On Leave For His Wedding

Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 20 June 1918: ‘An Instantaneous Success. T.R., Wednesbury, after first house Monday, Mr. Jazon said a big winner, what date do you want for Liverpool?’. The date of the advertisement suggests that the play was performed at Wednesbury before West Bromwich (10-15 June) and Worcester (17-22 June).

The Stage, 6 and 13 June 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 10 June at the R., West Bromwich. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 20 June 1918: ‘An Instantaneous Success … T.R., West Bromwich, all records broken, after first house Monday. Queue waiting to book seats for Saturday night to the amazement and delight of the resident manager’.

The Stage, 20 June 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 17 June at the R., Worcester. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 20 June 1918: ‘An Instantaneous Success … T. R., Worcester, opened to a record house for drama. Second house full early doors. Mr. Carlton after seeing show all through said I congratulate you on a very fine show, we shall do a big week, you have a big money maker … This week, T. R Worcester; next, O.H., Cheltenham’. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 11 July 1918: ‘…Arthur Carlton, Esq., T.R., Worcester, on Monday night said, “A splendid show, we shall do a very big week.” Write and ask him if he was right. Six Special Police held the crowd at both houses on Saturday night. Ordinary doors never opened’.

‘The success which attended the repertory season introduced into last summer’s engagements at the Theatre and Opera House has prompted Messrs. Redford Bros, to enter into an arrangement with Mr. Edward F. Furneau to bring his Company to Cheltenham for a six weeks’ stay during the present summer ... The company open their present engagement on Monday night next, the 24th inst., in that strong military drama, On Leave for His Wedding, by Clifford Rean, author of His Last Leave. A feature of the performance will be the reproduction of an actual scene from the front, when the Germans bombarded a British hospital, though the audience will be spared the worst horrors of the disgraceful act, as the incident depicts a marvellous instance of the impotence of the enemy guns. Mr. Furneau is to himself appear in the character of the hero of the piece, Captain Derrick Tressilian, a part for which he is so eminently suited, and Miss Nina Gerrard and Miss Stella Cedron will impersonate the sisters Mavis and Angela Hope respectively There are four acts in the play, with eight scenes, and the interest, well sustained throughout, rises to high altitudes in some of these' (Cheltenham Looker-On, 22 June 1918). ‘[Edward Furneau’s] company received a cordial welcome back on Monday evening, when they started their [six weeks] engagement with Clifford Rean’s “On Leave for his Wedding." The cast included three of the actors who were most popular with the house last summer, including Mr. Furneau himself, who was very happy and at home in the hero part of Capt. Derrick Tressilian. He is always excellent in his personation of fresh, manly young men, especially young men in khaki. Mr. J. Sutton Pateman, who is thoroughly alive in his low comedy part, is another of the old favourites, as is Miss Nina Gerrard, who in this piece is playing Mavis Hope, the heroine, very sweetly. The company seem to have a villain of the right type in Mr. Edwd. Marden [sic - Warden?], whose personation of the military scoundrel, Capt. Geo. Delpre, is entirely manly in its wicked way. Mr. J. P. Lallaun [sic – Lallen?], in his Rev. Noel Wheeler, reminds us, perhaps intentionally, of the fact that in these days the priesthood have sometimes not the tone of the aristocracy, but he strangles the villainess most beautifully. Mr. Arthur C. Crossly is a fine bluff soldier as Sergeant Barney Croft; Miss Stella Cedron manages the grand manner of evil-doing very effectively; and Miss L. Snape, as Peggy Dimple, is a winsome and wide awake little comedienne. As for the play, it is “a little bit of all right” for those who like a good strong mixture of love, adventure, heroism, and villainy, with a military setting. The author has not been able sufficiently to forget his own “His Last Leave” to be very original but we don’t know that it matters much. The scenes in the trenches in France and during the German bombardment of the cathedral are capitally managed, and are really tremendous thrills’ (Gloucestershire Echo, 25 June 1918). ‘The repertory summer season opened at the Theatre and Opera House on Monday evening with Clifford Rean’s military play, On Leave for His Wedding, which was presented by Mr. Edward F. Furneau and his Company ... The [play] meets the popular taste. It deals with the treachery of Angela Hope, who, in order to gain the hand and fortune of Captain Derrick Tressilian, her sister’s lover, induces two accomplices to swear to the forged name of Mavis Hope, on a marriage certificate, and even goes the length of locking Tressilian, blinded while in action, in the Cathedral in which she had just been married to him, in order that he might be buried in the ruins which the German artillery has already begun to bring about his head. But, of course, Tressilian escapes the doom designed for him, and, his sight restored by his terrible sufferings in the sacred fane [sic], he searches out his malignant wife, and denounces her in the presence of her dupes, one of whom (the parson who had assisted her to a bigamous marriage) forthwith proceeds to rid the world of a creature unfit to live in it. Suspicion of the murder falls upon Tressilian, but the Rev. Noel Wheeler owns up to the deed and Derrick and Mavis are re-united after the terrible retribution had fallen on her sister. A subsidiary love story running through the piece affords the comedy relief, which is considerably augmented by the happenings to a tramp named Reuben Egg, who has a habit turning up at unexpected moments whenever things look worst for the hero. The character of the popular Captain Derrick Tressilian is well hit off by Mr. Furneau; Miss Nina Gerard sympathetically and sweetly interprets the part of Mavis Hope; the contrasted sister Angela is powerfully portrayed by Miss Stella Cedron; the villain Captain George Delpre is effectively represented by Mr. Edward Warden; Mr. J. P. Lallan [sic – Lallen?] is the tame parson who, when he comes to his senses (or is it an access of madness?) strangles the woman who had played him as well as everybody else false; Mr. Arthur C. Crossey and Miss L. Snape provide fun in the respective characters of Sergt. Barney Croft and Peggy Dimple; Mr. J. Sutton Pateman is Reuben Egg, Mr. H. Wheeler is Inspector Lomax, and Mr. Fred Butcher personates Private Bing. The “scenes at the front” are realistically depicted’ (Cheltenham Looker-On, 29 June 1918). ‘This is the second week of the Repertory season arranged by Messrs. Redford Bros, with Mr. Edward Furneau’s Company, and we refer to the fact here in order to put on record the great success achieved by the Company in the opening week, when the thrilling military drama, On Leave for his Wedding, was staged. The play was received with remarkable demonstrations of approval by a capacity house on Saturday night - hundreds, in fact, were unable to obtain admission - and at the close of the performance Mr. Furneau was called before the curtain and made a short speech, in which he thanked the Cheltenham public for the splendid support they were giving to his Company and to himself, and to the excellent local management. He also mentioned, amid further applause, that before the end of the six weeks’ engagement with Messrs. Redford he would again present On Leave for his Wedding, so as to give an opportunity to the many who had been turned away that night of seeing the play under equally favourable circumstances’ (Cheltenham Looker-On, 6 July 1918; see the Theatre and Opera House, Cheltenham, 2-3 August 1918, below).

