The Soldier's Divorce
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
In this little melodrama most of the characters are in the army or in love with men who are. The heroine, Brenda, is married to a soldier Charley, who before he married had flirted with the villainess, Nita, who in revenge gets up a plot with Bob to make the latter figure as Brenda's lover during Charley's absence. Thus it comes to pass that on Charley's return he finds his wife, who has been drugged by Nita, apparently drunk and with Bob in her bedroom. Thereupon Charley divorces the innocent Brenda, who with the rest of the dramatis personae presently reappears in or near the trenches abroad. There Charley learns through Nita's confession of the wrong which he has done his wife, and at the entreaty of their son he proposes re-marrying Brenda. She however refuses him and becomes the wife of her worthier old admirer Harry, while Charley expiates his unfaith by his death. Harmlessly effective in its crude conventional way: and recommended for licence. Ernest A. Bendall
Licensed On: 2 Sep 1918
License Number: 1750
Genre(s):
Keyword(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1918/15
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66197 W
Performances
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11 Sep 1918 | Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton | Unknown | Licensed Performance |
11 Sep 1918 | Grand, Wolverhampton | Professional |
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Mrs. F.G. Kimberley's New Dramatic Success "A Soldier's Divorce" The Greatest War Lesson of 1918 by a Great Author. Copy of letter sent by six soldiers to F.G. Kimberley. Dear Sir, Six soldiers wish to thank you for an evening enjoyment. It's the first play we have seen that is real. It is a treat to see real soldiers on the stage. Let us have something like it again. (Signed Harold Johnson and friends) From the Rev. J.A.Shaw and Friends. Dear Mr.Kimberley, I feel I must write a few words of appreciation to you on the production of the fine Drama, "A Soldier's Divorce"... will add to the fame of the distinguished authoress. What I would like particularly to say is that the moral emphasis is in the right place. Nothing but good can come from the performance of plays of this healthy and lofty character. Yours faithfully, James A. Shaw (Rev. and M.A.) NOTE! This Play broke all Records by (20 pounds) at Wolverhampton on Saturday night) (The Era - Wednesday 25 September 1918)
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23 Sep 1918 | Pavilion, Liverpool | Professional |
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F.G.Kimberley's production of Mrs. F.G Kimberley's latest success "A Soldier's Divorce." It grips and is full of comedy. (The Era - Wednesday 25 September 1918)
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28 Oct 1918 | Hippodrome, Huddersfield | Professional |
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6.40 twice nightly 8.40 All the week Mr.F.G.Kimberley in "A Soldier's Divorce." (Huddersfield Daily Examiner - Friday 1 November 1918)
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11 Nov 1918 | Elephant and Castle Theatre, Elephant And Castle, London | Professional |
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Play, in Ten Scenes, by Mrs. F.G. Kimberley. Produced for the First Time in London at the Elephant and Castle Theatre, Monday, Nov.11. Harry Pearson Fred Edouin Charley Steel Frederick Scarth Billy Boy Dennis Clyde Bob Bentley Claude Sexton Private J. Thorpe Wm. Cloake Philip Steel May Harrop Nurse Alice Ethel Masterson Mary Ann Jennie Haydon Nita Lawson Annette Howard Brenda Steel Irene Atchinson "A Soldier's Divorce" originally saw light at the Grand, Brighton, the authoress' own theatre, on Bank Holiday last. Charley Steel, hastily ordered to France wishes his wife Brenda goodbye, with her son Philip. Bob Bentley, also in love with Brenda, covertly tries to win her affections; failing to do so, he solicits the help of Nita Lawson who madly loves Steel. The adventuress manages to drug the unfortunate wife, and Steel, when he arrives home on leave, finds Brenda in the same room as Bob Bentley. He places the worst construction on things and obtains a divorce. Brenda heartbroken leaves home with her son and becomes a nurse, and Philip joins the Army. After many humorous and exciting scenes all bearing on the plot. Charley is badly wounded, and with his son, sent into hospital where Brenda is nursing. Philip pleads to his mother to forgive his father, but meets with a refusal. In England once more, Charley takes to drink, and eventually dies from his wounds. Brenda is now made happy by her marriage to Harry Pearson the man who has loved her all through. Mr. Fred Erdouin did well as the manly Harry Pearson. Mr. Frederick Seath too praise should be given for his lifelike interpretation of the u nfortunate Steel. The un-English character of Bob Bentley found in Mr. Claude Seaton an adequate representative. Mr. Dennis Clyde, Mr. F. G.Kimberley's general manager gave a pleasing little sketch of Billy Boy, and another well-played part was that of the boy, Philip Steel, by Miss May Harrop, Miss Irene Atchinson played with much emotional power as the terribly wronged Brenda Steel; Miss Annette Howard scored a big success as the shows adventuress, Nita Lawson; Miss Jennie Haydon was a pleasing Mary Anne; Miss Ethel Masterson a typical hospital nurse, and Mr. Wm. Cloake completed a capital cast as Private J. Thorpe. (The Era - Wednesday 13 November 1918)
