Remember Belgium [licensed as 'George Grant']

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This is a very curious product of the war and of our military alliance with Belgium. It is a variant of the ordinary melodrama of substituted children, mistaken relationships and family confusion generally, complicated by strange operations in the trenches on the part of gallant soldiers and comic spies. The story is that of a certain George Grant, who finds that he is not, as he supposed, the son of an English Colonel but of a Belgian Count, the result being that he finds himself compelled to give up his hope of marrying his sweetheart, who appears for a time to be the daughter of his own Belgian mother. It turns out however that the heroine also was a changeling; so that, after some quaint French warfare in the course of which the hero is nearly shot as a spy, there is eventually found no obstacle to his union with the lady of his choice. It is a confused business; but there is no offence in the confusion, which is accordingly, Recommended for license. Ernest A. Bendall.

Researcher's Summary:

This play may have been sent to the Lord Chamberlain’s Officer as ‘George Grant’ (the central character’s name) but even before it was licensed it was advertised as ‘Remember Belgium’ (‘An Episode in the Great War. Entirely New Production, A Magnificent Plot, brimful of comedy, Acts two and three, Trenches and Battlefield’: The Stage, 18 February 1915). It was always performed as ‘Remember Belgium’, no doubt to chime with the widespread use of that phrase as a rallying-cry to arouse enthusiasm for the war and to stimulate recruitment. Indeed, ‘one of the chief characters, a colonel in the British army, introduces several patriotic appeals for recruits’ (Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 13 July 1915); and the play generally ‘should prove of great assistance to the recruiting authorities’ (Dudley Chronicle, 28 August 1915). There was also a film with the title ‘Remember Belgium’. The play was toured by Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company together with other plays in its repertoire: ‘Geoffrey Langdon’s Wife’, ‘The Vacant Chair’, ‘The Madman’ and ‘Her Mother’s Crucifix’. ‘Remember Belgium’ and the first three of those plays were all performed at the Grand Theatre, Bridlington, in the week beginning 10 January 1916. From August 1915 the Browns advertised that they had ‘two companies of equal strength’, which is why they could present ‘Remember Belgium’ at both Lancaster and Gloucester in the same week in September 1915. The performances listed here are those for which there is clear evidence that it was ‘Remember Belgium’ that was staged, the latest being in August 1916. Performance dates for ‘Remember Belgium’ from the week beginning 15 March 1915 to the week beginning 12 July 1915 are conveniently listed in The Stage, 6 May 1915; and there are also lists of bookings, without dates, in The Stage, 19 August and 16 December 1915. The most detailed plot summaries are in the Shields Daily News, 23 March 1915; The Era, 19 May 1915; and the Cheshire Observer, 19 June 1915. The Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs, 29 October 1915, lists the settings of the different scenes. ‘Remember Belgium’ was also staged by stock or repertoire companies in Plymouth and Walsall in February and March 1916.

Licensed On: 9 Mar 1915

License Number: 3232

British Library Reference: LCP1915/5

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66091 T

Performances

Date	Theatre	Type
15 Mar 1915	Pavilion, Ashington	Unknown	Licensed Performance
15 Mar 1915	Pavilion, Ashington	Professional	Read Narrative This performance week is listed in The Stage, 6 May 1915.
22 Mar 1915	Theatre Royal, South Shields	Professional	Read Narrative ‘As the title readily implies, the dramatic production enacted on the boards of the Theatre Royal, South Shields, this week, “Remember Belgium,” is of a thoroughly up-to-date character, and on that score alone will probably attract capital audiences. It has, however, inherent merits, and is full of episodes of a thrilling kind. The leading character is George Grant, who has been brought up as the son of a country squire, though in reality his parents are Colonel and Mrs. Featherstone, who had been separated in his childhood, having not met again till after the story opens, when Mrs. Featherstone has with her an adopted daughter, Marie, who had been exchanged for George. These two young people fall in love, and it only afterwards transpires what is their true relationship. The young hero, who has thoughtlessly been accused of cowardice, joins the ranks, and son wins distinction, though plots and many dangers bar his way. In the chief role Mr. Cliffe Deane acquits himself well, and in no scene better than when he proves the valour of the young Englishman in the capture of a German flag. As the brave but hot-headed Colonel, there is much character in the acting of Mr. Arthur L. Read. The part of Mrs. Featherstone is powerfully represented by Miss Gipsy Alexandra [sic - Alexander], and Miss Vida Haslewood is a charming Marie. The Mrs. Cackles of Miss Lelia Drummond is exceedingly droll. Mr Percy Brown, as the comic Frenchman and German spy, and Mr Walli Ives, as Kelly Cackles, keep the house pealing with merriment, and the Joe Sprout of Mr George Morris is also good’. Shields Daily News, 23 March 1915.
