Great War Theatre

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

The sub-title of this play is 'a Soldier's Love Child’, but we are not troubled with arguments about illegitimacy and the play proceeds on the ordinary lines of melodramatic mischance. Raymond is a bailiff on an estate and a self-righteous old tyrant. His daughter is courted by the Squire but prefers Stockley, a farmer. Stockley, who has joined the army and is on leave and soon to go to the front, wishes to marry at once. Raymond refutes his consent on the grounds that such a proceeding would be unseemly, but adds - most unwisely - that the only reason which could make him consent to such a marriage would be if it were to save his daughter's good name. Stockley persuades the girl to spend a night at his farm, meaning to marry her at once, having forced Raymond's hand. Unfortunately, early the next morning he is ordered to the front. The girl is going to have a baby when his death is announced; her brute of a farther is going to turn her out, but the Squire renews his offer and she consents for the child's sake. A year passes and Stockley, whose reported death was a mistake, turns up. The Squire, meanwhile, has disgusted his wife with his bad conduct, and she is ready to leave him for Stockley, but he refuses to give up the child, who bears his name, and so she stays. A motor-accident clears up the situation, the Squire being killed. These events soften Raymond. That is all the play, except for the proceedings of a couple of cockneys, one of them a female villain, who are well done - and indeed the whole play is better written than most of such things. The lover's persuading the girl to give up her honour to force a consent to their marriage is not a pleasant idea, but there is nothing violent or indecent in the play, and the moral, which is the harm of a man's irrationally tyrannizing over his family, is a good one. I do not think anyone could reasonably object to the play and it is Recommended for license. G. S. Street.

Licensed On: 22 Jun 1915

License Number: 3528

Author(s):

Genre(s):