‘At the Theatre Royal, this week, Mr. E. Vivian Edmonds is producing Her Luck in London … Continuing his season at the Theatre Royal, Mr. Edmonds will next week stage, On Leave for His Wedding, a great military drama written by Clifford Rean, author of many successes. Mr. Edmonds will take the role of “Captain Derrick Tressillian,” and Miss Gladys Ford-Hewitt will portray the part of “Marvis Hope.” There are scenes in France and the drama promises to meet with a very cordial reception’. Barnsley Independent, 29 June 1918.

‘The Furneau Company, which has attained so much popularity with local playgoers, will enter upon the last week of their [six week] season at the Theatre and Opera House on Monday next, when they are to present another success, It’s a Long Way Tipperary (by Mr. Lodge Percy) … For the two last days of the week and a Saturday matinee, Mr. Furneau is putting on, by request, On Leave for his Wedding, which had such a brilliant run in the earlier days of the Company’s successful season’. Cheltenham Looker-On, 27 July 1918.

‘Mr. Edward F. Furneau’s personal company received a cordial welcome at the Grand Theatre, Nottingham, last night, when they presented “On Leave For His Wedding.” As the title denotes the play is a war-time drama, and is of more than usual interest. A realistic portrayal of an actual battle scene is provided in the ruined hospital of Abbey Lereaux. Mr. Furneau gives a thoughtful and artistic presentation of the hero, whilst Miss Daisy Spalding as Mavis Hope, and Miss Stella Cedron as Angela Hope, were equally successful’. Nottingham Journal, 6 August 1918.

Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised in The Stage, 9 May 1918, for a theatre for Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding for 5 August, the Bank Holiday, to follow Cheltenham and to precede Woolwich. However, this week was advertised as vacant in The Stage, 20 June 1918.

Reviewed at length in The Era, 21 August 1918, on the occasion of the play being produced for the first time in London at the Elephant and Castle Theatre on Monday 19 August. It was originally produced at the Theatre Royal, Worcester, on 17 June [sic]. The cast was: Captain Derrick Tressillian, Edward Furneau; Captain George Delpre, Edward Warden; Rev. Noel Wheeler, J. O. Stevenson; Reuben Egg, J. H. Knowles; Sergeant Barney Croft, Arthur C. Crossey; Private Bing, Fred Butcher; Inspector Lomax, H. Wheeler; Peggy Dimple, L. Snape; Angela Hope, Stella Cedron; Mavis Hope, Daisy Spalding. The review summarised the plot and praised the acting.

