John Raymond's Daughter or A Soldier's Love Child
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
Genre(s):
Keyword(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1915/16
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66102 BB
Performances
Date | Theatre | Type | |
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12 Jul 1915 | Pavilion, Liverpool | Unknown | Licensed Performance |
9 Aug 1915 | Royal Osborne Theatre, Manchester | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. Will Glaze's dramatic success ('Manchester Evening News, 9 August 1915, p.1)
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16 Aug 1915 | Hippodrome, Salford | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. Will H. Glaze presents his Great Problem Play ('Manchester Evening News', 16 August 1915, p. 1)
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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)
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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.
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27 Sep 1915 | Prince's Theatre, Bradford | Professional | |
4 Oct 1915 | Theatre Royal, Leeds | Professional |
Read Narrative
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
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25 Oct 1915 | Palace Theatre, Rochdale | Professional |
Read Narrative
"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)
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8 Nov 1915 | Rotunda, Liverpool | Professional |
Read Narrative
"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)
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14 Nov 1915 | Hippodrome, Huddersfield | Professional |
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Twice nightly.
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6 Dec 1915 | Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham | Professional |
Read Narrative
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.
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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)
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27 Dec 1915 | Theatre Royal, Aston | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly and matinee on Monday
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10 Jan 1916 | Theatre Royal, Sunderland | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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10 Jan 1916 | Pavilion, Northwich | Professional | |
17 Jan 1916 | Victoria Theatre, Walthamstow | Professional | |
24 Jan 1916 | Theatre Royal, Stratford | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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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 |
Read Narrative
'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)
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28 Feb 1916 | Lyric, Hammersmith | Professional | |
6 Mar 1916 | Scala Theatre, Seacombe | Professional | |
13 Mar 1916 | Theatre Royal, Sheffield | Professional |
Read Narrative
Betty Seymour played Flora Medwin ('Sheffield Daily Telegraph', 14 March 1916, p. 3)
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20 Mar 1916 | Hippodrome, Altrincham | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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3 Apr 1916 | Theatre Royal, Smethwick | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly.
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10 Apr 1916 | Elephant and Castle Theatre, London | Professional | |
17 Apr 1916 | Grand, Hartlepool | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. No performance on Good Friday. 'A work with a strong military flavour running through it.' ('Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail', 18 April 1916)
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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 |
Read Narrative
'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)
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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 |
Read Narrative
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)
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3 Jul 1916 | ?, Coalville | Professional | |
12 Jul 1916 | Theatre Royal, Smethwick | Professional | |
17 Jul 1916 | Empire, Garston | Professional |
Read Narrative
"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)
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24 Jul 1916 | Theatre Royal, Birkenhead | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly, no matinee.
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20 Sep 1916 | Palace Theatre, Bow | Professional | |
25 Sep 1916 | Her Majesty's Theatre, Walsall | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. Performed by Her Majesty's Repertory Company of Talented Players ('Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle', 23 September 1916, p.6)
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2 Oct 1916 | Theatre Royal, Woolwich | Professional | |
9 Oct 1916 | Arcadia Theatre, Spennymoor | Professional |
Read Narrative
W.H. Glaze's No. 1 Company ('The Era', 11 October 1916, p.10) Performed twice nightly.
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16 Oct 1916 | Grand Theatre, Stockton | Professional |
Read Narrative
Performed twice nightly.
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23 Oct 1916 | Metropole Theatre, Glasgow | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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30 Oct 1916 | Theatre Royal, North Shields | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly.
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6 Nov 1916 | Palace, Newcastle | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. Will H. Glaze's No. 1 company ('Newcastle Journal', 6 November 1916, p.1)
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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 |
Read Narrative
'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)
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11 Dec 1916 | Empire Theatre, Cradley Heath | Professional | |
18 Dec 1916 | ?, Caerphilly | Professional | |
8 Jan 1917 | ?, Pontypridd | Professional | |
31 May 1917 | Hippodrome, Hamilton | Professional |
Read Narrative
'... 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)
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11 Jun 1917 | Globe Theatre, Consett | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly
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23 Jul 1917 | Grand, Accrington | Professional |
Read Narrative
Presented by The Grand Theatre Stock Company ('The Era', 25 July 1917, p.9)
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20 Aug 1917 | Theatre Royal, Jarrow | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly.
