Jolly Times

‘“Jolly Times,” the musical revue which Mr Harry Goodson, by arrangement with Harry Day, presents for the first time on any stage at the Empire this week is full of good things. Prominent in it is that clever artist, Jos. Alexandre, and in “Jolly Times” he gives of his best. His military funny sayings and interludes are many and varied, and all the time he was on the boards the audience laughed hugely. He has a smart and whimsical ally in Billie Fiman who enters in the laughter-making items of the review with much zest. Striking features of “Jolly Times” are the many original war-time, clever details crowded into it. Florence Williams as a W.A.A.C. and Madge Merle as the canteen superintendent add considerably to the success of the performance and contribute several songs. Adrian Burgon as Private Malcomb sings well and successfully, and one of the most effective spectacular efforts is included with his much-applauded vocalisation of “The Brave Old Contemptibles.” There are many others who keep the vim and swing of the revue going merrily. Charles L. Vivian as the Major aids with ability in the unravelling of the little scheme running through it. A most effective scene is that of the Parisian dancing salon and cafe. Particularly funny was the semi-serious address in camp by Jos Alexandre and the accompanying .chorus of gentlemen. A capital full chorus aids in the presentment of the revue, which was remarkably well received last night and is likely to draw big houses during the week There are also in the programme Vesey and Campbell (cross-patter comedians) and the Topical Gazette. The matinee is on Wednesday’ (Western Daily Press, 19 November 1918). ‘The plot is not the chief asset in the revue, for though the Great War is referred to both in the past and present stage, and there is a dash of romance (the Hon. Owen Malcomb marries Julia in spite of her being on the stage and in spite of Lord Hugh Malcomb threatening to disinherit him if he does so) it is fun fast and furious that makes the appeal to the audience. Of course, Joe Alexandre trots out his concertina, but he can be forgiven, for he plays the accompaniment to “Lady Sue” sung by Mr Adrian Burgon, which is one of the most popular numbers of the performance. Sergt. Squibs is also armed with a whole arsenal of humorous gags that he fires off with a full measure of success. He also gets a whole procession of laughs in the Waiter stunt, in which he is ably seconded by Billie Fiman, very funny as Moppitup. Miss Dolly Vernon is a very amusing Muriel, and might with advantage be given more to do. As Julia, Miss Florence Williams is both dainty and dashing, and she scores well both with “Down in Borneo Isle” and “I’ve Been Walking Out with My W.A.A.C,” the full chorus very ably assisting the latter. Mr. Adrian Burgon has a picturesque part as the Hon. Owen Malcomb, and is heard to advantage in “Sometimes You Get a Good One,” as well as in his droll work with Miss Florence Williams. Mrs. Madge Merle scores all the time as Sadie Gerrard, and does not overdo her American accent, while no one in the revue has a more pleasing stage presence. She sings “Oh! Man” capitally, but her great hit is “I Don’t Want to Get Well.” Mr. Charles L. Vivian has a straight part as Lord Malcomb, and plays it on sound lines. There is a first-rate chorus, and the production, which is well dressed, should prove a winner’ (The Era, 20 November 1918, which noted that the book was by Harry Goring and John A. Howitt; the music was by Charles Moore and Max Darewski; and the cast was Billie Fiman, Dolly Vernon, Florence Williams, Adrian Burgon, Madge Merle, Chas. L. Vivian and Joe Alexandre). ‘Tickets for the Inquiry Bureau’s special “Recognition” matinée to discharged men at the Empire Saturday are limited by the seating capacity of the building, and the principle of “first come, first served,” must of necessity rule the distribution. The Empire has been placed at the disposal of the Bureau for the affair, and, further, the orchestra and staff are all generously giving their services in order to do honour to the men who did their share in the fighting in the early days. The programme will be provided by the “Jolly Times” Company, who are presenting such a successful show at the Empire this week’ (Western Daily Press, 22 November 1918).