'“On Leave for his Wedding,” by Clifford Mean (author of “His Last Leave”) is a drama splendidly staged and cleverly presented by a company of first-class artistes. In the quietude of a country vicarage garden the story finds its birth ... The piece is watched with intense enthusiasm, and the audience cannot help marvelling at the realistic scenes which include the trenches and a bombardment of a cathedral by the enemy. Mr. Edward Furneau cleverly undertakes the leading part of the officer on leave; and Miss Daisy Spalding makes a charming bride after appearing as a humble villager and a Red Cross nurse. The very difficult roles of Captain Delpre and Angela Hope are admirably sustained by Mr. Edward Warden and Miss Stella Cedron respectively, and Mr. Arthur C. Crossey is an amorous sergeant. Reuben Egg, a tramp of a very funny vein, keeps things merry both at home and in the trenches. He has a secret and knows how to keep it until the psychological moment for revealment. Mr. J. H. Knowles easily succeeds in making everyone laugh in his impersonation of said tramp. Other parts are left in the capable hands of Mr. J. O. Stevenson as the parson, Mr. Fred Butcher, as Pte. Bing, and Miss L. Snape, as Peggy Dimple' (Croydon Times, 28 and 31 August 1918). ‘Good audiences this week, demonstrative in their appreciation, listen to the unfolding of a story of love and bravery and treachery entitled “On leave for his wedding” … The great scene is the realistic German bombardment’ (Surrey Mirror, 30 August 1918).

‘A crowded audience at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, last night, found “On leave for his Wedding” a war drama of thrilling interest, with its tense character, however, agreeably relieved with much broad humour. The plot is not too simple, but runs through a great many interesting and unexpected ramifications before the inevitable happy ending. Mr. Walter Wilson filled the rôle of hero, and, with Miss Violet Ingram, heroine, scored conspicuous success. Miss Gwendolen Verachoyle(?), the master schemer, was responsible for a really finished bit of acting, and to her more than to any other belonged the credit of maintaining the house at a high pitch of excitement. Mr. Eric Morden(?) filled the part to husband and fellow-plotter to perfection, and Mr. O. Alan Hewson(?) played agreeably to ones conceptions the part of a young clergyman, who, weak and in love, is easily enmeshed in their desperate schemes. Mr. Fred Rignold, Mr. A. Bowerman, and Miss Maudie Douglas make themselves responsible for the humour in the play. The scenic attempts to represent the scarred battlefields of France are creditable’. Western Morning News, 27 August 1918.

The South Wales Gazette, 6 September 1918, advertised ‘the great military success’ On Leave For His Wedding, in four acts, at the Metropole, Abertillery, for six nights from Monday 9 September: ‘See The Trench Scene. The Bombardment of the Cathedral by the Huns, and witness a realistic episode we have all read about and marvelled at’. Also: ‘The management of the Metropole have succeeded in “booking” a great military drama which will be presented throughout next week. It is entitled “On Leave For His Wedding,” and its author is Mr. Clifford Rean. It is a moving story of events at home and abroad, of plot, and counterplot, but happily everything ends well. It includes some wonderfully realistic scenes of trench life, and the bombardment of a cathedral by the Huns. The caste is a strong one, the performance being in the hands of Mr. Edward Furneau’s Company, with Mr. Furneau himself playing the role of Capt. Derrick Tresillian, the hero of the piece. Miss Daisy Spalding plays “Mavis,” who is as gentle as her name implies. whilst Miss Stella Cedron plays the wicked sister Angela, whilst Mr. J. O. Stevenson plays the strong part of the wicked parson lover, and Mr. Arthur C. Cressy plays the comic relief part of Sergt. Barny Croft, and Mr. J. H. Knowles plays the part of “Egg,” a part which will afford considerable entertainment. The play is presented in eight scenes of four acts. and there will be one performance nightly, commencing at 7.30' (South Wales Gazette, 6 September 1918).

Advertised in the Hull Daily Mail, 16 September 1918, as part of the Watson Mill Stock Repertory Season. ‘Mr Clifford Rean seems to specialise in up-to-date military plays, and there were many features about “On Leave for His Wedding,” at the Hull Alexandra Theatre last evening, which appealed uncommonly well to a large audience. There is an excellent “Better ‘Ole” scene in the trenches, and the temporarily blinded hero is rescued from a shattered French cathedral by a timely advance by the British troops. There is much soldier humour, and a strong “plot" ... Miss Edith Gregory has never done better work than the part of Angela, who is the mainspring of the play. She was truly excellent. Miss Mysie Monte was a very sweet Mavis, and played with great sympathy. Mr Harry Treeham was everything that was gallant as Captain Derrick, and he had an admirable foil in Mr Charles Yorke, as the scheming Captain Dalpre [sic]. One of the most interesting parts he has ever assumed was that of the worthless clergyman, depicted by Mr Arthur Bell. The agony of the struggle between temptation and better self was splendidly shown by this sterling actor. Mr Fred L. Arthur was one of the most normal Scotland Yard men seen on the popular stage. On the lighter side, Mr Thorpe-Tracey had a big part in the rascal tramp who is “roped in” as a recruit, whose glibness and whimsicalities do not desert him in the trenches. Mr Will E. Moss and Miss Allie Ward were thoroughly at home as the Sergeant and his sweetheart, and their broad comedy was greatly appreciated’ (Hull Daily Mail, 17 September 1918).