British Library Reference: LCP1915/16

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66102 BB

Performances

Date Theatre Type
12 Jul 1915 Pavilion, Liverpool Unknown Licensed Performance
9 Aug 1915 Royal Osborne Theatre, Manchester Professional
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Twice nightly. Will Glaze's dramatic success ('Manchester Evening News, 9 August 1915, p.1)
16 Aug 1915 Hippodrome, Salford Professional
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Twice nightly. Will H. Glaze presents his Great Problem Play ('Manchester Evening News', 16 August 1915, p. 1)
23 Aug 1915 Hippodrome, Preston Professional
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The play is one of exceptional power and grip, dealing with the highly topical problem of the soldier's love child. It carries with it the moral, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." The delicate theme is dealt with by a master hand, in such a way as not to offend the susceptibilities of the ultra self-righteous, but it is a distinct effort on modern lines to break down the uncharitable barrier which the "unco guid" erect against all who overstep the strict line of sex intimacy. ('Preston Herald', 21 August 1915, p. 4)
30 Aug 1915 Hippodrome, Accrington Professional
6 Sep 1915 King's Theatre, Longsight, Manchester Professional
13 Sep 1915 Palace, Newcastle Professional
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... a story of deep human interest, founded upon one of the social problems of the present day. The title part will be taken by Miss Betty Seymour, who will be supported by a capable company. ('Newcastle Journal', 11 September 1915, p. 5) Note: It is likely that the company was Will. H. Glaze's.
27 Sep 1915 Prince's Theatre, Bradford Professional
4 Oct 1915 Theatre Royal, Leeds Professional
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Discipline, like many other methods of regulating principle, is only applicable to the domestic hearth in limited measure, and not when it approaches harsh and pitiless severity of manner, if it is to be advantageous as a governing factor. Such is the intended lesson of "John Raymond's Daughter" at the Theatre Royal this week. ('Yorkshire Evening Post, 5 October 1915, p. 3) Performed twice nightly and matinee on Tuesday
25 Oct 1915 Palace Theatre, Rochdale Professional
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"John Raymond's Daughter" which is played by Mr. Will H. Glaze's company, has attracted large audiences to the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, Rochdale, this week. ('Rochdale Observer', 30 October 1915, p. 8)
8 Nov 1915 Rotunda, Liverpool Professional
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"John Raymond's Daughter," by that prolific young authoress, Miss Eva Elwes, comes to the Rotunda. It is one of those plays in which the hero and heroine "scout convention." There will be a special matinee on Wednesday. ('Liverpool Echo', 5 November 1915, p. 6)
14 Nov 1915 Hippodrome, Huddersfield Professional
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Twice nightly.
6 Dec 1915 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Professional
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It is not a very inspiring theme, and tends only to emphasise natural frailties. Still, the play is effective, and makes a strong appeal to the emotions, because one is bound to recognise the possibilities of such unfortunate domestic episodes. ('Birmingham Mail', 7 December 1915, p. 5) The play deals with a somewhat delicate problem involving the question of "War Marriages", but it is performed by a meritorious company, who treat the peculiar situations with the necessary restraint. ('Birmingham Daily Gazette, 7 December 1915, p. 7) Twice nightly and matinee on Wednesday.
20 Dec 1915 Theatre Royal, South Shields Professional
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... a play of great human interest ... ('Shields Daily News', 22 December 1915, p. 2)
27 Dec 1915 Theatre Royal, Aston Professional
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Twice nightly and matinee on Monday
10 Jan 1916 Theatre Royal, Sunderland Professional
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Twice nightly. 'There is no writer of plays more popular at the present time than Miss Eva Elwes, many of whose productions have been presented at the Theatre Royal by Mr Albert Sember's repertoire company. [It] is one of the latest of this lady's plays, and it is described as being one of the best she has written. It is a human story in which there is a deep domestic and love interest and there are many thrilling moments. The title part is to be filled by a new leading lady, Miss Nina Blake Adams, and the remaining parts will be in capable hands.' ('Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette', 8 January 1916, p. 5)
10 Jan 1916 Pavilion, Northwich Professional
17 Jan 1916 Victoria Theatre, Walthamstow Professional
24 Jan 1916 Theatre Royal, Stratford Professional