‘Described as an entirely new musical burlesque, in seven scenes, by H. Goring and John A. Howitt, and with music composed and arranged by Max Darewski, Jolly Times made a first appearance before a London audience at the Middlesex on Monday evening. Let it be said at once that the so-called book, so far as it affects any plot or story, is practically non-existent. The general scheme of things is decidedly weak, and the various musical numbers are introduced solely upon their own isolated merits. The inhabitants, male and female, of the village of Winsea join the Colours; there are subsequent scenes in France, with a thin thread of love interest for the nominal hero and heroine, and that’s all there is to it, as our American friends would say. Jolly Times, in fact, might have been concocted three, or even four, years ago, when anything remotely resembling a revue passed muster among indulgent war-time audiences. The piping times of peace will surely demand better material’. The Stage, 28 November 1918, which named the cast as Jos Alexandre, Billie Fiman, Adrian Burgon, Florence Williams, Dolly Vernon, Madge Merle and Chares L. Vivian plus ‘a chorus of discharged soldiers, Waacs, Wrens, Wrafs, and so on’. The songs mentioned in the review were Down in Borneo Isle, I’ve Been Walking Out With My W.A.A.C. and Brave Old Contemptibles.

The Stage, 28 November and 5 December 1918, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 2 December at the H., Portsmouth.

The Stage, 5 and 12 December 1918, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 9 December at the E., Wolverhampton.

The Stage, 12 and 19 December 1918, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 16 December at the H., Southampton.

‘“Jolly Times” is making it a pulling week at the Hippodrome, Boscombe, this week. Harry Goodson is presenting Jos. Alexandre by arrangement with Harry Day in “Jolly Times,” an entirely new musical revue on incidents during the great war. An all star cast is headed by Jos. Alexandre who is the chief fun provider, and in addition to being an original comedian, is a good musician. He is supported by such well-known Boscombe favourites as Madge Merle, Florence Williams, Dorothy Vernon, Adrian Burgon, Chas. Lind, Vivian and Joseph Victor. The story opens in a Devonshire village. The extreme male and female population enlist in various forms of national importance. Later they are seen in the different occupations somewhere in France, which takes place in and around a canteen and deals chiefly with the lighter side of Tommy’s life. Now this revue is entirely different to any other that has ever visited this popular Boscombe house. There are also some very fine musical numbers and indeed it is a great show. There is also a very fine chorus of discharged soldiers, all of whom have done their bit. “Jolly Times” should be celebrated by all at the Hippo, this week’. Bournemouth Graphic, 27 December 1918.

The Stage, 27 December 1918 and 2 January 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 30 December at the E., Chatham. Also The Era, 1 January 1919.

The Stage, 2 and 9 January 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 6 January at the H., Southend. Also The Era, 8 January 1919.

The Stage, 9 January 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 13 January at the H., Brighton. Listed as a ‘musical burlesque’ in the Mid Sussex Times, 14 January 1919.

Advertised in the Fulham Chronicle, 17 January 1919: the cast included Jos Alexandre, Madge Merle (‘the Popular American Soubrette’), Florence Williams, John Doran, Joseph Victor, Dorothy Vernon, Chas. Lind-Vivian and a male chorus of discharged soldiers. Previewed in the West London Observer, 17 January 1919, with a profile of the ‘principal comedian’ in the show, Jos. Alexandre.

The Stage, 30 January 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 27 January at the H., Putney.

‘The music-halls have bright entertainments which cannot fail to please. “Jolly Times,” the new musical burlesque due at the Hippodrome, has in it that quaint humorist, Jos. Alexandre, who will best be remembered as the irrepressible partner of Alexandre and Hughes. A feature of the burlesque is a male chorus of discharged soldiers’ (Manchester Evening News, 8 February 1919). Advertised in the Manchester Evening News, 10 February 1919: the cast included Jos Alexandre, Madge Merle, Florence Williams, John Doran, Joseph Victor, Dorothy Vernon and C. Lind-Vivian. ‘Manchester Hippodrome. “Jolly Times” is a bright and exceptionally well-dressed musical revue, in which Joseph Alexandre figures prominently as fun maker. He is capably supported by Miss Dorothy Vernon, John Doran, and Joseph Victor. Miss Ina Hill, the well-known operatic vocalist, is also in the programme’. Manchester Evening News, 11 February 1919.