‘On Monday evening, Edward F. Furneau’s Personal Company presented at the Theatre Royal and for the remaining evenings of this week, a really fine military drama, entitled “On Leave for his Wedding,” written by Clifford Rean, author of many other fine plays and dramas. Edward F. Furneau himself takes a prominent part in the play., acting as Captain Derrick Tressillian, and displays wonderful talent. Other brilliant artistes are featured in the parts, Captain George Delpre, Rev. Noel Wheeler, Reuben Egg (a tramp), Angela Hope, Mavis Hope, and several other characters appearing in this most successful and up-to-date drama. The scenery is excellent, the first scene representing the Vicarage Garden, Edensdale, and a scene in France. The ruined hospital, Abbey Lereaux, is very cleverly depicted with carefully painted scenery; and the scene entitled “The German Bombardment,” is taken from an actual photograph from the front, realising in marvellous instance the impotence of the German gun. All should see on the stage that which they have all read and marvelled at. The scenery in act 3 is of places back in “Blighty.” This grand programme has attracted packed houses every evening. Edward Furneau’s insuperable “On Leave for his Wedding,” was a splendid drama, actors and actresses of renown taking part. The play was shown on Monday, and those who witnessed it were delighted. The direction, which was personally superintended by Mr. Furneau, met with the entire approval of the audience’. Barry Dock News, Friday 20 September 1918, viewed online at https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4129148/4129152/40.

The Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, Saturday 31 August 1918, advertised at The Playhouse, Faversham, ‘On September 23rd, On Leave For His Wedding, A play almost as good as “The Better ‘Ole”'.

When Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 10 October 1918, it noted: ‘Another Record last week, T.R., Bilston, for the Tenth consecutive week. 2,521 persons paid for admission at Early Doors on Saturday night alone’.

‘The military drama “On Leave for His Wedding,” produced last night at the Alexandra Theatre, appeals all lovers of the sensational, and it met with the cordial approval of large audiences. The story relates the history of two sisters, Angela and Mavis Hope. The former, an unscrupulous girl, is married to and separated from Captain Delpre, while her sister is engaged to Captain Derrick Tressillian, who is on leave for his wedding. Derrick is rich, and as Angela married in her sister’s name she, with the assistance of her equally unscrupulous husband, declares to Derrick that it was Mavis who was married. Proofs in the form of the marriage certificate and the word of the Rev. Noel Wheeler, who performed the ceremony, are forthcoming, and, in spite of the protestations of Mavis, Derrick returns to active service. Mavis becomes a nurse at the front, and Angela goes to the trenches, where, as soon as Derrick is wounded and blinded, she prevails upon him to marry her, Wheeler again officiating. The development of the story is carried through four acts before the misconduct of Angela is made known and virtue is rewarded. While the home scenes are satisfactory, many of the incidents at the front are most improbable, but they are of thrilling interest, and the German bombardment of the trenches is made as realistic as possible. Mr. Edward F. Furneau played admirably as Captain Tressillian, and the long-suffering Mavis was capitally impersonated by Miss Madge Turner, while Miss Stella Cedron and Mr. W. Humphries were successful in the unthankful parts of Angela and Captain Delpre respectively. The other characters were creditably taken, notably that of Reuben Egg, a tramp, and afterwards a soldier, by Mr. J. H. Knowles’. Birmingham Daily Post, 8 October 1918.

The Stage, 10 and 17 October 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 14 October at the R., Stratford. Advertised in The People, 13 October 1918. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 17 October 1918: ‘The greatest of all military plays. Can follow other Military Plays and break records. The most humorous trench scene ever written. The Bombardment of the Cathedral. (The talk of every Town.) … The most consistent money maker on the road … This, T.R., Stratford, E.; next, Victoria Theatre, Kettering.

The Era, 16 October 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On The Road from 21 October at the Vic. T., Kettering. Similarly The Stage, 17 and 24 October 1918. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Company advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 17 October 1918: ‘The greatest of all military plays. Can follow other Military Plays and break records. The most humorous trench scene ever written. The Bombardment of the Cathedral. (The talk of every Town.) … The most consistent money maker on the road … This, T.R., Stratford, E.; next, Victoria Theatre, Kettering.