29 Mar 1915	Theatre Royal, Darlington	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The War has brought in its train many new military plays which appeal to the public taste, and one of these is Remember Belgium, which is presented here twice nightly. There are eight scenes. The part of the hero, George Grant, is in the capable hands of Mr. Cliffe Deane, and Mr. Percy Brown does well as a German spy. Mr. A. L. Read is all that could be desired as Col. Featherstone, while the Colonel’s wife is admirably portrayed by Miss Gipsy Alexander. Miss Lelia Drummond is effective as Vida Haslewood [!]’. The Stage, 1 April 1915.
5 Apr 1915	Royal Theatre and Opera House, Leigh	Professional	Read Narrative These performance weeks are listed in The Stage, 6 May 1915. Perhaps other plays in the Browns' repertoire were played as well as 'Remember Belgium'.
19 Apr 1915	Grand Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees	Professional	Read Narrative ‘There is something that is appropriate and patriotic about the new play, “Remember Belgium,” which is being presented by Mr and Mrs Percy Brown [at the Grand Theatre, Stockton]. The scenes are laid in Belgium and France, with settings representative of the rear of the French firing line, and of the army hospital. The story of the drama is deeply interesting, and all the characters are cleverly sustained, with Miss Vida Haslewood, and Messrs Percy Brown, Gilbert Elvin, Arthur Lowery, and others in leading parts’ (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 20 April 1915). 'Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company, with Remember Belgium. The company include Miss Vida Haslewood (Marie), Mr. Gilbert Elvin (Colonel Featherstone), Mr. Percy Brown (Fritz Siegenbach), Miss Lelia Drummond (Mrs Featherstone), and Mr. Cliffe Deane (George Grant). Other artists lend valuable aid. The staging of the piece deserves praise’ (The Stage, 22 April 1915).
26 Apr 1915	Rotunda, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“Remember Belgium,” a new play to be produced the Rotunda Theatre on Monday, is essentially “of the moment.” The action passes in France and Belgium, and there are episodes in the firing line, in a Belgian cottage, in a Calais hospital, and in a cellar living-room’ (Liverpool Echo, 24 April 1915). ‘Last evening the many patrons of [the Rotunda Theatre] saw an exciting war drama entitled, “Remember Belgium!” This play, the production of Mr. Percy Brown, is excellently staged, and is performed by a number of talented artistes. Mr. J. Walton and Mr. A. Elvis [sic – Elvin], who occupy the rôles of Private Rendal [sic] and Colonel Featherstone respectively, are worthy of special mention, and fully merited the great applause which was accorded to them. The remaining parts are well sustained by Miss Effie Dane, Miss Lilia [sic - Lelia] Drummond, and the other members of the company’ (Liverpool Echo, 27 April 1915).
3 May 1915	Hippodrome, Bilston	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. Percy Brown presents Remember Belgium [at the Hippodrome and Picture House, Bilston]. A very interesting story is unfolded. Mr. Brown gives an effective portrayal of Antonio Rianlo, otherwise FitzSiegenbach [sic]. Mr. Walle [sic] Ives is extremely droll as Kelly Cackles. Miss Lewslie [sic] Drummond is successful as Miss Featherstone, and Miss Vida Haslewood is good as Marie’. The Stage, 6 May 1915.
