Great War Theatre

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

A burlesque sketch of the recruiting of some not very likely wives and sweethearts for work on the Land, and of the attitude of their men-folk as they leave them behind to their emancipation. In the third scene the soldiers who are coquetting with their nurses abroad get some more or less satisfactory missives from the flirtatious land-girls, and these cause several disappointments and jealousies. In the last scene, with the women claiming the victory through their rather incompetent farming efforts, they are found asserting themselves in various ways, and refusing to obey their former lords and masters. There is no offence in the obvious fun: bit any incidental songs must be forwarded for consideration. Recommended for License, Ernest A. Bendall

Researcher's Summary:

Mrs. F. G. Kimberley and Frank Liston sent this ‘topical skit revue’ on tour in the second half of 1918. It included a representation of women recruited by the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps to work as ‘land girls’ on a farm: hence the inclusion of ‘farmyard animals’ among its attractions in advertisements at Barnsley and Walsall. From the end of October 1918 the revue was advertised as ‘Keeping On’, which was given in newspapers as the show’s alternative title at Stoke, as its main title at Worthing and as the only title at Walsall. In December 1918 / January 1919 some of the members of the company performed Mrs. Kimberley’s pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’ at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, and then they revived Mrs. Kimberley’s ‘Upside Down’ which is also in this database.

Licensed On: 18 Jun 1918

License Number: 1629

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British Library Reference: LCP1918/11

