The Angelus Bell

The Stage, 11 March 1915, reviewed the production: 'On Monday, March 8, 1915, was produced at the Prince of Wales’s, Salford, a military drama, in six scenes, by T. C. Conlon, entitled:- The Angelus Bell’. The cast was: Paul Lorrimer, Mr. Herbert Skardon; Prince d’Asturias, Mr. A. E. Brooke; Count Strellson, Mr. E. W. Bretton; Petticose Green, Mr. A. Cheevers; Trooper Delahunt, Mr. V. Mason; Sergeant Smitz, Mr. T. C. Conlon; Marshal Hapside, Mr. C. Knight; Gaspard de Lorraine, Mr. C. E. Horobin; Rochette de Ninos, Mr. C. Barr; Marquise de St. Aubert, Miss Ella Thornton; Dolly, Miss Phyllis Rae; Bonita, Queen of Sardonia, Miss Sidney Crowe; and soldiers, citizens, etc. ‘In this play, full of exciting situations, the scene opens with Sergeant Smitz, Micky Delahunt, and Paul Lorrimer offering Paul congratulations on obtaining a commission in the Guards'. The review continued with a lengthy and detailed account of the plot. It concluded, 'Mr. Herbert Skardon was well placed as Paul Lorrimer. Miss Sidney Crowe was strong as Bonita, Queen of Sardonia. Miss Phyllis Rae did good work as Dolly. T. C. Conlon was effective as Sergeant Smitz. Mr. C. E. Horobin was capable as Gaspard, the revolutionist. Mr. A. E. Brooke was well placed as Prince d’Asturias. Mr. E. W. Britton was a dignified Count Strellson. Miss Ella Thornton played the part of Marquise de St. Aubert ably. The comic element was kept going by Mr. Victor Mason as Micky Delahunt and Mr. Arthur Cheevers as Petticose Green’.

‘A new and original play is announced for production at Her Majesty’s Theatre during the week commencing Monday next. On that occasion the popular resident company of players will present the beautiful romantic play - written by T. C. Conlon - “The Angelus Bell.” We are in a position to state that this will be one of the best plays yet presented at the theatre. To those who are fond of bright, pleasing romantic plays a special treat is in store. Lovers of genuine comedy, too, will be specially catered for. The witty sayings and clever retorts of an irrepressible Irish soldier will, we are sure, furnish food for hearty laughter. The production is billed for the week in which St. Patrick’s day (March 17th) occurs and therefore a visit by the many admirers of the “ould counthry’s” wit and humour will be amply repaid ...' (Walsall Advertiser, Saturday 13 March 1915). ‘The Repertory Company, under the direction of Mr. John B. Shinton, will next week produce another new play, “The Angelus Bell,” which has been written by T. C. Conlon. Lovers of the romantic are assured of a special treat, for the play abounds in dramatic incidents and situations, and the comedy is a particularly strong feature ...' (Walsall Observer, and South Staffordshire Chronicle, Saturday 13 March 1915). ‘Considerable success has attended the production at Her Majesty’s Theatre this week, of Mr. T. C. Conlon’s beautiful romantic play “The Angelus Bell.” The plot is laid in one of those states in the South East of Europe which have provided the material for so many capital plays, and the enthralling story is unfolded with artistic skill for which Her Majesty’s Repertory Company have obtained so well deserved a reputation. Genuine comedy holds high place in the production, and a humorous Irish soldier furnishes cause tor hearty laughter. The dramatic side of the entertainment is in the capable hands of Mr. J. B. Shinton, who appears as Paul Lorrimer, an English soldier of fortune who rises from the ranks in the army of Sardonia. Miss Ada M. Ryder, ably pourtrays [sic] the part of Bonita, Queen of Sardonia, whilst Mr. Beckett Bould achieves much success in the part of the Prince D’Asturios, pretender to the throne. Mr. Bert Atherton, as Trooper Michael Patrick Delahunt, and Mr. Jack Bland, as Petticose Green, a war correspondent, provide excellent humour, and the other parts are admirably acted’ (Walsall Advertiser, 20 March 1915).

‘A military drama, entitled “The Angelus Bell,” is the attraction at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, this week. It depicts difficulties surrounding the position of Bonita, Queen Sardonia, who has just come to the throne, and must by a given time select who is to share the regal honours with her. Prince D'Austurios, known as “the Pretender,” seeks to occupy that coveted position, and claims it almost as a right, but his wooing makes no head way, and his plotting meets with ill success. The choice of Bonita falls upon Paul Lorrimer, swordsman of the King's Guards, Guards, around whom rally the best spirits in the kingdom. Many are the sparkling incidents which stud the play, in which he is the hero. Mr Herbert Skardon fills the role of heroic Paul Lorrimer with an ease and ability that win the warm enthusiasm of the audience from the very first. Miss Sydney Crowe as the Queen is delightful, and not only does she act with exquisite charm, but also much power. The thankless part of “The Pretender” is excellently accounted for by Mr A. Edward Brooke. Mr E. W. Bretton gives a finished performance as the Prime Minister, and Miss Ella Thornton as the Marquise de St. Aubert. Rollicking fun is provided by Mr Victor Mason as Trooper Delahunt, and Miss Phyllis Rae as Dolly, a vivandiere’. Shields Daily News, 16 March 1915.

The Stage, 19 August 1915, carried a notice inserted by Ella Thornton (Mrs. T. C. Conlon) which stated, ‘Private T. C. Conlon’s Romantic Military Drama, The Angelus Bell, to Let for Stock. To be played week of [Tuesday] Aug. 31 at T. R., West Bromwich’. If the play was produced - which has not been confirmed - it was presumably performed by the theatre's stock company. The Stage, 28 October 1915, carried an advertisement for the Theatre Royal, West Bromwich, which mentioned ‘16th week of excellent business with Nina Vaughton and Stanley Gordon’s Stock Co.’.