The Girl Who Changed Her Mind

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

The heroine of this crude melodrama jilted the man she loved in order to engage herself to the villain of the piece, and so save her father from financial ruin. This old motive is elaborated up to the date of the War by making both rivals 'join up' and go to France, where in a desperate engagement the villain saves himself by a deed of cowardice, while the hero's bravery leads to his capture and imprisonment. On the latter's escape and return to England it is to find his rascally rival recommended for the VC and about to marry the heroine. He is of course just in time to expose the roguery by the aid of humble allies how supply, as usual, the comic relief; and he comes conventionally into a fortune which, enables him to marry his lady-love after settling her father's dangerous debts. The military detail of the fighting is not less absurd than the strained characterisation and the ignorantly-handled plot; but here is no offence in it, and the ad captandum rubbish is recommended for Licence. Ernest A. Bendall.

Researcher's Summary:

Clifford Rean’s ‘The Girl Who Changed Her Mind’ was set in 1914, in the early months of the war, and scenes included one near Mons and another in the kitchen of a farm near the Belgian border. It was toured by Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company (from January 1919 only Benge was named). This company had other plays in its repertoire, notably Eva Elwes’s ‘John Raymond’s Daughter’ from 1918 and Rean’s ‘Safe Home Again’, Ruth Zillwood’s ‘Her Favourite Son’, and Gladys Hastings Walton’s ‘Drifting Apart’ from 1919. The gaps in the list of performances below may be attributed to productions of those and other plays. ‘The Girl Who Changed Her Mind’ was also performed by Maggie Morton’s company at Wallingford, Horsham and Buckingham, and by stock companies at Bristol, Birkenhead and Sunderland. Clifford Rean wrote in The Stage, 21 November 1918, that he did not think that war plays ‘are going to come to a sudden end. The public taste is not going to change in an instant, and I certainly expect that some of them will be playing to the same big business twelve months hence as they are to-day, and a good many resident managers think the same’. While his optimism was self-interested, the performance history of 'The Girl Who Changed Her Mind’ suggests that he had a point. Memories of the play may explain why in June 1920 a British woman who sailed to Canada to marry a man there, but who during the voyage transferred her affections to a fellow passenger, was routinely referred to as ‘the girl who changed her mind’.

Licensed On: 8 May 1918

License Number: 1557

British Library Reference: LCP1918/8

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66190 BB

Performances

Date	Theatre	Type
13 May 1918	Grand Theatre, Rawtenstall	Unknown	Licensed Performance
27 May 1918	Theatre Royal, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 30 May 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 27 May at the R., Liverpool. [But N.B.: The Liverpool Echo, 27 May 1918, advertised Oh, I Say! at the New Theatre Royal, Birkenhead.]
3 Jun 1918	Opera House, Wakefield	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Wakefield playgoers have pleasant recollections of the productions of Messrs. Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge, who recently scored a great success with “His last leave.” This week their specially selected company are playing their latest and greatest venture, “The Girl who changed her mind,” a powerful play full of life and vigour. The splendid new scenery and effects are toured complete, and the company includes Mr. Wilson Benge. Mr. Will H. Glaze himself is now playing a man’s part in His Majesty’s service. We predict a great success for this fine play’. Wakefield Advertiser and Gazette, 4 June 1918.
24 Jun 1918	Theatre Royal, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Leeds Mercury, 17 June 1918, and in the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 29 June 1918.