‘“Jolly Times,” a production on revue lines, presented at the Hippodrome, does not belie its title. With Mr. Jos. Alexandre in a full comedian’s part, the fun was continuous, and crowded audiences found compensation last night for the otherwise thin character of the revue in the boisterous good humour which he created. Almost continually on the stage. Mr. Alexandre - who will remembered as the senior of the well-known partnership. Alexandre and Hughes - was the pivot and inspiration of nearly all - but not quite all - that was best the in revue. Mr. Alexandre has a valuable working partner, and there was at least one other distinguishing feature in the dashing appearance of Miss Madge Merle, who, with fine stage presence and well-modulated voice, gave the accepted American effect to the songs “I don’t want to get well” and “Down Honolulu Way”’ (Yorkshire Evening Post, 18 February 1919). Reviewed in the Yorkshire Evening Post, 22 February 1919, with brief notes about Jos Alexandre, Joseph Victor and John Doran.

‘The Hippodrome has arranged an unusually attractive programme with the entirely new musical burlesque entitled “Jolly Times,” which includes some incidents of the Great War. James (sic) Alexandre is responsible for the fun, and is ably supported by a capable company and a chorus of discharged soldiers. There is also a variety turn, “Black and White,” a musical mystery – a doll that plays a concertina’ (Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 21 February 1919). ‘Some of the humours of the war are very cleverly presented at the Hippodrome in “Jolly Times,” the new musical burlesque, and are appreciated by both Tommy and civilian. The scenes are typical, and the artistes, especially Joseph Victor as Lce-cpl. Moppitup, and Jos. Alexander as Corpl. Squibbs, soon win the approbation of all; while Madge Merle, American soubrette, is at once a favourite' (Sheffield Independent, 25 February 1919). ‘“Jolly Times” at the Hippodrome was warmly received by crowded “houses” last night. “Jolly Times” is a very cleverly-produced musical comedy of a rather novel type, presented by Harry Goodson. The excellent company includes Jos. Alexandre, Dorothy Vernon, John Doran, Madge Merle, Gertie Hall, and Ellis J. Preston, all of whom fulfil their respective parts with considerable skill. There is a strong chorus, pretty scenery, and the songs are excellently rendered' (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 25 February 1919). A scene from Jolly Times was performed at a matinée at the Sheffield Hippodrome on 1 March in aid of the King’s Fund whose purpose was to give disabled soldiers and sailors a fresh start in civil life (Sheffield Independent and Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 March 1919).

‘Tommy’s cheerfulness helped him through many weary days while the fighting was on, and it is just that spirit of cheerfulness which Mr. H. G. Goring has been able to interpret in his music-hall comedy, “Jolly Times.” It was produced at the Hippodrome, Newcastle, last night and proved in every way acceptable. The music is an arrangement by Max Darewski, and is characteristic of his vigorous style at its best, and the playlet is made up of a series of highly entertaining duologues, dances, songs and choruses, all of which fit in like the pieces of a jigsaw. Mr. Joseph Alexandre, with his dry humour and infectious laugh, is naturally funny in the role of Corporal Squibby, and he has an admirable pal in Mr. Joseph Victor. The love element is introduced by Mr. John Doran and Miss Gertie Hall, both of whom sing with good effect, and Miss Madge Merle combines something of classical dancing with ragtime singing, with an effect that is altogether charming, incongruous as may seem the combination Miss Dorothy Vernon and Mr. Ellis J. Preston also leave nothing wanting in their respective roles, and a word must be given to the glee singing in billets, led by Mr. Alexandre’s concertina. The last scene is a fine example of artistic staging, in which a large beauty chorus is seen to advantage. The war has produced few outstanding songs, but among those of which more might be heard is “Brave Old Contemptibles,” sung by Mr. Doran, and “It’s a Long Way No Longer,” in which he is joined by Miss Hall and the chorus. Also appearing at the Hippodrome are Will Lacey, a favourite comedy cyclist, and Marcelle Molray, soprano vocalist. The cinematograph pictures show, among other topical events, scenes at the wedding of Princess Patricia’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 4 March 1919).