10 May 1915	Theatre Royal, Woolwich	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 19 May 1915, reviewed Remember Belgium, ‘A Play, in Eight Scenes, by Percy Brown, Produced for the First Time in London at the Theatre Royal, Woolwich, on Monday, May 10’. The cast was: Colonel Featherstone, Gilbert Elvin; John Grant, Arthur Lowrey; George Grant, Cliffe Deane; Fritz Siegenbach, Percy Brown; Kelly Cackles, Wally Ives; Polydore Lierbaryhe, K. Victor Homes; Joe Sprout, Geo. Morris; Pte. Kendall, R.F.C., Jack Walton; Pte. K. Holt, R.A.M.C., G. H. Stirling; Pte. J. Annesley, R.A.M.C., K. W. Miles; Mrs. Featherstone, Lelia Drummond; Mrs. Cackles, Effie Dane; Marie, Vida Haslewood. The review continued: ‘The hero of the above play is George, the adopted son of John Grant, who had been taken as a child from a Belgian soldier and brought up as an English gentleman’. George turns out to be the son of Colonel Featherstone. He enlists in the British Army, and finds his way to the front. At a spot behind the firing-line the German spy, Fritz Siegenbach, disguised as a Frenchman, has placed a plan of the trenches in an envelope addressed to George. Requested by Colonel Featherstone to open the letter, George, thinking it contains only private papers, refuses. It is opened for him, and documents within stamp him a traitor. The colonel and his wife, who have been long parted, meet on the battlefield, Mrs. Featherstone having become a Red Cross nurse, and the colonel discovers that George is his own son. Hs heart is torn between duty and paternal pride, and to save his good name he gives George the chance to retrieve his good name by bringing back a German flag from a distant farmhouse. During a strong scene between husband and wife, George returns with the flag. Through the machinations of the spy George is accused of being a deserter, but before the word has been given to fire, Marie, George’s sweetheart, rushes between the condemned man and the firing party under the protection of the Red Cross, and the tragedy is averted. The wily German is, of course, made to reap the reward of his misdeeds, and the virtuous are made as happy as the present state of society will allow' (The Era, 19 May 1915).
17 May 1915	Palace Theatre, Redditch	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown are presenting Remember Belgium, in eight scenes [at the Palace, Redditch]. As the title infers, the piece is composed of episodes of the present war. The characters are well placed. Mr. A. L. Read is an effective Col. Featherstone. John Grant is portrayed in manly fashion by Mr. Arthur Lowrey. Mr. Percy Brown makes the most of the unthankful part of FitzSeigenback [sic], a German spy. Mrs. Featherstone is well played by Miss Gipsy Alexandra [sic – Alexander]. Miss Vida Haslewood gives a sympathetic rendering of Marie. The lighter side is safe in the hands of Miss Lelia Drummond and Mr. Wallie Ives as Mrs. Cackles and Kelly Cackles’. The Stage, 20 May 1915.
24 May 1915	Theatre Royal, Leicester	Professional	Read Narrative This performance week is listed in The Stage, 6 May 1915.
31 May 1915	Theatre Royal, West Bromwich	Professional	Read Narrative This performance week is listed in The Stage, 6 May 1915.
7 Jun 1915	Hippodrome, Bolton	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Remember Belgium holds the boards here. It is playing to good houses. It is produced in eight scenes. It illustrates the methods of a German spy, who in the end gets his deserts [sic]. The company includes Mr Cliff Deane as George Grant, and Mr. Percy Brown as the spy, Fritz Sienbach. Of the ladies Miss Vida Haslewood is charming, as Marie, and Miss Lelia Drummond portrays well the difficult part of Mrs. Featherstone. The rest of the company acquit themselves well’. The Stage, 10 June 1915.
14 Jun 1915	Royalty Theatre, Chester	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Britain’s stirring battle cry, “Remember Belgium,” forms the title of new play presented by Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown twice nightly during the week at the Royalty Theatre. The action deals with some thrilling incidents of the present War, rebounding to the honour of the British soldier, and its healthy, patriotic appeal commands a hearty response, the performance on Monday evening being witnessed by a warmly appreciative audience. An absorbing romance is woven round the character of George Grant, a young man who has been taunted as a coward, because he resigned his Army commission on the outbreak of war. Enlisting as a ranker, he goes to the front, where he soon gains promotion for his gallantry, and meets his fiancée and her mother, who are helping to nurse the wounded. Through the plotting of an enemy spy he is unjustly accused of treachery, but expiates the supposed offence by undertaking a task of extreme danger, offered to him as an alternative of execution, and he succeeds in capturing a German flag. Grant, however, is still tracked remorselessly by the enemy secret service with the object of acquiring for German use an estate on the east coast of England, in which he is interested. In a further ordeal his life is saved by the courage of his sweetheart, and the spy is eventually brought to justice. The story embraces eight scenes, the mounting of which is very effective'. Cheshire Observer, 19 June 1915.
