The Enemy In Our Midst

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This play is somewhat on the lines of 'The Man Who Stayed at Home', but much less skilful and more naive. The villain is a German naturalized since the war and his female accomplice the German widow of an Englishman. It may be a question if plays which tend to excite feeling against naturalized Germans are desirable, but it would be too strong a measure to forbid them, and this one is merely a little crude excitement, not to be taken seriously. Mrs Standhope, the above-mentioned German widow, has a stepson Basil, in the 'Transport Department', who is in love with Elise, the daughter of his chief, Carstone. Klost, the naturalized German villain, also wishes to marry Elise. He plots to kidnap Carstone and get papers about transports. The plot succeeds, except that the transports escape, and Carstone coming under suspicion shoots himself. Basil is also suspected, and by the advice of his step-mother, who wants him out of the way, enlists under another name. Klost enters Elise's bedroom, but her maid is with her and he is discomfited - there is no harm in this scene if it is discreetly played and no suggestion that it will not be. Then Mrs Stanhope and Klost start signalling to zeppelins, but Basil returns on leave, having distinguished himself, Mrs Stanhope confesses, Klost kills her and is himself shot. The play ends with the spectacular effect of an aeroplane destroying a zeppelin. I don't like Klost's remark, Act III, p.10, on the effect on English women of zeppelins, but it is spoken by an enemy. Nor a comic description of an imaginary feat by a wounded soldier, Act IV pp.3 and 4. but it is not ill-meant. Recommended for license. G. S. Street

Researcher's Summary:

Compare the similarly-titled ‘The Peril in Our Midst’ by Captain F. H. Shaw, which was licensed in March 1915 and which was also concerned with enemy aliens in Britain hiding in plain sight. ‘The Enemy in our Midst’ took its title from the phrase commonly used to express concern about the possibility that large numbers of German spies and agents were hiding in Britain in plain sight. People of German birth who had ‘naturalised’ as British were suspected of retaining allegiance to the Fatherland. In the week that the play was licensed several newspapers praised the recently established Anti-German Union (which was renamed the British Empire Union the following year) which had been ‘called into existence, and given its aggressive title, that it might first of all root out the enemy in our midst, so that the Briton may return to his all-British inheritance, which has, by ways that are dark and devious, and with fiendish cunning, been thieved from him’ (the Bromyard News and other newspapers, 9 September 1915). The Globe, 8 September 1915, called for thousands of ‘enemy aliens’ to be interned, and the next day it asserted that ‘a German civilian in this country may be a danger in promoting unrest, suspicion, doubts of victory, in communicating intelligence, in assisting in the movement of submarines and Zeppelins, a far greater danger, indeed, than a German soldier or sailor’. The play ‘The Enemy in our Midst’, which indeed showed a German who had naturalised as English signalling to a Zeppelin, was produced and toured by its author, G. Carlton Wallace, who also often played Basil Stanhope (and Hermann Klost at Hanley in August 1918), although it was also staged by the resident stock companies at Plymouth in October 1915 (and November 1917?), Walsall in November 1915 and Middlesbrough in February 1916. One change may have been made to the script: by April 1916 the recruiting sergeant, Sergeant Barnes, was supplemented (replaced?) by Mrs. Sergeant Barnes. The effect of showing a German Zeppelin shot down by a British biplane was a sensational attraction frequently praised in reviews. Over time Wallace’s touring company added other plays to its repertoire, including some by Wallace himself, notably ‘The Amazing Marriage’, which is also in this database, and his pre-war plays ‘The Village Blacksmith’ and ‘The Apple of Eden’. Gaps in the list of performances of ‘The Enemy in our Midst’ shown here are largely attributable to the staging of other plays by Wallace’s company.