‘A military drama by Clifford Rean, “On Leave For His Wedding,” will be the attraction at the Palace. It is to be produced by Edward F. Furneau and company. He takes the part of Captain Derrick Tressillian, and in scene five is presented “A German bombardment"' (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 2 November 1918) Advertised in the Newcastle Journal, 4 November 1918: ‘Realistic Bombardment of the Cathedral by the Huns. See the Humorous Trench Scene’. Also: ‘Many military dramas have been staged at the Palace Theatre, Newcastle, and that staged last evening, entitled “On Leave for His Wedding,” is one of the most convincing. It from the facile pen of Clifford Dean [sic - Rean, and has as its chief exponent Edward F. Furneau, whose interpretation of Captain Tresselau [sic] is the chief feature. Of several scenes the premier place for effect should be allotted to that depicting a German bombardment’ (Newcastle Journal, 5 November 1918).

The Stage, 14 November 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 11 November at the R., Liverpool.

'Another war-play is at the Theatre Royal. “On Leave for his Wedding,” which is from the pen of the author of “His Last Leave,” opens with a rare tangle which the two villains of the piece, a married couple, contrive in order that the lady may marry and secure the fortune of the wealthy hero. The play is confidently presented by a capable company, which includes Mr. Edward F. Furneau, Mr. Walter Humphries, Miss Stella Cedron, and Miss Carrie Geofrey [sic- Godfrey]. The details of the production leave much to be desired. The hero, a captain, wears the uniform of a major, the villain, also a captain, wears the uniform of a lieutenant, and into the scene depicting front-line trenches there wander a W.A.A.C., a chaplain in “slacks,” and several soldiers, who, apparently, do not possess shrapnel helmets, rifles, or respirators’. Leeds Mercury, 19 November 1918.

The Stage, 28 November 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 25 November at the R., Leicester.

Advertised in the Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 27 November 1918, performed by Albert Sember’s company.

The Stage, 28 November and 5 December 1918, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 2 December at Dalston.

‘“On Leave for his Wedding” is the attraction at the Theatre Royal next week, and promises to be one of the dramatic events of the season. The play is penned by Clifford Read, author of “His last Leave" and brings home to many of us the realities of the Great War, showing us particularly how the cowardly Hun had no compunction in bombarding hospitals and churches. The scene depicting the bombardment of the Cathedral and proving to the world the impotence of the German guns is most cleverly done and constitutes a sight well worth seeing, whilst the realistic trench scene with Tommy full of wit and humour in spite of the roar of the guns around him causes the audience to rock with laughter. It is much to be said for the play that already over 200,000 persons have paid to witness its production. In Birmingham alone 30,000 persons visited the Theatre in one week'. Yarmouth Independent, 7 December 1918.

When Stella Cedron and Mr. and Mrs. J. Horace Knowles (Daisy Spalding) inserted theatrical cards in The Stage, 2 January 1919, thanking Edward Furneau for paying full salary for Christmas week, their address was the T.R., King’s Lynn. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 9 January 1919: ‘The real Military Play that continues breaking Records. Theatre Royal, King’s Lynn (3 Nights), following Maid of the Mountains [then takings for 2-4 January, totalling £214 13s 5d]'.

The Stage, 9 January 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 6 January at the G., Houghton-le-Spring. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 16 January 1919: ‘The real military play. Another Record Week, Gaiety Theatre, Houghton-le-Spring. £306 4s 0d'.

The Stage, 9 and 16 January 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 13 January at the G., Stockton.

The Stage, 16 and 23 January 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 20 January at the Camb, Spennymoor. Edward F Furneau’s Personal Companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 30 January 1919: ‘The real military play. All records broken, Cambridge Theatre, Spennymoor (refer)'.

The Stage, 23 and 30 January 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 27 January at the K’s, Gainsborough.

The Bury Free Press, 1 February 1919, advertised at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, on Monday-Wednesday, 3-5 February, the ‘Return Visit of the Popular Actor, Edward F. Furneau and Company, in the greatest of all Military dramas, On Leave For His Wedding by Clifford Rean, Author of “His Last Leave”’. Rean’s ‘Lest We Forget’ would be performed on Friday-Saturday, 6-8 February.

‘The management of the Longton Empire continue to warrant strong support because of their enterprise. This week drama is the attraction, and it is an interesting change after a run of pantomime and revue. The production is entitled “On Leave for his Wedding,” and, as the title implies, it has a military flavour and a magnetic effect. The producer is Mr. Edward F. Furneau, who personally figures in the cast, and the members of which are to be complimented on the way the way they discharge their respective parts. The piece has been played to 500,000 people to date, 30,000, including 700 wounded Tommies, seeing it at Birmingham. The production, which is said to eclipse the former successes of Mr. Furneau, contains scenes reminiscent of the doings at the front, and the most prominent of these is the one depicting the method of German vandalism, when they wantonly destroyed churches. The story of the piece is well connected, and is interpreted in such a manner by Mr. Furneau’s company as to keep the attention of the audience concentrated upon it to the excellent finale’. Staffordshire Sentinel, 11 February 1919.