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Nightly, matinee on Monday. 'Originally produced as a twice-nightly play at the Pavilion, Liverpool, on July 26, 1915, John Raymond's Daughter after a successful provincial tour, was played in its entirety for the first time in the metropolitan district on Monday at Mrs C. Ellis-Fredericks's Angel Lane house. Eva Elwes has constructed a play fraught with particular interest at the present time. The plot, which displays originality, is well developed; the interest is sustained throughout, and the comic scenes are interpolated without retarding the action. Moreover the authoress should be congratulated upon the skilful handling of a theme that requires delicate and judicious treatment.' ('The Stage', 27 January 1916, p. 22)
31 Jan 1916 Hippodrome, Bilston Professional
7 Feb 1916 ?, Rushden Professional
10 Feb 1916 ?, Wellingborough Professional
14 Feb 1916 Metropole Theatre, Bootle Professional
21 Feb 1916 Grand Theatre, Nelson Professional
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'WILL H. GLAZE presents his latest play by Eva Elwes founded on the greatest problem of the present day. BETTY SEYMOUR as Flora Medway.' (Nelson Leader, 18 February 1916)
28 Feb 1916 Lyric, Hammersmith Professional
6 Mar 1916 Scala Theatre, Seacombe Professional
13 Mar 1916 Theatre Royal, Sheffield Professional
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Betty Seymour played Flora Medwin ('Sheffield Daily Telegraph', 14 March 1916, p. 3)
20 Mar 1916 Hippodrome, Altrincham Professional
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Cast included H. Ryeland-Leigh as John Raymond, Charles Kean as Harry Byefield, George Searle as Sergeant Stockley, Elsie Walton Hemming as Lillian Raymond, and Betty Seymour as Flora Medwin ('The Stage', 23 March 1916, p. 8)
3 Apr 1916 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
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Twice nightly.
10 Apr 1916 Elephant and Castle Theatre, London Professional
17 Apr 1916 Grand, Hartlepool Professional
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Twice nightly. No performance on Good Friday. 'A work with a strong military flavour running through it.' ('Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail', 18 April 1916)
24 Apr 1916 Grand Theatre, Radcliffe Professional
1 May 1916 Theatre Royal, Leigh Professional
8 May 1916 Empire Theatre, Shirebrook Professional
15 May 1916 Queen's Theatre, Longton Professional
22 May 1916 Theatre Royal, Barnsley Professional
29 May 1916 Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth Professional
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'It is a strong and intensely dramatic "problem" story, from which a good moral can be drawn, and riveted the attention of the audience throughout. The company is a very capable one. The plot is unfolded in seven scenes.' ('Portsmouth Evening News', 30 May 1916, p. 4)
9 Jun 1916 Theatre Royal, Chatham Professional
12 Jun 1916 Empire, Rotherham Professional
19 Jun 1916 Opera House, St Helen's Professional
26 Jun 1916 Alexandra Theatre, Hull Professional
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Performed twice nightly. 'Eva Elwes got very close to human nature when writing this play, which is well worth seeing.' ('Hull Daily Mail', 27 June 1916, p. 4)
3 Jul 1916 ?, Coalville Professional
12 Jul 1916 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
17 Jul 1916 Empire, Garston Professional
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"John Raymond's Daughter", a problem play, dealing with the stubbornness of the father, who, in his wrong interpretation of a "just man", brings nothing but trouble to all concerned, is admirably played. ('Liverpool Echo', 18 July 1916, p.4)
24 Jul 1916 Theatre Royal, Birkenhead Professional
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Twice nightly, no matinee.
20 Sep 1916 Palace Theatre, Bow Professional
25 Sep 1916 Her Majesty's Theatre, Walsall Professional
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Twice nightly. Performed by Her Majesty's Repertory Company of Talented Players ('Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle', 23 September 1916, p.6)
2 Oct 1916 Theatre Royal, Woolwich Professional
9 Oct 1916 Arcadia Theatre, Spennymoor Professional
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W.H. Glaze's No. 1 Company ('The Era', 11 October 1916, p.10) Performed twice nightly.
16 Oct 1916 Grand Theatre, Stockton Professional
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Performed twice nightly.
23 Oct 1916 Metropole Theatre, Glasgow Professional
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Full of thrilling, exciting, absorbing interest that will fill you with delight. Needs no superlative adjective to describe its intensity and emotion. ('Daily Record', 23 October 1916, p.2)
30 Oct 1916 Theatre Royal, North Shields Professional
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Twice nightly.
6 Nov 1916 Palace, Newcastle Professional
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Twice nightly. Will H. Glaze's No. 1 company ('Newcastle Journal', 6 November 1916, p.1)
13 Nov 1916 Grand Theatre, Nottingham Professional
20 Nov 1916 ?, Mountain Ash Professional
27 Nov 1916 Theatre Royal, Barnsley Professional
4 Dec 1916 Theatre Royal, Bristol Professional
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'The play tackles some of the greatest problems of the day and provides some very forceful arguments. Difficult topics are dealt with with extreme delicacy, and there is abundant food for thought which the vivid stage pictures will direct in the proper course.' ('Western Daily Press', 5 December 1916, p.3)
11 Dec 1916 Empire Theatre, Cradley Heath Professional
18 Dec 1916 ?, Caerphilly Professional