1 Jul 1918	Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The Girl Who Changed Her Mind, one of the latest war dramas, presented by Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company, now in its fourth week of tour, is drawing crowded houses [at the Royal, Middlesbrough]. The play is effectively written and interpreted. Mr. Benge makes a manly hero, Dennis Royston, and acquits himself with vigour. The sympathetic impersonation of Ruth Vallender by Sadie Smith is full of merit. Jerrold Ord is a clever Captain Frank Cave. Richard Webb portrays the Squire of Rathmore with fidelity. Tom J. Taylor as Tony Blizzard, a stable lad, highly amuses the audience by his unflagging humour. Amy Coralli scores heavily as the sprightly and vivacious maid Molly Migglethorpe, and Frank Radcliffe causes considerable merriment as P.C. Hogg, a rural policeman. M. Richards (van Jek), J. M. Taylor (Captain Holtz), Rene Ralph (Mme. Van Jek), and Lizzie Lennon (Susan), complete the cast. The drama is well staged’. The Stage, 4 July 1918.
8 Jul 1918	Grand, Lancaster	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 11 July 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 8 July at the G., Lancaster.
15 Jul 1918	Theatre Royal, South Shields	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The play this week at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, is entitled “The Girl who Changed Her Mind.” The heroine, Ruth Vallender, is the daughter of Sir William Vallender, who has, owing to his horse-racing propensities, brought himself into pecuniary difficulties, and is, as a consequence, deeply in debt to Captain Frank Cave, the son of a wealthy moneylender. The story, it will be seen, is constructed on familiar lines, and the acting is so good that it is keenly followed by the audience, and at certain points is warmly applauded. Mr Wilson Benge plays the part of Dennis Royston, the hero, in a very effective manner, and Mr Gerrold [sic – Jerrold] Ord, as Captain Cave, acquits himself with unqualified success. The part of Ruth Vallender is charmingly represented by Miss Sadie Smith. Mr. Tom J. Taylor is very happy as Tony Blizzard the stable lad, and so is Miss Amy Coralli as the maid of the squire’s daughter’. Shields Daily News, 16 July 1918.
29 Jul 1918	Globe Theatre, Consett	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Good audiences at the Globe Theatre this week have been delighted with the entertainment, which consists of Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s No. 1 company in their latest and greatest play, “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” by Clifford Rean. It is a capitally written play, and has the advantage of being presented by a most capable company of artistes who are all thoroughly at home in their respective characters. The ladies – Miss Sadie Smith, Miss Rene Ralph, Miss L. Lennon, and Miss Amy Corelli [sic - Coralli?]- are all alike good, and win the approval of their audiences straightaway. The parts allotted to them fit them like a glove and their acting is everything that could be desired. Amongst the gentlemen, Mr. Richard Webb, Mr. Wilson Benge, Mr. Gerrold [sic – Jerrold] Ord, Mr. Victor Cohen, and Mr. J. M. Taylor are very prominent, whilst scarcely less convincing are Mr. Frank Radcliffe, Mr. Tom J. Taylor, Mr. R. Franks and Mr. G. W. Gravitt, the whole cast being worthy of the highest praise. The action of the play centres round August, 1914 - that fateful month to all the world. By particular rejuest [sic], there will be produced on Friday (for one night only) that charming drama, "John Raymond’s Daughter," which, in the hands of the company appearing at the Globe this week, should be an unqualified success’. Consett Guardian, 2 August 1918.
12 Aug 1918	Palace, Newcastle	Professional	Read Narrative ‘An interesting play, laid in 1914, when the shadows of approaching war were becoming daily more pronounced, is “The Girl who Changed her Mind,” by Clifford Rean. Ruth Vallender, the heroine, is sought in marriage by one officer while she is betrothed to another, a volunteer. The working out of the plot is interesting. The principal characters are well taken by Wilson Benge, Jerrold Ord, Richard Webb, and Miss Sadie Smith. There is some capital comedy, and the war atmosphere is strengthened by representatives in the cast of the Hun armies, some of the scenes being laid near the Belgian frontier’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 13 August 1918). ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is the title of an interesting play ... Into a delightful story of romance and love the author has brought military incidents and colour, and the piece is commendable to a high degree. The characters are cleverly impersonated, and the staging is excellent’ (Newcastle Journal, 13 August 1918). ‘The Girl Who Changed Her Mind draws crowded houses [at the Palace, Newcastle]. Wilson Benge has exceptional opportunity as Dennis, a typical English yeoman and soldier. Sadie Smith is a successful Ruth Vallender. The well-balanced company include Jerrold Ord, F. Radcliffe, Tom J. Taylor, Victor Cohen, J. M. Taylor, R. Franks, G. Gravitt and Misses Amy Correlli [sic – Coralli?], Lizzie Lennon, and Réné Ralph’ (The Stage, 15 August 1918).