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25 Nov 1918 | Grand Theatre, Plymouth | Professional |
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Tonight 6.30 & 8.40. The successful new topical Drama. "A Soldier's Divorce" (Western Evening Herald -Monday 25 November 1918)
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22 Dec 1918 | Palace Theatre, Bordesley | Professional |
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6.30 & 8.30 Twice nightly. Next week F.G.Kimberley's Company in a Topical Drama. "A Soldier's Divorce." (Evening Despatch - Tuesday 17 December 1918)
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6 Jan 1919 | County Theatre, Shrewsbury | Professional |
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Twice nightly 6.50 & 8.50. Matinee Saturday 2.30. Mr. F.G. Kimberley presents Mrs F.G.Kimberley new Topical Play "A Soldier's Divorce." (Birmingham Daily Gazette - Thursday 9 January 1919)
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3 Feb 1919 | Hippodrome, Nuneaton | Professional |
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A Soldier's Divorce. Once nightly 7.45 Monday - Friday. Saturday 6.45 & 8.45. (Midland Counties Tribune - Friday 31 January 1919)
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10 Feb 1919 | Opera House, Coventry | Professional |
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Monday February 10 6 nights. 6.40 & 8.45. Matinee Thursday and Saturday 2.30. F.G.Kimberley presents Mrs F.G. Kimberley's new Topical Drama "A Soldier's Divorce." (Coventry Evening Telegraph - Saturday 8 February 1919)
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3 Mar 1919 | Theatre Royal, Sheffield | Professional |
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Tonight at 7pm "A Soldier's Divorce." (Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Friday 7 March 1919)
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10 Mar 1919 | Palace, Newcastle | Professional |
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6.45 & 8.50 Twice nightly. F.G.Kimberley number 1 Company in the Great Military Drama, "A Soldier's Divorce." Written on the Most Vital Topic of the Day by the Popular Authoress Mrs Kimberley. (Newcastle Evening Chronicle - Saturday 15 March 1919)
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17 Mar 1919 | Theatre Royal, Jarrow | Professional |
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For six nights only at 6.50 & 8.50. F. G. Kimberley presents Mrs. F. G. Kimberley new Topical Drama "A Soldier's Divorce." Special notice - owing to the Entertainment Duty the Prices of Admission (which includes the Tax) will be as follows: Gallery 3d, Pit 5d, Side Circle and Stalls 9d, Centre Circle 1/3 (Jarrow Express - Friday 14 March 1919)
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31 Mar 1919 | Royal Court Theatre, Wigan | Professional |
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A Soldier's Divorce a new or in the topical style of Mrs. F. G. Kimberley has proved very popular at the Royal Court Theatre this week. The story is one dealing with the inequality and unfairness of the law for men and women, and on many occasions some members of the audience expressed their agreement with the sentiments expressed, by a decided if rather amusing vehemence. Miss Una Steel took the part of the unhappy wife, and Miss Enid Edoni that of the scheming villainess. Mr. C. H. Astley as the villain, had but a small part. Mr. Paul Beckett appeared as the hero, and Mr. Percy Morton Wright as the bad-natured husband. Miss May Harrop acted well in the part of a loving son, and a refreshing amount of humour was introduced by Mr. Harry Harrop as "Billy." Miss Jennie Hayden as one of the WAAL's and Miss Ethel Masterton as 'Nurse Alice.' (Widnes Examiner Saturday 5 April 1919)
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5 May 1919 | Prince's Theatre, Bradford | Professional |
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A Soldier's Divorce (Yorkshire Evening Post - Saturday 10 May 1919)
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12 May 1919 | Grand Theatre, Nottingham | Professional |