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3 Sep 1917 | Theatre Royal, Leeds | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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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 |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. All week except Friday. Friday night 'Honour the man you wed' also by Eva Elwes. ('Huddersfield Daily Examiner', 20 November 1917)
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3 Dec 1917 | Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham | Professional | |
10 Dec 1917 | Opera House, Coventry | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly, matinees on Thursday and Saturday.
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18 Dec 1917 | Junction, Manchester | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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7 Jan 1918 | Theatre, Bedford | Professional | |
21 Jan 1918 | Hippodrome, Huddersfield | Professional | |
31 Jan 1918 | Theatre Royal, Lincoln | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly.
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4 Feb 1918 | Opera House, Wakefield | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly.
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25 Feb 1918 | Grand Theatre, Plymouth | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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11 Mar 1918 | Theatre Royal, Sheffield | Professional | |
22 Apr 1918 | Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth | Professional | |
20 May 1918 | Alexandra Theatre, Hull | Professional |
Read Narrative
Presented by the Watson Mill Stock Company
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22 Jul 1918 | Theatre Royal, South Shields | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly
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2 Aug 1918 | Globe Theatre, Consett | Professional |
Read Narrative
‘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.
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6 Aug 1918 | Theatre Royal, Jarrow | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly
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30 Aug 1918 | Grand Theatre, Halifax | Professional |
Read Narrative
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.
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6 Sep 1918 | Hippodrome, Huddersfield | Professional | |
1 Oct 1918 | Theatre Royal, Barnstaple | Professional |
Read Narrative
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.
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3 Oct 1918 | Corn Exchange, Spalding | Professional |
Read Narrative
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’.
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5 Oct 1918 | Assembly Rooms, Yeovil | Professional |
Read Narrative
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.
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9 Dec 1918 | Palace, Derby | Professional |
Read Narrative
Presented by Frank McClellan's Stock Company. Twice nightly.
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20 Dec 1918 | Hippodrome, Mexborough | Professional |
Read Narrative
‘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.
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21 Feb 1919 | Corn Exchange, Wallingford | Professional |
Read Narrative
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.
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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)
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5 May 1919 | Town Hall, Buckingham | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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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 |
Read Narrative
Performed on Friday 21 February only.
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5 Mar 1920 | Theatre Royal, Smethwick | Professional |
Read Narrative
... on Friday Mr. Glaze will take the leading part in "John Raymond's Daughter". ('Birmingham Daily Gazette', 2 March 1920, p. 3)
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11 Aug 1920 | Globe Theatre, Consett | Professional |
Read Narrative
Produced by Will H. Glaze's company.
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2 Oct 1920 | Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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25 Oct 1920 | Theatre Royal, Stratford | Professional | |
4 Feb 1921 | New Theatre, Boston, Lincolnshire | Professional |
Read Narrative
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)
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7 Mar 1921 | Hippodrome, Bilston | Professional |
Read Narrative
Also presented during the week was 'His Mother's Rosary' by Eva Elwes. ('The Stage', 10 March 1921, p. 6)
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21 Mar 1921 | Hippodrome, Wednesbury | Unknown |
Read Narrative
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)
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23 Apr 1921 | Grand Theatre, Halifax | Professional |
Read Narrative
‘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.
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23 Jul 1923 | Collins' Music Hall, Islington, London | Professional |
Read Narrative
Twice nightly. Dorothy Mullord Repertory Company ('The Era', 25 July 1923, p. 13)
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8 Feb 1926 | Hippodrome, Rotherhithe | Professional |
Read Narrative
The South London Players. Direction Dorothy Mullord ('The Era', 10 February 1926, p. 16)
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