19 Aug 1918	Theatre Royal, Dewsbury	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 22 August 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 19 August at the R., Dewsbury.
26 Aug 1918	Grand Theatre, Halifax	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Halifax Evening Courier, 24 August 1918, with ‘John Raymond’s Daughter’ on the Friday. The Stage, 29 August 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 26 August at the G., Halifax.
2 Sep 1918	Hippodrome, Huddersfield	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 29 August and 5 September 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 2 September at the H., Huddersfield. Advertised in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Wednesday 4 September 1918, for ‘To-night and During the Week’, with ‘John Raymond’s Daughter’ on Friday night only.
16 Sep 1918	Hippodrome, Chesterfield	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Derbyshire Courier, 14 September 1918, for twice nightly on Monday 16 September and during the week: ‘Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s No. 1 Co. Present Their Latest and Greatest Play – The Girl Who Changed Her Mind’.
23 Sep 1918	Grand Theatre, Nottingham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Another modern domestic drama from the pen of Clifford Rean, “The Girl who changed her mind” is being staged by Will H. Glaze’s No. 1 company at the Nottingham Grand Theatre next week. One of the scenes is laid near Mons and, later, the action takes place in a farm kitchen near the Belgian Frontier’ (Nottingham Journal, 21 September 1918). ‘With scenes on Belgian front in the first few months of the war, and capital story of plot and counterplot, “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is an excellent example of the methods of Clifford Rean. the popular melodramatist. The play had an appreciative reception at the Grand last night’ (Nottingham Evening Post, 24 September 1918). ‘Clifford Rean’s The Girl Who Changed Her Mind, with its scenes on the Belgian front, is popular at [the Grand, Nottingham]. Wilson Benge is a breezy and successful Dennis Royston, Sadie Smith an attractive Ruth Vallender, and Jerrold Ord an incisive Captain Cave’ (The Stage, 26 September 1918).
30 Sep 1918	Corn Exchange, Spalding	Professional	Read Narrative The Spalding Guardian, 27 September 1918, advertised at the Spalding Corn Exchange, ‘in association with King’s Theatre, Melton Mowbray, and People’s Hall, Long Eaton’, on Monday-Wednesday, 30 September – 2 October, ‘Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s No. 1 Co. present Their Latest and Greatest Play, “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” (By Clifford Bean [sic – Rean]’, with Wilson Benge as Dennis Royston and Sadie Smith as Ruth Vallender. On Thursday-Saturday, 3-5 October, the same company would perform, by request, ‘John Raymond’s Daughter’.
7 Oct 1918	Empire Theatre, Edmonton	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 3 and 10 October 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 7 October at the E., Edmonton.
21 Oct 1918	Theatre Royal, Stratford	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 24 October 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 21 October at the R., Stratford.
28 Oct 1918	Elephant and Castle Theatre, London	Professional	Read Narrative Reviewed at length in The Era, 30 October 1918: ‘Play in Nine Scenes, By Clifford Rean. Produced, for the First Time in London, at the Elephant and Castle Theatre, Monday, October 28’. The cast was: Sir William Vallender, Richard Webb; Dennis Royston, Wilson Benge; Captain Frank Cave, Jerrold Ord; P.C. Hogg, Frank Radcliffe; Tony Blizzard, Tom J. Taylor; Van Ick, Eric Williams; Captain Holtz, Fred Starkey; German Red Cross Corporal, Harold Thompson; German Red Cross Private, W. A. Roe; Molly Mugglethorp, Amy Corallie [sic – Coralli?]; Susan, Lizzie Lennon; Madame Van Ick, Maggie Massey; Ruth Vallender, Sadie Smith. The review summarised the plot and praised the actors but is largely illegible on the British Newspaper Archive.