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Each evening 7.15. F.G.Kimberley renowned Company Present the New Topical Drama: "A Soldier's Divorce." (Nottingham Journal - Saturday 10 May 1919)
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3 Jun 1919 | New Theatre, Northampton | Professional |
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6.35 & 8.40 Twice nightly Next week's F. G. Kimberley's great success "A Soldier's Divorce." (Northampton Chronicle and Echo - Wednesday 28 May 1919)
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23 Jun 1919 | Grand Theatre, Doncaster | Professional |
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6.50 twice nightly 9.00 Monday June 23 1919 F. G. Kimberley presents Mrs. F. G. Kimberley new Topical Drama entitled "A Soldier's Divorce." (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough and Swinton Times - Saturday 21 June 1919)
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15 Sep 1919 | Theatre Royal, Barnsley | Professional |
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The Great Money Maker Mr. F. G. Kimberley's Company "A Soldier's Divorce" The Topic of the Day. (The Era - Wednesday 17 September 1919)
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22 Sep 1919 | Northwich Pavilion, Northwich | Professional |
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The Great Money Maker Mr. F. G. Kimberley's Company "A Soldier's Divorce" The Topic of the Day. (The Era - Wednesday 17 September 1919)
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29 Sep 1919 | Public Hall, Runcorn | Professional |
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6.45 Twice nightly 9.00 Monday September 29 and during week. New Topical Drama entitled: "A Soldier's Divorce," by Mrs. F. G. Kimberley. With All- Star cast including Mr. Paul Beckett and Miss Mabel Scudamore. Time and prices as usual. (Runcorn Weekly News - Friday 26 September 1919)
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6 Oct 1919 | Her Majesty's, Walsall | Professional |
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Kimberley's "A Soldier's Divorce" arrived from Runcorn by road and opened at Her Majesty's. (The Era - Wednesday 8 October 1919)
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27 Oct 1919 | Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth | Professional |
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Twice nightly 6.15 & 8.30 This week "A Soldier's Divorce" (Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 31 October 1919)
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24 Nov 1919 | Grand Theatre, Mansfield | Professional |
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Next week Mr. F. G. Kimberley's Company will present the latest dramatic success from the pen of Mrs. F. G. Kimberley entitled "A Soldier's Divorce.' This is a story written of the men who fought for us and the women they left behind. A theme of the present-day often read of in the Press, but seldom depicted in the drama. Therefore it has the stamp of originality, and should make a direct appeal to lovers of the drama. The piece will be staged in Mr. Kimberley's usual style, and should leave nothing to be desired while the cast includes some well known dramatic artistes. It is some considerable time since one of Mr. Kimberley's Companies visited Mansfield, but theatre-goers will remember his name and the general excellence of his productions. (Mansfield Reporter - 21 November 1919)
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1 Dec 1919 | Hippodrome, Mexborough | Professional |
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6.50 & 9.00 Twice nightly. F. G. Kimberley's New Topical Drama "A Soldier's Divorce" by Mrs. F. G. Kimberley. Author of "The Little Grey Home in the West," "Just a Little Pair of Shoes," "A Spy in the Ranks." First class production. Full cast of Recognised Artistes. (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough and Swinton Times - Saturday 29 November 1919)
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8 Dec 1919 | Theatre Royal, Great Yarmouth | Professional |
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The new topical drama "A Soldier's Divorce" is being presented this week. It is written by Mrs. F. G. Kimberley considered to be her fines work. An excellent company interprets the play. The roles being taken as under, Charley Steele, Mr. Paul Beckett: Harry Pearman, Mr. Frank H. Fortescue; Billy Boy, Mr. W. C. Bland, Bob Bently, Mr. Dudley Hoard; Private S. (Yarmouth Independent - Saturday 13 December 1919)
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5 Jan 1920 | Palace Theatre, Maidstone | Professional |