The Stage, 6 March 1919, listed Jolly Times, Culpitt and the Mezuno Family in Calls For Next week at the Liverpool Hippodrome. Advertised in the Liverpool Echo, 10 March 1919, mentioning the popular revue comedian Jos. Alexandre in Jolly Times, Culpitt the magical comedian and the celebrated Mezuno Troupe.

‘The whole of the bill at the Devonport Hippodrome this week is occupied by Mr. Harry Goodson’s revue “Jolly Times,” which last night maintained two full houses in a constant state of merriment. Mr. H. Goring is responsible for the book of “Jolly Times,” which is a series of war incidents and skits strung together after the manner of revues. It is well produced by Mr. John A. Howitt, and the company is a strong one, the principals and chorus alike being of a high standard. In Jos. Alexandre and Joseph Victor the company has two capable comedians, the former as Corpl. Squibbs being clever at patter and bubbling over with quaint sayings, whilst Mr. Victor is as successful in producing fun in his own particular style. The lady principals are extremely popular, Miss Florence Williams, as a W.A.A.C., possessing a charming and naive manner, whilst her singing of “I’ve been walking out with my W.A.A.C.” and “Down on the farm,” among other numbers, was thoroughly enjoyable. Miss Madge Merle possesses a voice which was heard to particular advantage in “Down Honolulu way” and “I don’t want get well,” and she successfully portrayed the character of a nurse. Mr. Peter McSweeney, who takes the leading male part, has a voice of excellent quality, which was greatly appreciated in “Brave old contemptibles,” “ It’s a long way, no longer,” and an Irish song. Mr. Ellis J. Preston made a good colonel, and Miss Dorothy Vernon capably represented the part of Muriel. The finale, dancing and café in Paris, was an exquisite scene, and beautifully staged, the dresses and effects being most artistic and pretty. Another attractive scene was the outpost, at which Messrs. J. Alexandre and Victor and Miss Merle sang popular ditties’. Western Morning News, 25 March 1919.

The Stage, 27 March 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 31 March at the Oly., Shoreditch; and listed Harry Goodson’s Jolly Times, Orpheus and Rosie Lloyd in Calls for Next Week at the Shoreditch Olympia.

The Era, 2 April 1919, advertised Harry Goodson presents Jos. Alexandre in Jolly Times, with Alexandre and Daisy Griff, at the Poplar Hippodrome in the week commencing 7 April.

‘By arrangement with Mr. Harry Day, the new musical burlesque, “Jolly Times,” will be presented as next week’s attraction at the Chiswick Empire. That quaint humorist, Jos. Alexandre, is principal comedian. He will be remembered best as the irrepressible senior partner of Alexandre and Hughes … For “Jolly Times,” Max Darewski has composed the music, and the dances are by Millie Edgar. Quite a big bunch of pretty principals appear in this production, which is in seven scenes, and they include Madge Merle, Adrian Burgon, Dorothy Vernon, Florence Williams, and Charles Lind-Vivian. There is a male chorus of discharged soldiers’. Marcelle Molray, the Belgian operatic soprano, was also on the bill (Acton Gazette, 11 April 1919). Advertised as ‘the second edition of the big production Jolly Times’ in the West London Observer, 11 April 1919. Advertised as the ‘second edition’, with ‘book by H. G. Goring’, in the Middlesex County Times, 12 April 1919.