11 Nov 1918	Theatre Royal, Leicester	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 14 November 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 11 November at the R., Leicester.
18 Nov 1918	Theatre Royal, Smethwick	Professional	Read Narrative ‘At the Theatre Royal, Rolfe Street, one of Clifford Rean’s latest works, “The Girl Who Changed her Mind,” will be presented by Messrs. Wm. H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s No. 1 Company. This drama represents war events of 1914, and includes Mr. Wilson Benge and Miss Sadie Smith’. Smethwick Telephone, 16 November 1918.
25 Nov 1918	Theatre Royal, Aston	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Messrs, Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company in their latest and greatest play, “The Girl who Changed her Mind,’ presented [at the Aston Theatre Royal] last night gave a fine portrayal of the drama. The two principal artistes, Mr Wilson Benge and Miss Sadie Smith, were supported by a capable cast’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 26 November 1918). ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” a play by Clifford Rean, is the attraction at the Aston Theatre Royal, and last night it was well received. The action of the play is in 1914, and contains patriotic and stirring scenes, the chief parts being taken by Miss Sadie Smith and Mr. Wilson Benge’ (Birmingham Mail, 26 November 1918).
2 Dec 1918	Palace Theatre, Rawtenstall	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 5 and 12 December 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 2 December at the P., Rawtenstall
9 Dec 1918	Palace Theatre, Radcliffe	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 5 December 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 9 December at the P., Radcliffe.
16 Dec 1918	Hippodrome, Mexborough	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The Hippodrome has been favoured with very big crowds this week, and the welcome accorded Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company in their latest play, “The Girl who Changed Her Mind,” has been decidedly enthusiastic and appreciative. The plot is centred round happenings in the early stages of the war, and in addition to a strong love interest provides stimulation for patriotic emotion. The play is well acted. Mr. Wilson Benge figures in a highly cultured impersonation of Dennis Royston; his bete noir, Captain Cave, is played in finished style by Mr. Jerrold Ord; Miss Sadie Smith is sweetly sympathetic as Ruth Vallender, and other roles are ably filled. Tonight (Friday), by special request, a beautiful drama, “John Raymond’s Daughter,” will be staged, and on Saturday “The Girl who Changed her Mind” will again be presented’. South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 21 December 1918.
23 Dec 1918	Theatre Royal, Crook	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 19 and 27 December 1918, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 23 December at the R., Crook.
30 Dec 1918	Theatre Royal, Jarrow	Professional	Read Narrative ‘For next week Messrs. Glaze and Benge’s Company are announced in “The Girl who changed her Mind”’ (Jarrow Express, 27 December 1918). Reviewed in the Jarrow Express, 3 January 1919; cast members mentioned were Wilson Benge, Jerrold Ord, Sadie Smith, Frank Radcliffe, Ernest Vasey, Amy Corallie [sic – Coralli?] and Lizzie Lennon: ‘The play has been greatly appreciated, the artistes being warmly applauded each evening’.
6 Jan 1919	Palace Theatre, Durham	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 2 and 9 January 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 6 January at the Pal., Durham.
13 Jan 1919	Hippodrome, Bolton	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 9 and 16 January 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 13 January at the H., Bolton. Wilson Benge advertised The Girl Who Changed Her Mind by Clifford Rean in The Stage, 23 January 1919: ‘Another big week, Hipp., Bolton, week commencing Jan. 13 – Monday, £65 8s. 8d.; Saturday £133 2s. 3d. Without tax'.