8 Jan 1917 ?, Pontypridd Professional
31 May 1917 Hippodrome, Hamilton Professional
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'... the author has shown wonderful foresight in delineating in such an interesting manner what undoubtedly will be the experience of many when the sword has been sheathed and peace again reigns. Mr Glaze's company, though small in numbers, is as good an all-round company as one could desire to see every artiste showing dramatic abilities of the highest order. The piece is easily followed, and its details permit of the several members exhibiting in marked degree histrionic proclivities which make drama pleasing and interesting throughout.' ('Hamilton Advertiser', 2 June 1917, p.2)
11 Jun 1917 Globe Theatre, Consett Professional
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Twice nightly
23 Jul 1917 Grand, Accrington Professional
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Presented by The Grand Theatre Stock Company ('The Era', 25 July 1917, p.9)
20 Aug 1917 Theatre Royal, Jarrow Professional
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Twice nightly.
3 Sep 1917 Theatre Royal, Leeds Professional
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Twice nightly, matinee on Tuesday. 'The author has displayed some originality in the weaving of the plot, and she makes the heroine's path pretty thorny before she reaches the customary happy ending.' ('Yorkshire Evening Post', 4 September 1917, p. 2)
1 Oct 1917 Palace, Derby Professional
15 Oct 1917 Alexandra Theatre, Pontefract Professional
5 Nov 1917 Palace, Newcastle Professional
19 Nov 1917 Hippodrome, Huddersfield Professional
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Twice nightly. All week except Friday. Friday night 'Honour the man you wed' also by Eva Elwes. ('Huddersfield Daily Examiner', 20 November 1917)
3 Dec 1917 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Professional
10 Dec 1917 Opera House, Coventry Professional
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Twice nightly, matinees on Thursday and Saturday.
18 Dec 1917 Junction, Manchester Professional
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Performed on Monday 17 December, Tuesday 18 December and Saturday 22 December. Twice nightly. 'Honour the man you wed' by Eva Elwes performed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. ('Manchester Evening News', 17 December 1917, p.1)
7 Jan 1918 Theatre, Bedford Professional
21 Jan 1918 Hippodrome, Huddersfield Professional
31 Jan 1918 Theatre Royal, Lincoln Professional
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Twice nightly.
4 Feb 1918 Opera House, Wakefield Professional
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Twice nightly.
25 Feb 1918 Grand Theatre, Plymouth Professional
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Produced by King and Parry's Stock Company. 'The drama, of which the author is Eva Elwes, has previously played at the theatre under the title of "A Soldier's Love Child," and that it is equally attractive under the new title there can be no doubt, judging by the enthusiastic reception accorded it by crowded houses last night. It portrays a story extremely popular with patrons of the theatre.' ('Western Morning News', 26 February 1918, p.3)
11 Mar 1918 Theatre Royal, Sheffield Professional
22 Apr 1918 Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth Professional
20 May 1918 Alexandra Theatre, Hull Professional
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Presented by the Watson Mill Stock Company
22 Jul 1918 Theatre Royal, South Shields Professional
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Twice nightly
2 Aug 1918 Globe Theatre, Consett Professional
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‘Good audiences at the Globe Theatre this week have been delighted with the entertainment, which consists of Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s No. 1 company in their latest and greatest play, “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” by Clifford Rean … By particular rejuest [sic], there will be produced on Friday (for one night only) that charming drama, “John Raymond’s Daughter,” which, in the hands of the company appearing at the Globe this week, should be an unqualified success’. Consett Guardian, Friday 2 August 1918.
6 Aug 1918 Theatre Royal, Jarrow Professional
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Twice nightly
30 Aug 1918 Grand Theatre, Halifax Professional
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The Halifax Evening Courier, Saturday 24 August 1918, advertised Clifford Rean’s ‘The Girl Who Changed Her Mind’ at the Grand Theatre and Opera House, Halifax, for the week beginning 26 August, with ‘John Raymond’s Daughter’ on the Friday.
6 Sep 1918 Hippodrome, Huddersfield Professional
1 Oct 1918 Theatre Royal, Barnstaple Professional
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Performed under the title 'Somewhere in France', a later title for 'John Raymond's Daughter' according to Allardyce Nicoll (1973) p.630. Advertised in the North Devon Journal, 26 September 1918, to be performed by Miss Maggie Morton’s company, with Clifford Rean’s ‘His Last Leave’ on Monday 31 September 1918.
3 Oct 1918 Corn Exchange, Spalding Professional