Noted in The Stage, 24 April 1919: ‘In “Jolly Times” Joe Alexandra (sic) works hard and with success. Jack Byrne and Glory Devon and Gilda Gordon provide the variety turns’.

‘Mr Harry Goodson’s fine scene revue, “Jolly Times,” bears a most appropriate title, and the fact that a strong military element is introduced should enhance its reputation. Of the five scenes three are laid “Somewhere France,” and the characteristic cheeriness of Tommy Atkins under all conditions is admirably presented. The final scene, “A Dancing Saloon and Cafe in Paris,” is notable on account of the beautiful dresses, which are essentially Parisian. The laughter maker of the production Joe. Alexandre, who is seen as Squibby Brown (afterwards Corporal Squibbs). He is a genuine trench humourist, and would do credit to Bruce Bairnsfather’s famous “Old Bill.” Mirth runs riot when Squibby’s irate Colonel, Lord Hugh Malcombe, finds him rather unsteady on his feet owing to having indulged none too wisely, but too well. Joe. Alexandre has an admirable partner in Joseph Victor, who appears in the role of Lance-corporal Moppitup. The “star” vocalist of the revue was undoubtedly Peter McSweeney (Pte. and Hon. Owen Malcombe), who is a gentleman ranker. His song praising the old contemptibles of 1914 is exceptionally well rendered, and evokes much applause. “It’s a long way no longer” also received the plaudits of the appreciative audience. A fascinating “Waac” is Florence Williams, who gives “Down on the farm” and “I’ve been walking out with my Waac.” Sadie Gerrard (an American) sees Madge Merle to advantage. Her songs are given with a strong American accent, and she also excels as a “Jazz” dancer. Dorothy Vernon as Muriel, the canteen girl, is successful’. Hull Daily Mail, 29 April 1919.

‘Harry Goodson presents here [the Alhambra, Barnsley] “Jolly Times,” played twice nightly. There are seven scenes, all excellently staged and dressed. The cast includes Madge Merle, Dorothy Vernon, Ellis J. Preston, Joseph Victor, Florence Williams, Peter McSweeney, and Jos. Alexandre, who are all excellent. The male chorus of discharged soldiers and the augmented orchestra, under the direction of J. Humphries, add to the success of the performance’. The Stage, 8 May 1919.

The Stage, 8 May 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 12 May at the Hip., Ilford; and listed Harry Goodson’s Jolly Times, Rene Ralph and the Rae Duo in Calls for Next Week at the Ilford Hippodrome.

The Era, 14 May 1919, advertised Harry Goodson presents Jolly Times (cast includes Madge Merle, Joe Victor and Jos. Alexandre), with Rene Ralph, at the Islington Empire in the week commencing 19 May.

The Stage, 22 and 29 May 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 26 May at the Grand, Clapham.

The Stage, 29 May and 5 June 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 2 June at the Emp., Croydon. Also listed in Calls For Next Week with Marjorie Fulton and J. P. Ling. Noted in The Era, 4 June 1919.

The Stage, 12 June 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 16 June at the Hip., Balham; and listed Harry Goodson’s Jolly Times, Maisie Ayling and Hal Bert in Calls For Next Week at the Balham Hippodrome.

The Stage, 26 June 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 23 June at the H., Lewisham.

The Stage, 3 July 1919, listed Jolly Times as On Tour from 7 July at the E., Hackney. ‘Jolly Times occupies most of the current programme at Hackney, and meets with warm approval. Jos. Alexandre is the principal merrymaker, and acquits himself nobly with the able assistance of Joseph Victor, whose lighter method is none the less effective. Madge Merle’s piquant American style and unusually deep voice mark her out for distinction. Peter McSweeney sings well as Owen, whose sweetheart, Julia, is played with spirit by Florence Williams. Dorothy Vernon gets a deal of quaint comic business out of Muriel, and Chas. Lind Vivian is well cast as the Colonel’. The Stage, 10 July 1919.