21 Jun 1915	Queen's Theatre, Holbeck, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown and Company are appearing at the Queen’s Theatre this week in a topical drama, “Remember Belgium.” There are eight scenes, mainly depicting the stormy localities in France and Belgium, and one shows a cellar after being bombarded - quite a realistic touch, by the way. There is a strong plot, and the inevitable German spy, who ultimately meets the fate he deserves. Miss Vida Haslewood as Marie, an English Colonel’s adopted daughter, proves herself a fine sympathetic actress. Thrills abound in plenty, and wounded soldiers and Red Cross nurses combine to make a picture [sic] which is not as exaggerated as it may appear. Last night’s audience evidently appreciated the play’ (Leeds Mercury, 22 June 1915). Also noted in The Era, 23 June 1915, and The Stage, 24 June 1915.
28 Jun 1915	Hippodrome, Mexborough	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The war has furnished abundant material for the dramatist, and we have had many plays of a military type at the Hippodrome of late, most of them with a special bearing on Germany’s amazing spy system. This week Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown are presenting a new and original war drama, under the title of “Remember Belgium!” which strikes quite a different note. It tells of a young English officer who, on the eve of war, develops a sense of cowardice, and resigns his commission. The taunts and jeers of his friends are of no avail, but the inspiring genius that brings back his manhood and makes him a hero is his sweetheart, whom self-sacrifice rouses his latent spirit and dispels his haunting fear. The play is well acted and staged; indeed, the battle scene, with its crash of shot and shell, is wonderfully realistic ... The more serious parts of the play are relieved by bright comedy, and we commend the piece to local drama lovers as a very enjoyable production’. South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 3 July 1915.
5 Jul 1915	Hippodrome, Batley	Professional	Read Narrative This performance week is listed in The Stage, 6 May 1915; and The Stage, 8 July 1915, listed Remember Belgium as On Tour from 5 July at the Hippo., Batley.
12 Jul 1915	Hippodrome, Huddersfield	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The battlefields of Belgium have been made the scene of a military drama which is attracting good houses to the Hippodrome. It is entitled “Remember Belgium,” and the exhortation is carried on through eight scenes. The story is that of a German spy, who, posing as an accredited newspaper correspondent, is allowed much nearer the scene of active operations than would be the case in actual warfare. Stage licence permits such things, however, and the little play is just now very attractive. During one scene there is a tremendous “bombardment,” and such a lavish expenditure of good gunpowder in other ways that the whole theatre smells of it. One of the chief characters, a colonel in the British army, introduces several patriotic appeals for recruits, and generally the drama is hot and strong throughout. Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company carry the little play along very smoothly and effectively. Mr. Percy Brown himself plays the part of the German spy, and his endeavours are so successful that he draws upon himself the audible condemnation of the audience'. Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 13 July 1915.
19 Jul 1915	Palace Theatre, Rochdale	Professional	Read Narrative ‘One of the latest of the war dramas is on view at the Palace Theatre this week. “Remember Belgium” is a topical play, with an intricate love story running through, which tells how a young man, who has sold his commission re-enlists as a private to eventually regain the coveted position' (Rochdale Times, 21 July 1915). ‘There have been large houses twice nightly this week at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, where the patriotic play “Remember Belgium” has been presented by Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company. The plot is a strong one, and the different characters have been ably taken’ (Rochdale Observer, 24 July 1915).
9 Aug 1915	Theatre Royal, Scarborough	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown are here with Remember Belgium. The work, as its title indicates, depicts with pathetic as well as dramatic effect the oppression this unfortunate country has undergone at the hands of the Germans'. The Stage, 12 August 1915.
16 Aug 1915	Royal Palace, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative Noted in The Era, 18 August 1915.
23 Aug 1915	Empire Theatre, Edmonton	Professional	Read Narrative ‘"Remember Belgium," a drama, is the Edmonton Empire's attraction’. Reynold’s Newspaper, Sunday 22 August 1915. The company is not identified.