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The Spalding Guardian, 27 September 1918, advertised at the Spalding Corn Exchange on Monday-Wednesday, 30 September – 2 October, Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company in Clifford Rean’s ‘The Girl Who Changed Her Mind’; and on Thursday-Saturday, 3-5 October, the same company in ‘John Raymond’s Daughter’.
5 Oct 1918 Assembly Rooms, Yeovil Professional
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Performed under the title 'Somewhere in France', a later title for 'John Raymond's Daughter' according to Allardyce Nicoll (1973) p.630. Advertised in the Western Chronicle, 4 October 1918, to be performed by Miss Maggie Morton’s company by arrangement with Mr. Will H. Glaze, with Clifford Rean's 'the greatest play of the age' His Last Leave on 3 and 4 October 1918.
9 Dec 1918 Palace, Derby Professional
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Presented by Frank McClellan's Stock Company. Twice nightly.
20 Dec 1918 Hippodrome, Mexborough Professional
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‘The Hippodrome has been favoured with very big crowds this week, and the welcome accorded Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company in their latest play, “The Girl who Changed Her Mind,” has been decidedly enthusiastic and appreciative … Tonight (Friday), by special request, a beautiful drama, “John Raymond’s Daughter,” will be staged, and on Saturday “The Girl who Changed her Mind” will again be presented’. South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, Saturday 21 December 1918.
21 Feb 1919 Corn Exchange, Wallingford Professional
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Performed under the title 'Somewhere in France', a later title for 'John Raymond's Daughter' according to Allardyce Nicoll (1973) p.630. The Berks and Oxon Advertiser, 21 February 1919, advertised at the Corn Exchange, Wallingford: ‘Friday and Saturday, February 21st and 22nd. Two nights only. Miss Maggie Morton Presents by arrangement with Mr. Will H. Glaze’ Elva [sic - Eva] Elwes’s Somewhere in France on Friday evening, and The Girl Who Changed Her Mind on Saturday evening.
20 Mar 1919 King's Hall, Horsham Professional
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Billed for the week was Miss Maggie Morton's Co. in 'His Last Leave' on Monday and Tuesday, 'John Raymond's Daughter' on Wednesday and Thursday, and 'The Girl who Changed her Mind' on Friday and Saturday.('West Sussex County Times', 15 March 1919, p. 3)
5 May 1919 Town Hall, Buckingham Professional
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2 nights only. Miss Maggie Morton presents by arrangement with Mr. Will. H. Glaze. On Monday the great new production "John Raymond's Daughter." Tuesday "The Girl who Changed her mind." ('Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, 3 May 1919, p. 1)
16 Jun 1919 Grand Theatre, Southampton Professional
7 Jul 1919 Palace, Weston-Super-Mare Professional
14 Jul 1919 Pavilion, Llandrindod Professional
14 Jul 1919 King's Theatre, Oswestry Professional
21 Feb 1920 Theatre Royal, South Shields Professional
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Performed on Friday 21 February only.
5 Mar 1920 Theatre Royal, Smethwick Professional
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... on Friday Mr. Glaze will take the leading part in "John Raymond's Daughter". ('Birmingham Daily Gazette', 2 March 1920, p. 3)
11 Aug 1920 Globe Theatre, Consett Professional
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Produced by Will H. Glaze's company.
2 Oct 1920 Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth Professional
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W.H. Glaze Repertory Company. The piece for tonight is "John Raymond's Daughter," and "The Girl who Didn't Care" will be staged on Saturday. ('Hampshire Telegraph', 1 October 1920, p. 2)
25 Oct 1920 Theatre Royal, Stratford Professional
4 Feb 1921 New Theatre, Boston, Lincolnshire Professional
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Will H. Glaze's Repertory Company. 'His Mother's Rosary' also performed on Monday 28 February. ('Lincolnshire Standard and Boston Guardian', 26 February 1921, p. 8)
7 Mar 1921 Hippodrome, Bilston Professional
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Also presented during the week was 'His Mother's Rosary' by Eva Elwes. ('The Stage', 10 March 1921, p. 6)
21 Mar 1921 Hippodrome, Wednesbury Unknown
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Will H. Glaze's Repertory Company. Also presented during the week was 'His Mother's Rosary' by Eva Elwes. ('The Era', 23 March 1921, p. 20)
23 Apr 1921 Grand Theatre, Halifax Professional
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‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s principal repertory company is at the Grand Theatre, where they are to produce: Monday, “Mary, Latimer Nun”; Tuesday, “Hypocrisy”; Wednesday, “Her Honour at Stake”; Thursday, “His Last Leave”; Friday, “His Mother’s Rosary”; and Saturday, “John Raymond’s Daughter”‘. Halifax Evening Courier, Saturday 16 April 1921.
23 Jul 1923 Collins' Music Hall, Islington, London Professional
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Twice nightly. Dorothy Mullord Repertory Company ('The Era', 25 July 1923, p. 13)
8 Feb 1926 Hippodrome, Rotherhithe Professional
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The South London Players. Direction Dorothy Mullord ('The Era', 10 February 1926, p. 16)