The Era, 9 July 1919, advertised Harry Goodson presents Jolly Times (cast includes Madge Merle, Joe Victor and Jos. Alexandre), with Edie Day and Ted Saunders, at the Woolwich Hippodrome in the week commencing 14 July.

‘A strong attraction at the Kilburn Empire this week is the revue entitled “Jolly Times,” presented by Harry Goodson. A capital all- round company, lively music, pretty dresses, and an unlimited amount of fun combine to make it most enjoyable. Jos Alexander, in the rôle of Squibby Brown, proves immensely popular, and is splendidly supported by Joseph Victor as Moppitup. When these two artists are upon the stage fun is fast and furious. Peter McSweeney (Owen Malcombe) has a fine voice, of which he makes good use, while Charles Lind Vivian is seen to advantage as a fire-eating colonel. Madge Merle, as Sadie Gerrard, is endowed with a rich and melodious voice, combined with a dashing style; she makes one of the hits of the evening. Florence Williams has, in Julie, a part to which he is well suited. She has a pleasant manner, and possesses an agreeable voice, which is heard in several numbers of a taking character. Other parts are in capable hands. The piece was received with marked favour by Monday’s audience’. The Stage, 24 July 1919.

‘This week a revue, “Jolly Times,” is being staged at the Palace, and those present at the performances last night agreed that it was quite as refreshing as the title suggests. Presented by Harry Goodson, the revue deals with the more humorous incidents of the war, and much good fun has been got out of the hardships of the life near and on the battlefield. Fighting and non-combatant forces are all represented, either in leading roles or in the chorus, and practically no fault could be found with the staging. The revue has five scenes; one depicting an outpost on a battlefield, and another showing a dancing saloon and cafe in Paris are very effective. The chief part, that of Corporal Squibbs, was taken by Jos. Alexandre, and his humorous, happy-go-lucky style was greatly appreciated. Madge Merle, as Sadie Gerrard, an American, was also good, particularly in the songs, “Everything is peaches down in Georgia,” and “Have a smile.” Florence Williams, as a W.A.A.C., was very charming, and Peter McSweeney was accorded much applause for his singing of “Brave old Contemptibles.” Charles Lind Vivian, as a crusty old Colonel, and Joseph Victor, as Lance-Corporal Moppitup, the bosom friend of Squibbs, were also commendable. The dancing was well above the ordinary, and the dresses really fascinating. Harry Moore, the famous newsboy paper manipulator, and the “Pathe Gazette,” were also highly appreciated. The pianos and organs used in the performances are supplied by Wm. H. Russell and Son, 7, London-road’ (Leicester Daily Post, 29 July 1919). ‘An extremely hearty welcome was accorded the first appearance in Leicester on Monday evening of the “Jolly Times,” which occupied practically the whole of the bill at the Leicester Palace Theatre, and the production should certainly draw large houses during the remainder of the week. The piece is full of most laughable incidents, pretty music, catchy songs and graceful dancing, besides which it as very well staged. There are five scenes, the first being the village of Winsea, the others being laid in France, the best probably being the last, a dancing saloon and cafe in Paris. All the parts are particularly well enacted. As Squibby Brown, afterwards Corporal Squibbs, Joe Alexandre keeps the audience in roars of laughter practically the whole time he is on the stage, and he has an excellent foil in Joseph Victor as Lance-Corporal Moppitup, his pal. Peter McSweeney, an aristocratic private, has a very fine voice, and sang “Annie Laurie” and “Now you’ve come back” with great expression. The ladies, too, were extremely good. Dorothy Vernon as Muriel was very winsome. Florence Williams, a W.A.A.C., sang nicely, whilst Madge Merle as Sadie Gerrard, an American. was very good in American song and dance. There is a strong and pretty chorus, and the dresses are very attractive. The only other turn on the bill is given by Harry Moore, the famous newsboy paper manipulator, always a favourite here’ (Leicester Journal, 1 August 1919).