26 Aug 1915	Hippodrome, Hamilton	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs Percy Brown’s Company conclude their engagement at the Hamilton Hippodrome this week … On Monday and the two following nights “The Madman” was staged, in which the leading character was taken by Mr Reginald Brown … The change of programme on Thursday evening took the form of a more up-to-date drama entitled “Remember Belgium.” As its title implies, there is a strong military aspect about this piece, in which German intrigue and malicious treachery play an important part. Mr Brown is seen in the role of the German spy, a character which affords him ample scope for nefarious schemes and original devices. The drama is not altogether devoid of humour, but the serious work, in which Mr Edward Rawlinson and Miss Annie Hylton take prominent parts, is effective and realistic and affords the greatest interest to the audience. A love story, of course, runs through the whole piece, which has a happy termination for a soldier and his bride, while the spy, a part also well played by Mr Brown, meets with the fate which the audience, judging from the reception they gave him at times, richly deserved. Beautiful and appropriate scenery is used throughout, and the drama, from start to finish. is followed with a sympathetic interest. A word of praise is due the orchestra, under Mr Chambers, for their finely rendered selections during the performance. “Remember Belgium” will constitute the programme at the two concluding performances this evening’. Hamilton Advertiser, 28 August 1915.
30 Aug 1915	Alhambra, Stourbridge	Professional	Read Narrative ‘For next week [at the Alhambra, Stourbridge] Mr. Phelps has booked Mr. Percy Brooks’ [sic] company in “Remember Belgium,” one of the most realistic productions on the road. As the title infers, it is a topical drama, which should prove of great assistance to the recruiting authorities’. Dudley Chronicle, 28 August 1915.
20 Sep 1915	Grand, Lancaster	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company occupy the boards here this week in Remember Belgium, a War drama, presented in eight scenes'. The Stage, 23 September 1915.
20 Sep 1915	Palace, Gloucester	Professional	Read Narrative ‘When any country is engaged in warfare, it follows as a matter of course that a number of patriotic plays must inevitably result, and the play that is being presented at the Palace this week is no exception this rule. Entitled “Remember Belgium,” is indeed a play that appeals to the martial instincts of the public. Very little new incident is put forward, the main theme being that of the spy peril. The hero, George Grant, has conceived the idea that he is an absolute coward, whereas in reality lying dormant within him are great capabilities. He joins the Army, and after a series of exciting incidents he is mistaken for a spy and narrowly escapes being shot. He is saved by a Red Cross nurse, and the inevitable results' (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 25 September 1915). ‘That the war would produce war-plays was inevitable, and “Remember Belgium,” which is staged at the Palace Theatre this week belongs to that category. Besides being of the patriotic type it is out and out melodrama. There is nothing fresh in the way of incident, and of course it concerns the spy peril. While, however, it deals with the physical possibilities of life it also touches upon its deeper psychological problems. The hero believes himself a coward, resigning his commission at the outbreak of war, as Harry Feversham does in A. E. W. Mason’s famous novel, but he finds himself, in the end, and ultimately proves that the reverse is the case. There is plenty of fun, too, which does not help forward the story one little bit, but that does not matter; and taking the play as a whole, it provides an exciting and thrilling entertainment' (Gloucester Journal, 25 September 1915).
4 Oct 1915	Theatre Royal, Oldham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘An excellent drama, entitled Remember Belgium, is the attraction here this week. It is in eight scenes. Gilbert Elvin as Colonel Featherstone gets much effect from the part, and as George Grant Cliffe Deane is all that can be desired. Percy Brown as the German spy, Fritz, plays in a highly capable manner, and the part of Marie is charmingly presented by Viola [sic] Haslewood. As Mrs. Featherstone Lelia Drummond adds much to the general success’. The Stage, 7 October 1915.
11 Oct 1915	Theatre Royal, Macclesfield	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company, in Remember Belgium, are here [the Royal, Macclesfield) for the week. Gilbert Elvin undertakes in an able manner the part of Colonel Featherstone. Arthur Lawrey [sic] is well placed as John Grant. A clever portrayal of George Grant is presented by Cliffe Dean. Percy Brown is seen to advantage as Fritz Stembach [sic]. Vida Haslewood undertakes with success the part of Marie. Lelia Drummond is pleasing as Mrs. Featherstone’. The Stage, 14 October 1915.
