Khaki and Blue

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

The first three scenes of this revue are nearly the same so far as the plot goes, as part of a Revue read by me some time ago. The rest however, is new. German spies are on the lookout for a new explosive invented by the hero. They steal 'plans' and put them in his pocket, thus getting him arrested. There is a reception at the 'palace of peace' at which the spies pursue their machinations which are defeated chiefly by the comic man disguised as an admiral. After this we have a comic scene of a provision shop; a scene in a munitions' works, in which a German spy incites the workers to strike and is discomfited by the comic man; a scene in a British trench with the usual comic business; a scene in the German trenches with the comic mana and the heroine at the mercy of the German villains and of course rescued; a scene on the road to Calais in which the villain is arrested and a triumphal scene in Piccadilly. The dialogue is inoffensive and the only objection to the production is the comic man being in uniform: that, of course, however, has been the case in countless revues and is quite well meant. In this case, however, the funny man is made up as an admiral in the first three scenes, and that may be thought to be going too far. No disrespect is intended and the plot, such as it is, hinges on the circumstance. But I fear it would annoy the naval authorities. Otherwise the piece is, Recommended for Licence, G. S. Street. Ps the songs are not given and must be sent if new. [The following is written in black ink below] Written understanding that comedian although referred to as the admiral will be in mufti. [The following is written in red ink below] Yes there is danger here the military uniform must not be made ridiculous and the naval uniform of the admiral should be a something, not a something with only a slight change.

Researcher's Summary:

The show was produced by the Vaudeville Enterprising Company Ltd., also known as the G. P. Vaudeville Enterprises Company. Khaki and Blue referred to the uniforms worn by people serving in the army and the navy. The show was said to have a cast of over 30 plus a full chorus. It was also advertised as 'London’s latest sensation' even though it was not apparently put on there. The music was composed by Lawrence Wright with lyrics by Alfred Parker. Songs by Lawrence Wright, including one sung by Lily Vine called variously 'Khaki and Blue' and 'Khaki or Blue' which presumably came from the show of that name, were performed in a revue produced by John Huddlestone and John Tiller at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool in summer 1918. The Stage, 25 July, 1 August and 31 October 1918 listed ‘Lawrence Wright’s Blackpool Successes' including 'Khaki and Blue', quoting the words ‘Khaki and Blue, what shall I do? / I do love the Khaki, I do love the Blue. / I do love the Army, but I love the Navy too! / Khaki and Blue, both tried and true, / Every girlie has a cosy corner in her heart for Khaki and Blue’. The Era, 12 June 1918 reported, ‘Paul Daly writes: - “Joan of Arc” in “Khaki and Blue” revue is a tremendous success. It is a great number”’. An advertisement in The Era, 26 June 1918 sought first-class theatres or music halls for ‘the enormously successful Comedy Dramatic Revue, “Khaki and Blue,” in nine gorgeous scenes. First class London company of 33 Artistes and full staff. Wanted, July 1, 8 and 15 Lancashire or Midlands, Aug 5 and 12 Sept 23 and onward’. Nevertheless, from August 1918 actors onwards who had appeared in the show Khaki and Blue were already performing in other productions (Paul Daly, Violet Fields, Fred Ives, Fred Teriss and Nat Lewis).