‘The attractive holiday programme at the Old Market Street House this week [the Empire] drew capacity houses last night. The musical burlesque “Jolly Times” heads the bill, and is quite in keeping with its title, for during the time that the five scenes are being unfolded merriment abounds. Joseph Alexandre who takes a leading part in the play was given a cordial welcome on his reappearance in Bristol last night: he has an able ally in Joseph Victor, and their funny business kept the audience in continuous good humour. There are others who have leading parts, including Madge Merle and Peter McSweeney, who add to the vim of “Jolly Times.” The billet scene is one calculated to make a doleful man smile. As “Sergt. Squibbs” Joseph Alexandre has a part that suits him admirably, and he gets a whole budget of fun out of this camp episode, and “Mopp it up,” Joseph Victor is a smart partner with him. There is some nice male voice singing in this scene and also a very tuneful solo by Peter McSweeney. The last named artist has also other good songs, and the house applauded him very heartily for his vocalisation of “Brave old contemptibles,” to which there is added effective tableaux. Another vocalist who much pleased is Madge Merle, whose songs, “Everything is peaches down in Georgia,” and “Have a smile” were particularly well received. The lady who plays the part of “Mopp it up’s Wife,” and Cassie King as “Muriel,” Chas. Vivian as “Lord Malcombe” are others in the cast who add to the success of the burlesque. In the “outpost scene” there is a very laughable interlude by Joseph Alexandre and Joseph Victor, and this is followed by an effective “dancing saloon” scene. In addition to “Jolly Times ‘ there are varieties by Arthur Seaten, who is a smart whistler and raconteur; Jenny Robbins sings two taking songs, and the Topical Gazette is also in the interesting programme. The matinée is on Wednesday’. Western Daily Press, 5 August 1919.

Previewed in the Nottingham Journal, 9 August 1919, which noted that ‘with a chorus composed of discharged soldiers, there is a strong military interest in “Jolly Times”’. ‘Delightful music, the whimsicalities of the comedian, homely as well as catchy songs, and a strong chorus, beautifully dressed, constitute the success of “Jolly Times!” at the. Hippodrome this week. Presented by Mr. Harry Goodson, the revue features Joseph Alexandre, the comedian with an unlimited source of original humour, as the leader of a merry band. The revue is not without its strata of sentiment, and this is mainly sustained by the rich voice of Peter McSweeney, who scores chiefly in his stirring rendering of “Brave Old Contemptibles.” The only individual turn in the Hippodrome’s programme is Larry Lewis, a very amusing comedian’ (Nottingham Journal, 12 August 1919). ‘“Jolly Times,” a revue depicting incidents in the war, is promised a good run at the Royal Hippodrome. Joseph Alexandre as a funny corporal made the audience rock with laughter last night, being just the type of comedian Nottingham people seem to appreciate. For the rest, the ladies - Florence Williams, Cassie King, and Madge Merle - lend the necessary “go” to the production and Peter McSweeney sings admirably. There is no melancholy note in the war reminiscences so that the revue can claim to be up to date, though is almost entirely a khaki show’ (Nottingham Evening Post, 12 August 1919).

‘A second edition of “Jolly Times” is winning great favour here [the Alhambra, Glasgow], with Jos. Alexandre, Madge Merle, Joseph Victor, and others in the cast. Hymack also is billed in his clever business, and the Four Finales give a good act’. The Stage, 28 August 1919.