The evidence for this performance week is the following notice inserted in The Stage, 6 March 1919: ‘Delayed Scenery. On Leave for His Wedding company, journeying from Maidenhead to Jarrow on Sunday last [i.e 2 March], were unable to open on Monday evening owing to their truck of scenery being lost sight of by the railway company in transit and nor reaching Jarrow till 7.30 on Monday night, this in spite of the fact that it left Maidenhead on the *Saturday afternoon. We understand that Mr Edward F. Furneau intends to continue the arguments he has had with the railway company on the matter in the Law Courts, and the issue, no doubt, will be of much interest to his brother managers who may have had similar experiences’. The Stage, 6 March 1919. * This implies that On Leave For His wedding was not performed on the evening of Saturday 27 February. When Mr and Mrs Cyril Grier, heavy leads in the Lest We Forget company, inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 27 February 1919, their address was the H., Maidenhead. And Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s Lest We Forget in The Stage, 27 February 1919, claiming, ‘Monday, Maidenhead, turned hundreds away’. Were both companies in Maidenhead this week?

‘This week Mr. E. F. Furneau’s Company have been appearing before large audiences in “On Leave for his Wedding.” The title role has been ably filled by Mr. Edward Conway as Captain Derrick Tressillan [sic], a soldier who distinguishes himself in the war. He is ably supported by Miss Carrie Godfrey as Mavis Hope, his sweetheart. The lady takes the part with success. The heavy part is ably sustained by Mr. Walter Humphries as Captain George Delpre and Miss Stella Cedron as Angela Hope, a woman of the world, who lives for pleasure only. Mr. J. P. Allen [sic - Lallen?] is particularly good as the Rev. N. Wheeler, a dissolute minister, who is the tool of Angela and Captain Delpre. The lighter side of the play is in the able hands of Mr. J. H. Knowles, as Reuben Egg, a tramp: Mr. F. Hulme, as Sergt. Barneycroft [sic]; and Miss Daisy Spalding, as Peggy Dimple. The bombardment of the cathedral is very realistic’ (Jarrow Express, 7 March 1919). Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 13 March 1919: ‘Still Breaking Records. Refer this week Radcliffe. In spite of not opening First House Monday at Jarrow through railway losing truck, did a record week. How’s this for War Drama?'.

Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 13 March 1919: ‘Still Breaking Records. Refer this week Radcliffe ... This, Pal., Radcliffe; next, Pal., Rawtenstall’.

Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 20 March 1919: ‘Still breaking records ... This, Pal., Rawtenstall'. A similar advertisement in The Stage, 27 March 1919, claimed, 'Pantomime record broken at Rawtenstall'.

‘Edward F. Furneau’s company make a popular appeal by their clever work in Clifford Rean’s drama “On Leave For His Wedding,” in which an incident of the German bombardment is effectively realised’. The Stage, 27 March 1919.

The Stage, 27 March and 3 April 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 31 March at the Hip., Bolton. Also The Era, 2 April 1919. Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 3 April 1919: ‘Record, Monday, Bolton (Refer)'.

'Mr. Willis is to he congratulated in securing at a very great expense, next week, Mr. Edward F. Furneau’s Personal Company in Clifford Rean’s greatest of all military plays, “On Leave for His Wedding.” The company come direct from Manchester [sic – Bolton], where they are playing this week and only come to Wales for special two weeks and then go back to Manchester again [sic – Nelson], where they have been playing to enormous houses for the past months [sic, again!]. The play was produced, by that popular actor, Mr. Edward F. Furneau. This military play has visited the principal theatres in the provinces, and has been acknowledged by public and Press to be the greatest of all military plays. The London Press describe it as a masterpiece, with scenes actually from the front, such as the Huns shelling a cathedral, which is a most wonderful piece of work. Such electrical effects are seldom witnessed on any stage, while the trench scenes with Tommy full of wit and humour, in spite of the roar of guns around him, cause roars of laughter. Already over 500,000 persons have paid to see this production. In Birmingham alone 30,000 persons visited the theatre in one week. J. Fergusson Rawlins, who will appear in the principal part as “Capt. Derrick Tressillian,” is supported by a good company. In regard to the scenery, dresses and effects, no expense has been spared to make the play a success’. Rhondda Leader, Saturday 5 and 12 April 1919, viewed online at https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4615857/4615862/41.

The Stage, 10 and 17 April 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 14 April at the Grand, Pentre. Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 17 April 1919: ‘This, Grand, Pentre; next, Grand, Nelson’.

The Stage, 17 and 24 April 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 21 April at the G., Nelson. Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 1 May 1919: ‘Grand Theatre, Nelson, £304 19s 7d'.