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Record houses last Saturday night at Maidstone. Refer Management. Managers who are afraid of booking soldier shows are requested to refer to the management of following theatres re this play:- Grand, Mansfield; Prince's, Portsmouth; Vint's Palace, Llanelly; Grand, Walsall; T.R., Barnsley; T.R., Sheffield; Grand, Doncaster; T.R., Leicester; Prince's, Bradford; etc., re-twice nightly business. Met., Glasgow; T.R., York; T.R., Inverness; Grand, Nottingham; Grand, Falkirk; Yarmouth; Lowestoft, etc.; re once nightly. (The Stage - Thursday 15 January 1920) Six nights only 6.30 & 8.45 Twice nightly F.G. Kimberley presents Mrs. F. G. Kimberley New Topical Drama entitled "A Soldier's Divorce." (Kent Messenger & Gravesend Telegraph Saturday 03 January 1920)
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19 Jan 1920 | Hippodrome, Burslem | Professional |
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6.45 & 8.45 Twice nightly Tonight and during the week F .G. Kimberley presents Mrs. F. G. Kimberley New Topical Drama "A Soldier's Divorce." (Staffordshire Sentinel - Tuesday 20 January 1920)
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26 Jan 1920 | Grand Theatre, Nottingham | Professional |
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Each evening during next week The Attractive Play "A Soldier's Divorce." (South Notts Echo - Saturday 24 January 1920)
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8 Mar 1920 | New Theatre, Crewe | Professional |
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For 6 nights 6.45 & 9pm Twice nightly F. G. Kimberley presents the New Topical Drama entitled "A Soldier's Divorce." (Crewe Chronicle - 6 March 1920)
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31 May 1920 | Opera House, Dudley | Professional |
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Week commencing Monday May 31, 6.45 & 8.30 Twice nightly. F. G. Kimberley presents the New Topical Play "A Soldier's Divorce." (Dudley Chronicle - Saturday 29 May 1920)
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14 Jun 1920 | Grand Theatre, Luton | Professional |
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This week twice nightly at 6.45 & 9pm F. G. Kimberley presents the New Topical Drama entitled "A Soldier's Divorce." (Luton Reporter - Tuesday 15 June 1920)
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21 Jun 1920 | County Theatre, Bedford | Professional |
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Friday and Saturday last two nights of "A Soldier's Divorce." (Bedfordshire Times and Independent - Friday 25 June 1920)
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28 Jun 1920 | Theatre Royal, Leeds | Professional |
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Twice nightly 6.40 (Sat 6.30) & 8.45. An entirely new topical drama "A Soldier's Divorce." (Leeds Mercury - Tuesday 29 June 1920)
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22 Sep 1927 | Theatre Royal, Grantham | Professional |
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Mr. Kimberley has great pleasure in submitting at the end of next week his own play, "A Soldier's Divorce," which deals exclusively with scenes set "at home" and then "over there" during the years 1914-16. The story is heart-gripping, but far from being heavy provides ample scope and is providing some rich comedy. A very powerful setting is that of "No Man's Land." Throughout the show is dressed in khaki, the ladies appearing in the W.A.A.C. uniform. At great expense this play is being produced, and it is hoped there will be capacity houses. The performances will be given twice nightly at 6.45 and 8.45. (Grantham Journal - Saturday 24 September 1927)
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12 Mar 1928 | [No Theatre Listed], | Professional |
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6.30 & 8.45 twice nightly The Domestic Comedy Drama "A Soldier's Divorce" (Shields Daily Gazette - Tuesday 13 March 1928)
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23 Jul 1928 | Theatre Royal, Blyth | Professional |
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Next week Two Big Productions. "A Soldier's Divorce" and "The Little Grey Home in the West." (Blyth News - Thursday 19 July 1928)
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3 Oct 1929 | Theatre Royal, Grantham | Professional |
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Mr. Kimberley's own play. "A Soldier's Divorce." A very beautiful war-time story that will appeal to all - brimful of splendid comedy. (Grantham Journal - Saturday 28 September 1929)
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14 Aug 1930 | Pavilion, Leicester | Professional |
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Thurs/Fri/Sat. 6.40 & 8.55. (Thurs at 3pm) A Soldier's Divorce (Leicester Chronicle - Saturday 9 August 1930)
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