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66193 J

Performances

Date Theatre Type
24 Jun 1918 Grand, Brighton Professional Licensed Performance
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The Stage, 20 June 1918, advertised ‘Mrs. Kimberley and Frank Liston Present Mrs. Kimberley’s Topical Skit Revue, in Four Skits, How Do You Like It? Special Cast, featuring Miss Ruby Kimberley, Misses Adeline Raby, Lill Clifford, Ruby Bradford, Tom Solly, Geo. Millard, Eric Wingfield. Company of 38 now engaged. Production next week at Grand T., Brighton. Managers and Agents, please see the show. No expense spared to make it a huge success. Wanted, Dates, July 22, Aug. 12, and on, with exceptions. Only best Musical Theatres and Halls entertained’. Also: ‘Mrs. F. G. Kimberley’s new topical revue How Do You Like It? is being presented at the Grand, Brighton, by Mrs. Kimberley and Frank Liston. The company are headed by Ruby Kimberley, and include Adeline Raby, Ruby Bradford, Tom H. Solly, Lill Cliford, Ruby Mildred, Eric Wingfield, George Millard, and the Five Weetmans. The scenery and dresses are unusually good, and the songs are excellent. Miss Kimberley’s contributions were enthusiastically applauded on Monday, and the clever young artist was presented with a handsome basket of flowers. The humorous element is in the safe hands of Tom H. Solly and George Millard, who keep things going in fine style, their scene in a Dug-out being exceedingly funny. The performance goes splendidly throughout, and Mrs. Kimberley has scored another undoubted success’ (The Stage, 27 June 1918).
8 Jul 1918 Royalty Theatre, Chester Professional
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‘A wealth of comedy, good vocal items and pretty dances combine to make “How You Like It?” a revue at the Royalty Theatre, an entertainment of appealing grace and pleasing humour. The production, presented by Mrs. Kimberley and Mr. Frank Liston, has four animated scenes. From the opening of the recruiting office of the W.A.A.C.’s [the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps], the sketch goes with a fine swing, and the artists are clever in their well-chosen parts. Miss Ruby Kimberley and Miss Adeline Raby contribute some excellent melodies, among which are: “I may be gone for a long, long time,” “Smoke clouds,” and “Things will be different.” Miss Lill Cliford sings “The Swiss Boy,” Miss Ruby Bradford “The Bells St. Mary” and “Hello, Boys,” and Little Florrie renders with daintiness “Little Dutch Heaven.” Speciality dances are given by the five Weetmans and Miss Ruby Mildred. Mr. Tom H. Solly is a clever comedian who pleases his hearers with song and patter, and a feature of the entertainment is found the quartettes of topical interest. Mr. George Millard and Mr. Fred Bentley have much share in the fun and success of the gay comedy’. Cheshire Observer, 13 July 1918.
15 Jul 1918 Theatre Royal, Leamington Professional
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When the Leamington Spa Courier, 19 July 1918, reviewed the show it concentrated n Ruby Bradford, a native of Leamington Spa who had performed there as an amateur before taking to the professional stage. The review concluded: 'As to the revue itself, it is a capital skit, one in which much fun turns on recruiting the W.A.C.C.’S [sic – the W.A.A.C., i.e. the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps] and their work on the land. Brightly written, it is brightly acted, and, except in one part, goes merrily along. The exception is the scene outside the dug-out, in which interest flags somewhat. Miss Ruby Kimberley takes premier place in the cast as “Ruby.” She is altogether delightful, and her singing of “I may be gone for a long, long time,” and other numbers, was greatly enjoyed, as was also her clever acting. The comedy roles, male and female, are all well sustained. Speciality dances are a feature of the revue, which is handsomely dressed and well put on’.
22 Jul 1918 Hippodrome, Salford Professional
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The Manchester Evening News, 24 July 1918, advertised ‘Mrs. Kimberley and Frank Liston Present Mrs. Kimberley’s Topical Skit Revue How Do You Like It? Special Company headed by Ruby Kimberley & Tom H. Solly’.
29 Jul 1918 County Theatre, Shrewsbury Professional
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‘Shrewsbury Theatre.- The attraction is Mrs. Kimberley’s topical burlesque, “How Do You Like It.” Framed after the pattern of a revue and musical extravaganza, the attraction contains some pleasing music and clever dancing’. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 30 July 1918.
5 Aug 1918 Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Professional
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According to an advertisement for the play (‘not played by a one-star man, but a good all round company, headed by Miss Ruby Kimberley, one of the daintiest Revue artists on the stage to-day’) in The Era, 14 August 1918, ‘This Revue was specially chosen for the T.R., Wolverhampton, last week and the business was the talk of the town – never has the theatre done such business, it was packed nightly and beat any previous attraction – beat all pantomime records and all plays – no revue near it’.
12 Aug 1918 Hippodrome, Nuneaton Professional
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‘Mrs. Kimberley and Frank Liston will present at the Hippodrome next week the topical skit revue, “How do you like it?” written by Mrs Kimberley. Several of the latter’s plays have been presented at the Hippodrome within recent times, but this is the first time, we believe, that a revue has been witnessed from her at Nuneaton. The caste includes Ruby Kimberley, Tom H. Solly, Adeline Raby, Ruby Bradford, Five Weetmans (speciality dancers), and a host of others’. Midland Counties Tribune, 9 August 1918.
