For Honour and the Right
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
This is a patriotic pageant, of the Louis parker design, though not of the Louis Parker execution so far as its literature is concerned. These are first presented to Britannia her daughters India, Australia, South Africa, and Canada, each with some cordial offer of help. Then follow representatives of Britannia’s protégées, from Belgium to Serbia: and finally her Allies ranging from France to America, to Japan and even China. Songs new and old are interspersed. Even where the lines are weak in metre they are strong in gallant sentiment and their patriotism if not their poetry rings true. Recommended for licence. Ernest A. Bendall.
Researcher's Summary:
This pageant received only one performance, in aid of the funds of the 10th London Regiment Cadet Corps. The review in The Era, 27 March 1918, is quoted in full.
Licensed On: 14 Mar 1918
License Number: 1462
Genre(s):
Keyword(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1918/5
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66187 Z
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Mar 1918 | West Hampstead Town Hall, West Hampstead | Unknown | Licensed Performance |
| 23 Mar 1918 | West Hampstead Town Hall, West Hampstead | Unknown |
Read Narrative
The Era, 27 March 1918, reported: ‘A Grand Allied Pageant, entitled “For Honour and the Right,” by Felix A. Joseph, an officer of the 10th London Regiment Cadet Corps, was held under distinguished patronage on Saturday last at the West Hampstead Town Hall in aid of the funds of the regiment. The pageant was produced by Miss Sylvia Whyte, to whose energetic efforts and those of Mr. James Johnstone, who very kindly stage-managed, the corps owe a great debt of gratitude. The part of Britannia was undertaken by the well-known Savoyard, Miss Kate Talby, who gave a most majestic rendering of the rôle, the producer herself appearing as the representative of India. The Colonies were represented by: Canada, Miss Dorothy Truelove; Australia, Miss Marjorie Russell; South Africa, Miss Nadia Poltava; New Zealand, Miss Ivy Reade: all of whom played their parts excellently; while the charming dancing of Miss Marjorie Russell’s children from her Academy, 7, Wigmore-street, was loudly applauded. Miss Shirley Gray as an outcast Belgian acted with great dramatic effect, asking aid of Britannia. Madam Kenward Johnstone, as a fine St. George, sang magnificently, being enthusiastically encored for her fine rendering of the pageant song, “For Honour and the Right,” by Miss Marjorie Truelove and the author, and for “The Trumpet Call.” Britannia’s call on the Allies to help Belgium brought on Serbia, Miss Nina Brentani, who, in spite of Serbia’s unhappy state, boldly affirmed her future greatness. Miss Nina Brentani was warmly applauded for her fine rendering of “Stricken Serbia.” Japan (Miss Phyllis Lorraine) followed, and with fine elocution gave Japan’s solemn pledge of adherence to her Allies; as did China (Miss Florence Temple). Italy (Miss Kathlyn Frost) followed, scornfully denouncing past treaties with the enemy and bidding them defiance, and giving her adherence to the cause of the Allies. Madam Behrends sang with good effect as the director of music. Miss Alix Constantine gave a beautiful rendering of the lines allotted to stricken France; while Britannia reaffirmed the Entente Cordiale and pledged Britain’s help. The final entry of America, played with great dramatic power by Miss Marjory Drake, who in ringing tones gave America’s pledge to fight side by side with the Allies till a lasting peace should be won, brought the pageant to the finale and Anthem. Mr. Keymer, acting chairman of the executive committee of the regiment, in a brief address thanked the artistes for their invaluable services to the corps, and spoke of the good work carried on by the battalion. Miss Maude Dixon was an able accompanist, and was assisted by the regimental drums and bugles, which also played a march for the entrance of the pageant and a selection at the close’.
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