18 Oct 1915	Prince's Theatre, Blackburn	Professional	Read Narrative Noted in The Stage, 21 October 1915: ‘Remember Belgium is a play which is calculated to stimulate recruiting. The principals are G. Elvin, C. Dean, and Vida Haslewood’.
4 Nov 1915	Palace Theatre, Arbroath	Professional	Read Narrative The Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs, 29 October 1915, advertised twice nightly at the Palace Theatre on Monday 1 November and during the week the ‘Special and Important Engagement of Mr and Mrs Percy Brown’s No. 1 Coy’. On Monday-Wednesday they would play Geoffrey Langdon’s Wife; and on Thursday-Saturday Remember Belgium: ‘Synopsis of Scenery – Scene 1, The Grounds at John Grant’s. Scene 2 – A Road in France. Scene 3 – Behind the Firing Line. Interval. Scene 4 – A Cottage in Belgium. Scene 5 – A Road in France. Scene 6 – A Cellar in Belgium. Scene 7 – On the Way to Calais. Scene 8 – Hotel at Calais (Hospital)’. Also: '“Remember Belgium,” which was presented on Thursday evening, and which will be repeated to-night, is a stirring drama dealing with the present war - a play drawn on thoroughly patriotic lines, full of interesting and exciting incidents, dramatic situations, recruiting speeches, and comedy of a specially delightful nature. The play is in eight scenes and is beautifully mounted. The main plot of the story concerns the adventures of a hero and heroine and a German spy, who nearly succeeds in blighting the young man’s career in the army. Incidentally there are many interesting little scenes in the life of a soldier; and the acting of the company was no doubt a great factor in making the piece a most successful and highly appreciative one ... [The players] ably united in the performance of a play that is rich in humour, pathos, and patriotism' (Arbroath Guide, 6 November 1915).
8 Nov 1915	Palace, Newcastle	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The latest of the war dramas to make an appearance at the Palace Theatre, Newcastle, will be “Remember Belgium,” a play with which Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown have gained a large measure of success. It is in eight scenes, and in it are presented many striking situations in and behind the firing line. Mr. Gilbert Elvin will have the leading male role as Colonel Featherstone. and Miss Vida Haslewood will play an important part as his adopted daughter’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 6 November 1915). 'Lovers of melodrama will find entertainment to their liking at the Palace Theatre, where Mr and Mrs Percy Scott [sic – Brown] present their latest production, “Remember Belgium.” The piece teems with patriotic sentiment, and there are many thrilling and pathetic incidents. A pleasing love story is also woven into the plot, which is of sustaining interest throughout’ (Newcastle Journal, 9 November 1915).
15 Nov 1915	Gaiety Theatre, Houghton-Le-Spring	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown are this week presenting the patriotic play Remember Belgium. The company are capable, and the performance on the opening night was followed with keen interest by a well-filled house’. The Stage, 18 November 1915.
29 Nov 1915	Theatre Royal, Crook	Professional	Read Narrative ‘This week Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown and company are here with Remember Belgium, and met with a good reception on Monday night. On Saturday the company are playing The Madman, with Percy Brown as Dr. Thornton Driffield’. The Stage, 2 December 1915.
6 Dec 1915	County Theatre, Reading	Professional	Read Narrative ‘A topical play, “Remember Belgium,” is being presented at the County Theatre this week, and should prove a great attraction to Reading audiences. The piece, as its name implies, deals with the war, seven of the eight scenes being laid in France or Belgium. It is a story of how, amidst all the troublous happenings and vicissitudes of war, George Grant and Marie, the adopted daughter of Grant’s. C. O., win happiness and contentment. The story will doubtless have a peculiar fascination for a great many people at the present time, and a visit to the County Theatre by those so disposed will be well repaid' (Reading Observer, 11 December 1915).
10 Jan 1916	Grand Pavilion, Bridlington	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s No. 1 Co. is here [the Grand Pavilion Theatre, Bridlington] this week in a round of capital plays. Monday and Tuesday, “Remember Belgium”; Wednesday, “Geoffrey Langdon’s Wife”; Thursday and Friday, “The Vacant Chair” and Saturday, “The Madman”’ (The Era, 12 January 1916). Similarly The Stage, 13 January 1916, naming the venue as the Grand Pavilion: ‘The company are good, including Percy Brown, whose powerful acting always impresses his audiences’.