17 Feb 1919	Victoria Opera House, Burnley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Tragedy and comedy alternate entertainingly in “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” [at the Victoria Opera House]. It is a play of the topical, stimulating kind, the real “stuff to give ‘em,” as the reception by Monday night’s large audience showed. The piece travels with a verve and a swing which are immensely gratifying, and it has many touches of originality. But its greatest appeal is made by the splashes of khaki and the glimpses of battle. In spite of war weariness, the public will have war plays, and the demand bids fair to last a long time. The phases of the great conflict which “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” reflect [sic] are cleverly wedded to popular features of a lighter kind. There is a romance in which the invariable villain is outwitted, although he seemed to hold all the cards. Humour of the open, boisterous kind that Lancashire folk revel in is present in generous quantities. Village life has all its representatives sharing in the ebb and flow of the scheme of things ... The play is splendidly mounted, alike in its description of the manor and grounds, the battle scenes at an isolated post near Mons, and the farm kitchen near the Belgian frontier'. (Burnley Express, 19 February 1919). ‘Love and war have ever proved most acceptable themes for the novelist and dramatist, and in “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” as presented by Wilson Benge’s Company at the Opera House this week, Clifford Rean, the author, offers a story of gripping interest. The European war - rich in incident and unexampled acts of heroism and self-sacrifice - has given abundant scope for Mr. Rean’s well-known dramatic abilities, and the enthusiastic reception afforded the piece on its presentation on Monday evening, bore eloquent testimony to the success of his latest effort. Admirably staged and pourtrayed with unsurpassed skill by a highly talented company, the play affords a splendid evening’s entertainment' (Burnley News, 19 February 1919).
19 Feb 1919	Corn Exchange, Spalding	Professional	Read Narrative The Spalding Guardian, Saturday 14 February 1920, advertised at the Exchange Theatre, Spalding, next Thursday-Saturday, ‘Mr. Wilson Benge Presents His First-Class London Company in the great War Play “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind.” By Clifford Rean’. A different company would present a musical comedy revue on Monday-Wednesday.
22 Feb 1919	Corn Exchange, Wallingford	Professional	Read Narrative The Berks and Oxon Advertiser, 21 February 1919, advertised at the Corn Exchange, Wallingford: ‘Friday and Saturday, February 21st and 22nd. Two nights only. Miss Maggie Morton Presents by arrangement with Mr. Will H. Glaze’ Elva [sic - Eva] Elwes’s Somewhere in France on Friday evening, and The Girl Who Changed Her Mind on Saturday evening.
24 Feb 1919	Eden Theatre, Bishop Auckland	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 20 and 27 February 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 24 February at the E., Bishop Auckland.
3 Mar 1919	Theatre Royal, Bilston	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 27 February and 6 March 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 3 March at the R., Bilston.
10 Mar 1919	Theatre Royal, Wednesbury	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 6 and 13 March 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 10 March at the R., Wednesbury.
17 Mar 1919	Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 13 and 20 March 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 17 March at the P.’s, Portsmouth. ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is being presented [at the Prince’s, Portsmouth] by a capable company, the principal parts being played by Sadie Smith, Wilson Benge and E. H. [i.e. Howell] Webb’ ( The Stage, 20 March 1919).
21 Mar 1919	King's Hall, Horsham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘King’s Hall. On Monday and Tuesday next Miss Maggie Morton’s Company will present “His Last Leave" ... “John Raymond’s Daughter” is billed for Wednesday and Thursday; and “The Girl who changed her mind” for Friday and Saturday’. West Sussex County Times, 15 March 1919.
24 Mar 1919	Junction, Manchester	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is cleverly acted by Wilson Benge’s company [at the Junction Theatre]. Mr. Benge displays skill in the rôle of Dennis Royston and Sadie Smith scores with a strong performance of the heroine, Ruth Vallender. They are capably supported’. The Stage, 27 March 1919.
31 Mar 1919	Hippodrome, Salford	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 27 March and 3 April 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 31 March at the H., Salford.