19 Aug 1918 Hippodrome, Sheerness Professional
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‘“How do you like it?” a popular skit revue in four scenes, written by Mrs. Kimberley and presented by Mrs. Kimberley and Mr. Frank Liston is one of the best which has ever been seen on the Hippodrome stage. It is breezy, cheery, optimistic and goes with a “swing” throughout, and is accompanied by some splendid singing, a good flow of humour, and some charming dances. There are four scenes, and each is very successful from their different point of view. The first is the Recruiting Office for the W.A.A.C. [i.e. the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps], the second is the Farm, the third a Dug-out, and the fourth a Room in a Hotel. The company is capitally balanced, and Miss Ruby Kimberley as the leading lady, is popular throughout. She possesses a charming voice, is full of grace, and shone in whatever character she impersonated. Her musical items were all good, but she was heard to special advantage in the songs “I may be gone a long time,” which quite captivated the audience, who showed their appreciation by joining in the chorus, and “Smoke Clouds,” which was accompanied by pleasing and appropriate spectacular effects. Miss Lill Clifford gave a very fine rendering of “The Swiss Boy,” and was rapturously encored, and another beautiful number was “The Bells of St. Mary,” by Miss Ruby Bradford. “Things will be different,” sung by Miss Adeline Raby was also well received. Mr. Tom H. Solly and Mr. George Millard were the humorous artistes, and were adepts in their calling. Especially fine was their discussion in the Dug-out on letters from home. Mr. Solly achieved great success with the songs “That’s the stuff to give ‘em,” and “Have we got the wind up,” and Mr. George Millard received approbation for his singing of “I think I’ll go home.” Mr. Eric Wingfield sang “Floating with my best girl” and “When the bells of peace are ringing,” two very fine songs, and the duet with Miss Kimberley “I mean to get you,” was also greatly appreciated. The revue was admirably presented, the scenery was pretty and the dresses were charming. There was a capital chorus and mention should also be made of the topical quartettes “When Tommy comes marching home” and “John’s [sic] Bull’s Budget,” and also the very clever and attractive speciality dances by the Five Weetmans and Miss Ruby Mildred (principal dancer). Altogether “How do you like it?” furnished a couple of hours’ real fun and enjoyment’. Sheerness Guardian and East Kent Advertiser, 24 August 1918.
26 Aug 1918 Opera House, Dudley Professional
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‘There are excellent materials in wartime for burlesque, and these ingredients have been skilfully employed in “How Do You Like It?” [which] as a title is good, because the people whose experiences are the subject of so much humour and frolic are continually something fresh in their wartime [??]. One scene, the first, shows a recruiting office for the W.A.A.C.’s [i.e. the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps], and here, of course, the opportunities are fully realised for merriment. Then there are diverting scenes in the heart of the country when the “land girls” are both industrious and fascinating. The “dug-out” interlude is well done, and things are all settled up nicely before the curtain falls. Topical songs are numerous, those by Miss Ruby Kimberley winning instant popularity. She is most successful throughout the production. In the course of the evening her part in the revue calls for some quick and exacting changes, and she meets every demand with a resource and ability that promise well for her career on the stage. The whole company is a very capable one, including Mr. Eric Wingfield, Mr. Tom H. Solly, Mr. Geo. Millard, Miss Lill Clifford, Miss Ruby Bradford, Miss Adeline Raby, and the Five Weetmans in speciality dances, while the chorus is of unusual strength’. Dudley Chronicle, 24 August 1918.
2 Sep 1918 King's Theatre, Longsight, Manchester Professional
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The Era, 28 August 1918, listed How Do You Like It as On The Road from 2 September at the Kgs., Longsight.
9 Sep 1918 New Theatre, Crewe Professional
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‘Crewe New Theatre. The popular revue “How Do You Like It” was witnessed on Monday evening by two good houses. Miss Ruby Kimberley delighted the audience with her songs, “I May be Gone for Long, Time,” “Smoke Clouds,” and a duet by Miss Kimberley and Mr. Eric Wingfield entitled “I Mean to Get You,” found great favour. Other contributions by Miss Lill Clifford, Miss Ruby Bradford, Little Florrie and Mr. Tom H. Solly, were warmly applauded. A topical quartet “When Tommy Comes Marching Home,” and “John Bull’s Budget,” were two of the tit-bits of the programme. Distinctly clever in their way were the speciality dances by the Five Weetmans and Miss Ruby Mildred. There will be a matinee on Saturday’. Nantwich Guardian, 13 September 1918.
16 Sep 1918 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
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‘A delightful comedy, infused with the freshness of the country, and the humorous aids of the Women’s Auxiliary Movement, has been staged [at the Theatre Royal] during the week by Mr. Frank Liston and Company. Miss Ruby Kimberley is one of the central figures in the cast. She is ably supported by a good all-round company of comedians and artistes’. Smethwick Telephone, 21 September 1918.
23 Sep 1918 Theatre Royal, Aston Professional