20 Jan 1916	Grand Theatre, Wath-on-Dearne	Professional	Read Narrative The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 15 January 1916, advertised Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown presenting at the Grand Theatre, Wath, The Madman on Monday-Wednesday and Remember Belgium on Thursday-Saturday (‘The Great Military Drama. Mr. Reginald Brown as “Fritz”’). ‘Mr. Reginald Brown is paying a welcome return visit here this week, and met with a hearty reception on Monday night, when “The Madman” was presented to an enthusiastic audience ... On Thursday “Remember Belgium,” a stirring war drama, was staged, in which Mr. Reginald Brown ably played the part of Fritz, and was well supported by a full company of first-class artistes’ (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 22 January 1916).
28 Feb 1916	Palace Theatre, Glossop	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Browne [sic] bring a good company here this week in Remember Belgium. J. P. Lallan is very good as Colonel Featherstone, as are Arthur Lowry [sic] and Cliff Deane as John Grant and George Grant. Reginald Brown gives a capital interpretation of Fritz Siegenbatch [sic]. George Morris is very amusing in the part of Kelly Cackles. Lily Palmer is highly successful as Mrs. Featherstone. Annie Hylton is well suited to the part of Marie. Effie Dane is a quaint and amusing Mrs. Cackles’. The Stage, 2 March 1916.
28 Feb 1916	Grand Theatre, Plymouth	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“Remember Belgium!” is the title of the drama being staged this week at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, and the title alone sufficiently indicates its patriotic character. Into the patriotic stew - the patriotism of Britons against that of the agents of Germany - is introduced as an agreeable ingredient love, and the result is a highly satisfying production, which was received last evening by a crowded house with the utmost enthusiasm. The story, which runs through eight scenes, was cleverly unfolded by an accomplished cast, in which Mr. Frank Beresford, Mr. Denbigh Douglas, Mr. Clifton Earle, Miss Sidney Crowle [sic - Crowe], Miss Maudie Douglas, and Miss Violet Ingram were conspicuous figures’. Western Morning News, 29 February 1916. [Miss Sidney Crowe inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 2 March 1916: ‘Grand Theatre, Plymouth, Stock Season. Monday, Feb. 28, Madam Vittoria, Remember Belgium’], suggesting that the play was presented by a stock company.]
27 Mar 1916	Her Majesty's, Walsall	Professional	Read Narrative ‘“Remember Belgium” is the title of another war play which is to be presented next week [at Her Majesty’s Theatre]' (Walsall Observer, and South Staffordshire Chronicle, 25 March 1916). Advertised in the Walsall Observer, and South Staffordshire Chronicle, 25 March 1916: ‘Her Majesty’s Repertory Company of Talented Players Present the Successful War Play – Remember Belgium!’.
1 May 1916	Theatre Royal, Chorley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company are presenting this week The Madman and Remember Belgium. The first-named provides ample opportunities for Percy Brown to display versatility as Dr. Thornton Driffield. He is ably supported by Annie Hylton, Lizzie Palmer, Effie Dane, Frank Kendall, Cliff Deane, Arthur Lowry, J. Layton, and Cliff Astley’. The Stage, 4 May 1916, which also reported that Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company was that week presenting From Shop Girl to Duchess at the New Royal, Castleford; the cast included Percy Brown himself.
29 May 1916	Pavilion, Pontnewynydd	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 31 May 1916, listed Remember Belgium as On The Road from 29 May at the Pav., Pontnewynydd. Also: ‘Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company are here [the Pavilion, Pontypool] with Remember Belgium. The various characters receive capable treatment at the hands of Cliff Deane, Frank Kendall, J. P. Lallan, Reg. Brown, Arthur Lowery, Cliff H. Astley, C. Rudstone, Effie Dane, Lizzie Palmer, and Annie Hylton’. The Stage, 1 June 1916. [Pontnewynydd is a suburb of Pontypool.]
24 Aug 1916	Empire, Garston	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The drama “Her Mother’s Crucifix” is a big attraction at the Garston Empire. It is very well acted ... This well-balanced company will present “Remember Belgium” on Thursday and Friday nights’. Liverpool Echo, 22 August 1916. Noted in The Era, 23 August 1916.

Remember Belgium [licensed as 'George Grant']

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