31 Mar 1919	Theatre Royal, Bristol	Professional	Read Narrative ‘For next week “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is announced’ at the Theatre Royal, Bristol (Western Daily Press, 25 March 1919). Also: ‘The Royal Repertory company are playing “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind.” The principal parts are in the capable hands of Arthur C. Goff (Dennis Royston), Edith Pickard (Ruth Vallender), Digby Hayes (Sir William Vallender), Courtney Robinson (Capt. Frank Cave), Matt Wilkinson (Tony Blizzard), and Florrie Hall (Molly Mugglethorne)’ (The Stage, 3 April 1919).
7 Apr 1919	Theatre Royal, Sheffield	Professional	Read Narrative ‘To the Theatre Royal [next week] Wilson Benge’s company will present “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” an action play with scenes in Belgium’ (Sheffield Independent, 4 April 1919). ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” one Clifford Rean’s latest plays, was given by Mr. Wilson Benge’s No. 1 Company at the Sheffield Theatre Royal, last night, and was enjoyed by a large audience’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 8 April 1919).
6 May 1919	Town Hall, Buckingham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Miss Maggie Morton’s Dramatic Company is visiting Buckingham next Monday and Tuesday. The pieces to be presented are “John Raymond’s Daughter” and “The Girl who changed her mind”’. Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, Saturday 3 May 1919.
29 May 1919	Empire Theatre, Longton	Professional	Read Narrative The Staffordshire Sentinel, 26 May 1919, advertised at the Empire Theatre, Longton, ‘Wilson Benge and his Famous Dramatic Repertoire Co. will present’ on Monday-Wednesday and Saturday Safe Home Again, and on Thursday and Friday only The Girl Who Changed Her Mind.
2 Jun 1919	Theatre Royal, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative ‘A war play, entitled “The Girl Who Changed her Mind,” is staged at the Theatre Royal this week. Miss Pauline Manton makes an admirable heroine, and Mr. E. H. [i.e. Howell] Webb an equally capable villain. There is a racing interest which will make the play doubly interesting to lovers of the Turf'. Leeds Mercury, 3 June 1919.
30 Jun 1919	New Theatre Royal, Birkenhead	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Large audiences witnessed on Monday night at the New Theatre Royal, Argyle-street, Birkenhead, the presentation by Mr. Alfred Denville’s capable stock company of Clifford Rean’s drama, “The Girl who changed her mind.” Whilst there is plenty of “work” in the piece of the dramatic order, it also contains an element of comedy to a considerable extent. Miss Kate Saville very successfully plays the part of Ruth Vallender, the daughter of Sir William Vallender, Squire of Rathmore, whose racing ventures have brought him down in the world. The latter character is well impersonated by Mr. R Seath Innes. As the villain of the play, Capt. Frank Cave to wit, Mr. Beckett Bould gives a capital impersonation, and Dennis Royston, a gentleman farmer, who may be designated the hero of the play, is excellently pourtrayed by Mr. Jack McCaig. The other artistes supporting these principals lend excellent aid to the effective rendition of the drama’. Birkenhead News, 2 July 1919.
7 Jul 1919	Theatre Royal, Jarrow	Professional	Read Narrative ‘This week Mr. Benge’s Company have been presenting “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” with Miss Pauline Nanton in the title role, as Ruth Vallender. Mr. Benge takes the part of Royston, a young gentleman farmer, with success. The heavy part was ably sustained by Mr. E. Howell Webb as Captain Frank Cave, a man who proved a coward in a critical moment. Mr. Richard Webb makes a capital Sir William Vallender, the squire, who loses money on the turf and has to borrow. By this means he gets into the power of Captain Cave, who does not hesitate to use it. The lighter side of the play is in the capable hands of Miss Lizzie Lennon as the cook; Miss Betty Booth as Molly; Mr Chas. Digby as Tony Blizzard, and Mr. Charles H. Gallier as P.C. Hogg. Mr. Eric Willington is very good as Van Ick, a Belgian farmer, who assists the prisoners to escape. Miss Maggie Massey takes the part of Madame Van Ick with success. The stage effects are very realistic, the audience being given some idea of what it was like during a bombardment prior to an attack'. Jarrow Express, 11 July 1919.