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‘Drama is replaced at the Aston Theatre Royal by a topical skit revue, “How Do You Like It?” written by Mrs. Kimberley. It is a bright production, including good fun, music, and dancing, all the company performing with spirit. The artistes include Miss Ruby Kimberley, Tom H. Solly, George Millard, and the Five Weetmans. The revue was enjoyed by large audiences last night’. Birmingham Mail, 24 September 1918.
30 Sep 1918 Pavilion Theatre, Weymouth Professional
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The Era, 25 September and 2 October 1918, listed How Do You Like It as On The Road from 30 September at the Pav., Weymouth.
7 Oct 1918 Opera House, Torquay Professional
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The Era, 2 October 1918, listed How Do You Like It as On The Road from 4 October [sic – 7 October?] at the O.H., Torquay. An advertisement for the revue in The Era, 16 October 1918, said: ‘Excellent Co. Refer to Torquay last week’.
28 Oct 1918 Theatre Royal, Barnsley Professional
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The Barnsley Independent, 26 October 1918, advertised at the Theatre Royal, Barnsley on Monday 28 October and during the week ‘Mrs. Kimberley & Frank Liston Present Mrs. Kimberley’s Topical Skit Revue – How Do You Like It. Special Company, headed by Ruby Kimberley, Ruby Bradford, Tom H. Solly, Sid Dean, Lil [sic] Clifford, Eric Wingfield, Fred Bentley, Louis Gaye, Five Weetmans, Speciality Dancers. Full Chorus, Farmyard Animals, etc. Special Scenery and effects’. Also: ‘How do you Like it ? the revue which Mrs. Kimberley and Mr. Frank Liston are producing at the Theatre this week is a very pleasing show. Miss Ruby Kimberley, Miss Ruby Bradford, Miss Lill Clifford, and Mr. Eric Wingfield sing splendid songs, and the comedy element is in the capable bands of Messrs. Tom H. Solly and Louis Gaye. Other parts are well alloted [sic], the Five Weetmans are excellent dossers. and malty specialities are introduced’ (Barnsley Independent, 2 November 1918).
18 Nov 1918 Hippodrome, Stoke-on-Trent Professional
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‘“How Do You Like It? – or Keeping On” is the title of the revue presented by Mrs. Kimberley and Mr. Frank Liston at the Stoke Hippodrome this week. The narrative concerns scenes at a W.A.A.C.s’ [i.e. a Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps’] recruiting office, a farm with land girls, a dug-out wherein letters from home give rise to very mixed emotions, and a room in a hotel forming a rendezvous of reunion and rejoicing. Ruby Kimberley excels both as an officer and as the girl he left behind him, and sings acceptably in “I may be gone for a long time” and “For me and my girl”; and Eric Wingfield, as Bertie, scores unmistakably with “Floating with my boating girl” and “When the bells of peace are ringing.” There are some really brilliant speciality dances by the Five Weetmans and Gertie Wingfield, whilst the amusing nonsense at the farm and bivouac is generously subscribed to by Sid Dean, Fred Round and Reggie Dingle. Other highly popular items are contributed by Lill Clifford and Ruby Bradford, and there a variety of well-conceived concerted numbers and spectacular demonstrations which both reflect and anticipate the dominant sentiments of the times. There will be a matinee on Thursday at 2.30 for wounded soldiers’. Staffordshire Sentinel, 19 November 1918.
25 Nov 1918 Theatre Royal, Worthing Professional
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‘An alternative title is provided for the revue that is being presented at the Theatre this week. Keeping On is its main description, whilst the supplementary name is How Do You Like It? If we may judge from the merry laughter that was extorted from the occupants of pit and gallery on Monday evening, on the occasion of the introductory performance, then we may interpret the judgment as “Very much indeed!” The revue is the work of Mrs. Kimberley, dramatic author and Lessee of the Grand Theatre at Brighton, and the Company engaged in its representation is jointly controlled by herself and Mr. Frank Liston. Of the four acts the second and fourth are the more picturesque, the one representing a farmyard and the other a room in a hotel after the War; whilst the third is a dug-out, and is admittedly a skit on “The Better ‘Ole.” Humour, tunefulness, and dancing are provided in abundance, the principal characters consisting of Miss Ruby Kimberley (a dainty performer), Mr. Reggie Dingle, Mr. Sid Dean, Miss Ruby Bradford, Miss Lil [sic] Clifford, and Messrs. Eric Wingfield, Fred Bentley, and Fred Round. There is one lady of a grotesque type and another possessed of most massive charms, and her appearance in the guise of a little girl was received with shrieks of laughter. Mr. Wilfred Knowles is the Musical Director, the Chorus being a capable one; and a distinctive feature is the zestful dancing of the Five Weetmans, the youngest members of the Company. Several of the musical numbers were applauded with the greatest enthusiasm, these including “A Long, Long Time,” “Smoke Clouds,” “When the Peace Bells Ring,” “When the Red, Red Dawn is Shining,” and “The Bells are Ringing”’. Worthing Gazette, 27 November 1918.
2 Dec 1918 Her Majesty's Theatre, Walsall Professional
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Advertised in the Walsall Observer, 30 November 1918 as Keeping On, ‘Mrs. Kimberley’s Topical Skit Revue … Written by Mrs. Kimberley. Special Company, headed by Ruby Kimberley, Ruby Bradford, Reggie Dingle, Lill Clifford, Eric Wingfield, Fred Bentley, Five Weetmans, Speciality Dancers, Fred Round, Sid Dean. Full Chorus, Farmyard Animals, etc. Special Scenery & Effects’.