‘Mirth and music are combined in a clever manner in “Jolly Times,” a revue descriptive of the great war, which attracted crowded houses to the Hippodrome on Monday ... he star performer is Mr. Jos. Alexandre, who as Squibby Brown is the life and soul of camp life, and in other ways demonstrates his versatility. The various people in the sheltered village of Winsea find themselves in France for the war, and how some of them secured the transfer it would be hard to explain. The fact remains they get there to help or hinder in the war, as the case may be. Corporal Squibbs is one of the helpers, for he accepts all the terrors of the conflict as a comic side show, and he is far more upset by the little difficulties of life than live shells and bombardments. One of the best scenes is undoubtedly “The Billet,” for here a number of soldiers are heard harmonising to the strains of concertina played by Corporal Squibbs. They sing with great effect a delightful lullaby among other items. Fun is fast and furious in the dry canteen which is introduced in the next scene, and there is an amusing love affair between Corporal Squibbs and a pretty American nurse. The end arrives at a dancing saloon and cafe in Paris, Corporal Squibbs having decided by this time that Paris “knocks spots” off Blighty, and there is no need to return to that far-famed place ... Mr. Alexandre is well backed in every way by Mr. Joseph Victor as Lance-corporal Moppitup, who is another big success in the show. Mr. Peter McSweeney as a man of title who enlists as a private, is also to the fore, and he has a light tenor voice which is heard to advantage in every scene. The lady principals have been well chosen, and Miss Florence Williams is one of the daintiest of artistes, and a pleasing singer in addition. One of her items is “Down on the farm,” which is a popular song of the moment. Miss Madge Merle also warbles some of the latest successes with excellent effect. The beauty chorus makes a brave show, and there is an augmented orchestra for the occasion, under the direction of Mr. J. Humphries’ (Derby Daily Telegraph, 9 September 1919). ‘Another good thing is produced at the Hippodrome during the present week, namely, Mr. Harry Goodson is presenting Joe Alexandre’s “Jolly Times,” or incidents in the great war. The book is by H. G. Goring, the dances by Millie Edgar, and the piece is produced by Charles Henry. As in most revues, there is not much in the plot, which has simply to do with the fortunes of a loving couple who are plighted to wed each other. The young man, the Hon. Owen Malcombe (Mr. Peter McSweeney) has a guardian uncle in the person of Lord Hugh Malcombe, afterwards Col. Malcombe (Mr. Charles Lind Vivian), who forbids the marriage because the girl (played Miss Florence Williams) is merely a painted actress. His lordship has never seen her, but during his military duties he meets her as a member of the W.A.A.C., and himself falls in love with her. She refuses, explaining that her true love is a private in the army, but that his uncle will not allow them to marry. The colonel threatens what he would like to do to the uncle, and then he makes the discovery that he himself is the cruel relative and his nephew, a private soldier, is the girl’s fiancée. Much of the fun is provided by Mr. Jos. Alexandre as Squibley Brown, who becomes Corporal Squibbs, and Mr. Jos. Victor as Moppitup, the landlord of The Old Apple Tree, who also joins up. As Muriel, Miss Cassie King is very good, whilst as “Sadie Gerard,” an American, Miss Madge Merle is real smart. In the second scene, entitled “The Billet,” there is some capital singing by the male members of the company, who appear in khaki. They are accompanied by Mr. Alexandre on the concertina, of which he is a very capable player. In the canteen scene (somewhere in France) Miss Williams and Miss Merle sing some pleasing numbers, whilst Mr. McSweeney gives a fine rendering of “Brave Old Contemptibles.” Scene four is an outpost, where Squibbs and Moppitup are visited by the nurse (Miss Merle), and Squibbs does a little love-making. The last scene, a dancing saloon in Paris, is very fine. Squibbs having been demobbed, now turns waiter, and there is real fun between him and Moppitup, who is supposed to be a visitor. In this scene Miss Florence Williams sings “Down on the Farm” with great effect, whilst Miss Madge Merle is warmly applauded for her song, “Down Honolulu Way.” Another good musical item is the one entitled “It’s a long way, no longer,” by Mr. McSweeney and Miss Florence Williams and full company’ (Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, Saturday 12 September 1919).