21 Jul 1919	Theatre Royal, South Shields	Professional	Read Narrative Reviewed in the Shields Daily News, 22 July 1919. The cast included Pauline Nanton, Frank Esmond(?), [E] Howell Webb, Charles Digby, Betty Booth, Lizzie Lennon, and Chas. H. Gallier.
1 Sep 1919	Theatre Royal, Sunderland	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is to be presented by the Sember company next week. The cast includes Messrs Denbigh J. Douglas, Sydney Spencer, Lonnen Meadows, T. Ellis, and Ernest Allen, and the Misses Elsie W. Hemming, L. Earle, M. Hackett, and D. Griffiths’. Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 30 August 1919.
1 Sep 1919	Palace, Newcastle	Professional	Read Narrative ‘At the Palace Theatre, by special request, Mr. Wilson Benge will present Clifford Rean’s play “The Girl who Changed her Mind.” The story is founded on the early days of the war, and there are many thrilling situations which receive adequate treatment from a powerful company. On Friday night the company will stage “Her Favourite Son,” a drama by Ruth A. Zillwood’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 30 August 1919). ‘It is by special request that Wilson Benge is doing a very interesting play from the pen of Clifford Rein [sic], entitled “The Girl who Changed Her Mind.” It is really a pre-war play, much of the business re-calling the incited doings of 1914, and much of the talk would almost make one think that we were on the fringe of another outbreak of such times. The principal parts are played by Richard Webb, Frank Esmonde, [E] Howell Webb, Maggie Massey and Pauline Newton’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 2 September 1919).
8 Dec 1919	Metropole Theatre, Glasgow	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is presented here [the Metropole, Glasgow], with a cast including Wilson Benge as Dennis Royston and Sadie Smith as Ruth Vallender’. The Stage, 11 December 1919.
15 Dec 1919	Perth Theatre, Perth	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 11 and 18 December 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 15 December at ‘Perth, Perth’.
22 Dec 1919	Gaiety, Methil	Professional	Read Narrative The Leven Advertiser & Wemyss Gazette, 18 December 1919, advertised at the Gaiety Theatre, Methil, on Monday-Wednesday and Saturday next week ‘Wilson Benge presents – The Girl Who Changed Her Mind. By Clifford Rean, Author of “His Last Leave.” Action of Play, 1914. Wilson Benge as “Dennis Royston.” Sadie Smith as “Ruth Vallender”’. On Thursday and Friday the company would perform Clifford Rean’s Safe Home Again. Also: ‘Mr Wilson Benge, with a very capable company, provides the entertainment at the Gaiety this week. On Monday evening, a very good reception was accorded to “The Girl who changed her mind.” Mr Wilson Benge and Miss Sadie Smith shoulder the two principal part, while the secondary characters are well looked after. On Thursday and Friday, “Safe Home Again” will be substituted’ (Leven Advertiser & Wemyss Gazette, 25 December 1919).
25 Jun 1920	Metropole Theatre, Glasgow	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“Drifting Apart,” a drama by Gladys Hastings-Walton, with Wilson Benge, the organiser of the company, as David Foster and Sadie Smith as his wife, is the attraction at the Metropole. This evening (Friday), “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” will be staged, with Mr. Benge as Dennis Royston and Miss Smith as Ruth Vallender’. The Stage, 24 June 1920.
12 Aug 1920	Theatre Royal, Sheffield	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Wilson Benge’s two dramas, “Safe Home Again” and “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” will be given at the Royal during the first and second halves [of next week] respectively’. Sheffield Independent, Friday 6 August 1920.

The Girl Who Changed Her Mind

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