‘Mr. Edward F. Furneaux [sic] presents “On Leave For His Wedding” [at the Theatre Royal, Dewsbury]. Friday only, “The Silent Witness”’. The Stage, 30 April 1919.

Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 8 May 1919: ‘Still breaking records. (Refer). This, Hip., Huddersfield'. Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 15 and 22 May 1919: ‘All Records Broken at Huddersfield'.

‘“On Leave for his Wedding” is a capital military drama spoiled by one unpleasant feature. The representation of a dissipated and immoral clergyman, in the garb of his order, is offensive. The inclusion of such a character is positively distasteful. Apart from this, the play pleases, and is well staged and well acted. The war scenes are effective, if not realistic, and give a sort of idea of what things may been “Somewhere in France.” The ladies of the company are clever. Miss Carrie Godfrey renders the part of Mavis Hope excellently, Angela Hope is admirably interpreted by Miss Stella Cedron, while Miss Daisy Spalding makes a charming Peggy Dimple and Messrs. J. F. Rawlins and Walter Humphries have no shortcomings as Capt Tressillau [sic] and Delphe [sic], and their colleagues, J. P. Lalleu [sic – Lallen?], J. H Knoles [sic], F. Hulme, J. Haines, and H. Wheeler help the play along with happy ability’. Halifax Evening Courier, 13 May 1919.

‘[At the Prince’s, Bradford] “On Leave for His Wedding” is a war play full of thrills and realism. J. Ferguson Rawlins plays admirably the part of an army captain who has lost his sight. Carrie Godfrey makes a sympathetic nurse. Walter Humphries plays a thankless character with much force, and Stella Cearon [sic - Cedron] is effective as a scheming adventuress’. The Stage, 22 May 1919.

‘Edward E.[sic] Furneau’s company are here [the New Royal, Castleford] in “On Leave for His Wedding.” As Captain Derrick J Ferguson Rawlins works hard and does good service. Walter Humphries is a capital representative of Captain Delphe [sic]. J. P. Sallen [sic - Lallen?] is decidedly good as the Rev. Wheeler. Mavis Hope has an able and pleasing exponent in Carrie Godfrey. Stella Cedron gives a dramatic characterisation of Angela Hope. Comic relief is introduced by J. H. Knowles, Fred Hulme, and Daisy Spalding as Rueben Egg, Sergt. Barney, and Peggy, and the funny acting is appreciated’. The Stage, 29 May 1919.

The Stage, 5 June 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 2 June at the Alh., Stourbridge. Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 5 June 1919: ‘This, A.T., Stourbridge'.

Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 5 June 1919: ‘This, A.T., Stourbridge; next, Palace, Maidstone’. The Stage, 5 and 12 June 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 9 June at the Pal., Maidstone.

Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 19 June 1919: ‘This, Maidenhead'.

The Cannock Chase Courier, 21 June 1919, advertised at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Walsall, on Monday 23 June and twice nightly during the week: ‘Enormous Attraction. Edward F. Furneau’s No. 1 Company, in The Great Military Drama. On Leave For His Wedding, By Clifford Rean. See the Trench Scene. One Roar of Laughter. See The Bombardment. An Actual Scene from the Front. Realising the impotence of the German Guns’. Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 3 July 1919: ‘The military play the people want. H.M.T., Walsall, £505 4s 6d. Roars of laughter and the real atmosphere’.

Furneau’s company was at Cheltenham for four weeks from 7 July to 2 August 1919. ‘Next week [at the Opera House] is the last week of the present season, and a domestic play, The Wife’s Confession, will be presented, changing on Thursday and Friday only for On Leave for his Wedding, to be given by special request’. Cheltenham Looker-On, 26 July 1919.

The Stage, 31 July and 7 August 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 4 August at the Junc., Manchester. Advertised in the Manchester Evening News, 5 August 1919.

‘“On Leave for His Wedding” is a well-written story by Clifford Rean, and it is well staged at the Metropole’ (Manchester Evening News, 12 August 1919). ‘“On Leave For His Wedding” is the attraction here [the Metropole, Manchester]. Edward F. Furneau sends the drama with a good cast’. The Stage, 14 August 1919.

‘“On Leave For His Wedding” is now located at the Salford Hippodrome where it is proving a good attraction’ (Manchester Evening News, 19 August 1919). ‘[At the Royal Hippodrome, Salford] Edward F. Furneau’s company presented “On Leave for His Wedding.” J. Ferguson Rawlins played strongly as Capt. Derrick Tresillian. Carrie Godfrey was very good as Mavis Hope. Walter Humphries as Capt. G. Delpre was smart. Stella Cedron as Angela Hope gave good assistance. J. P. Lallen as the Rev. Noel Wheeler was acceptable. Fred Hulme was capital as Sergeant B. Croft. Daisy Spalding was commendable as Peggy Dimple. J. H. Knowles supplied much comic relief as Reuben Egg’ (The Stage, 21 August 1919).

Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 4 September 1919: ‘This, Nuneaton'. A similar advertisement in The Stage, 18 September 1919, claimed: 'Still breaking records. Hip., Nuneaton, Sat. night, £124 16s 4d. The Drama that cannot fail’.

The Staffordshire Sentinel, Monday 8 September 1919, advertised at the Hippodrome and Theatre, Burslem, twice nightly that night and during the week, ‘Edward F. Furneau’s No. 1 Company, In the Greatest of all Military Dramas – “On Leave For His Wedding,” In Eight Scenes’.

The Era, 10 September 1919, listed in Next Week's Calls for Monday 15 September at the West Bromwich Theatre Royal ‘“Furneaux [sic] On Leave for his Wedding”’. Also The Stage, 11 September 1919.

The Tewkesbury Register, and Agricultural Gazette, Saturday 18 October 1919, advertised at the Watson Memorial Hall, Tewkesbury, on Thursday-Saturday, 23-25 October 1919, nightly at 7.45: ‘Star Attraction for 3 Days Only … Edward F. Furneau. Supported by a London Company in “On Leave For His Wedding”’. ‘Mr. Noel Shenton is presenting at the Watson Hall, this week, Mr. E. F. Furneau’s Company in the sensational War Drama “On leave for his Wedding.” The piece is produced by a talented Company and we can recommend it to the attention of our readers, many of whom will remember Mr. Furneau’s recent visit with “Wireless,” and the excellence of the performance then given. The engagement closes with to-night’s performance’ (Tewkesbury Register, and Agricultural Gazette, 25 October 1919).

The Era, 5 November 1919, noted: ‘Mr. Edward F. Furneau’s company in “On Leave For His Wedding’ at the Grand, Stockton.

The Stage, 20 November 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 17 November at the G., Stockton.

The Stage, 20 and 27 November 1919, listed On Leave For His Wedding as On Tour from 24 November at the R., Seaham Harbour.

The Gloucestershire Echo, 18 August 1920, advertised at the Theatre and Opera House, Cheltenham, for the following week: on Monday and Tuesday, The Link That Binds; on ‘Wednesday – Benefit, Edward Furneau: “On Leave For His Wedding”’; on Thursday, It’s Not The Clothes That Make The Man; and on Friday and Saturday, The Luck Of The Game. The Stage, 26 August 1920, noted that this marked the end of Edward Furneau’s company’s long summer engagement. The Gloucestershire Echo, 26 August 1920, reported that ‘Owing to the great success of “On Leave For His Wedding” on Wednesday night, many being unable to obtain admission to the theatre, the popular play (by special request) will be repeated Friday night’.

The Consett Guardian, Friday 15 October 1920, reported on that week’s visit by Edward F Furneau and his No.1 company at the Globe, Consett, during which they would perform On Leave For His Wedding, ‘the greatest of all military plays’, on Friday night.

The Gloucestershire Echo, Monday 11 July 1921, advertised at the Theatre and Opera House, Cheltenham, that week Edward F Furneau and his popular company in A Girl Worth Loving with, on Friday night (by request), On Leave For His Wedding.

The Consett Guardian, Friday 11 November 1921, advertised at the Globe Theatre the following week the return visit of Edward Furneau, Miss Nina Gerrard and a full dramatic company. They would present on Saturday night only ‘the greatest of all military plays’ On Leave For His Wedding by Clifford Rean, from the Elephant and Castle Theatre, London.

The Blyth News, Thursday 27 May 1926, advertised at the Theatre Royal the following week the return of Edward Furneau’s own company, The Northern Players, in Vivian Edmonds’ The Price of Coal on Monday-Wednesday and ‘the greatest of all military plays’ On Leave For His Wedding on Thursday-Saturday: ‘If you have never enjoyed a Drama before, you will enjoy this! Mr. Furneau toured this Play for over two years, and stakes huis reputation on it being a success’. An advertisement in the Blyth News, Thursday 3 June 1926, previewed the play: ‘See – The Trenches – somewhere in France – the Bombardment – the destruction of Louvaine Cathedral – that which the Germans could not destroy. A Gripping Play. A Thrilling Play. A Play most people come to see again’. ‘A wonderful welcome was accorded the members of the old stock company when they re-appeared at the Theatre Royal, Blyth, on Monday night. The house was crowded out in every part, and this is a splendid augury for the future success of the company ... During the next three nights there will be staged “On Leave For His Wedding,” a drama dealing with the period of the war, and it gives Miss Ronald Camile, Mr Leigh Knight, Mr Percy Beresford, and Mr Edward Furneau excellent opportunities for their spirited acting, while there will be an abundance of comedy for Mr Freddie Edwards is to entertain the audiences’ (Blyth News, Thursday 3 June 1926).