Keyword(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1918/5
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66187 P
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Mar 1918 | Theatre Royal, Newcastle | Unknown | Licensed Performance |
| 21 Mar 1918 | Theatre Royal, Newcastle | Amateur |
Read Narrative
The Newcastle Journal, 20 March 1918, advertised at the Theatre Royal a ‘Special Matinee Performance On Thursday, 21st March, 1918, at 2p.m., in aid of The Newcastle Orthopaedic Centre, an institution for dealing with Wounded Soldiers on the most scientific and up-to-date lines, fitting them as far as possible for useful employment in the future’. The programme would include ‘A Short Two Act Comedy entitled The Test By Philip Carill’. ‘On Thursday, at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, a special matinee will be held in aid of the Newcastle Orthopaedic Centre. Mr. Alfred Butt has given permission for the members of “The Boy" to appear, and an orchestra composed of members of the Newcastle Symphony, conducted by Mr. Whittaker, will play. The programme will include a short comedy “The Test,” and a farcical comedy "The Little Fowl Play." Other items, including glees, songs, etc., will be included in the entertainment. Articles made by wounded soldiers working in the curative workshops of Newcastle Orthopaedic Workshops, will be shown at the Handicrafts Exhibition to be held in the King’s Hall, Armstrong College, Newcastle, on Thursday, 21st inst. Many of the articles are of a useful and attractive character and are for sale and the public, by supporting this movement, are enabling the orthopaedic patients to carry on this work, which is both curative and instructive’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 20 March 1918). A report of the event in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 22 March 1918, mentioned the playlet ‘“The Test,” in which Miss Phyllis Le Grand, Captain W. G. D. Mirrielees, and the author (Mr. Philip Carill) appeared. A report of the event in the Newcastle Journal, 22 March 1918, named Captain Mirrielees, Miss Phyllys Le Grand and Mr. Philip Carill among those who contributed to the entertainment. ‘As a result of the matinee performance in aid of the Military Orthopaedic Centre at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, a cheque for £l90 6s 2d has been paid over by Captain Worsley, the organiser of the entertainment. In expressing the committee’s thanks for this acceptable addition to the funds, mention should be made of the kindness which prompted the artistes to give their services at the performance. The financial success was fully deserved, for the entertainment was of the best’ (Newcastle Journal, 27 March 1918; also the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 27 March 1918).
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