Licensed On: 10 Sep 1915

License Number: 3718

British Library Reference: LCP1915/24

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66110 O

Performances

Date	Theatre	Type
13 Sep 1915	Dalston Theatre, London	Unknown	Licensed Performance
13 Sep 1915	Dalston Theatre, London	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 15 September 1915, reviewed The Enemy in our Midst a ‘Play, in Four Acts, by G. Carlton Wallace, Produced at the Dalston Theatre on Monday Sept. 13’. The cast was: Lord Northwood, John Parker; Henry Carstone, J. Forbes Knowles; Basil Stanhope, Frederick D. Daviss; Major Thurston, Robert Alison; Hermann Klost, Norman A. Overton; Friedrich Baumer, Chas. Mervyn; Rev. Arthur Kingsley, William Tarbert; Peter Streaker, Harry Benson; Sergeant Barnes, Fred May; Ralph Morton, Frank Halstead; Mrs. Stanhope, Mabel Mannering; Peggy Piper, Laurie Potter; Elise Carstone, Maisie Hanbury. The review continued: ‘The description of a “new up-to-the-moment play” is certainly not misapplied in the case of Mr. G. Carton Wallace’s latest drama. It vividly illustrates the treachery of the alien enemy in our midst and the scenic sensation is a most effectively worked Zeppelin raid, concluding with the destruction of the cigar-0sjaped monster. The author carries along his story with the skill born of experience, and another interesting and well constructed play can be placed to his credit'. The review contained a detailed account of the plot and comments on the actors. The Stage, 16 September 1915, also reviewed the production in similar detail, noting that ‘All the essentials of popular drama are to be found in G. Carlton Wallace’s new autumn product, with the added virtue that it is brought up to date by the inclusion of scenes illustrative of present-day incidents. The play is full of strong situations and effective comic scenes, and includes an excellently worked illusion of a Zeppelin raid ... The play is admirably produced, and frequent applause on Monday gave indication of the success achieved’.
20 Sep 1915	Palace Theatre, Bow	Professional	Read Narrative A review of a one-act comic skit 'Easy Money' by Norman H. Lee in The Stage, 23 September 1915, concluded: ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s company are presenting his new drama The Enemy in Our Midst, which is greatly appreciated by Bow patrons. Messrs. J. Forbes Knowles, Frederick D. Daviss, Norman A. Overton, and Misses Mabel Mannering and Marie Hanbury are successful in the leading characters’.
27 Sep 1915	Theatre Royal, Margate	Professional	Read Narrative Noted in The Era, 29 September 1915: ‘G. Carlton Wallace’s Co. in The Enemy in our Midst’.
4 Oct 1915	Lyric, Hammersmith	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The Enemy in Our Midst, played by author Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s company, is providing a great treat here. The play is well mounted and acted, and is received with enthusiasm. The Zeppelin raid in the last act is realistic'. The Stage, 7 October 1915.
18 Oct 1915	Grand Theatre, Plymouth	Professional	Read Narrative ‘German spies, British soldiers, and a thrilling representation of a Zeppelin raid are the outstanding features of that remarkably up-to-date drama “The enemy in our midst” which constitutes the attraction at the Grand Theatre this week. The story tells of the operations of a German spy, who steals plane, puts the blame on an English officer, tries to separate the hero and his sweetheart, perpetrates all the villainy possible in a couple of hours, and ends up by promoting a Zeppelin raid with disastrous results to the Zeppelin, which is destroyed in the air after a realistic combat with an English aeroplane. There is sensation enough and to spare from start to finish ... Quite a typical drama, and received with the utmost enthusiasm by crowded houses’ (Western Evening Herald, 19 October 1915). ‘The Enemy in our Midst is the piece selected for representation this week by the stock company [at the Grand, Plymouth]’ (The Stage, 21 October 1915).
25 Oct 1915	Elephant and Castle Theatre, London	Professional	Read Narrative Reviewed in The Stage, 28 October 1915: ‘The Zeppelin raid in the last act is carefully and realistically presented … Mr. Carlton Wallace should have in his latest drama a potent attraction. Good business is the order here’.
1 Nov 1915	Victoria Theatre, Walthamstow	Professional	Read Narrative When Lalla Stanhope and Norman A. Overton, both members of G. Carlton Wallace’s company playing in The Enemy in our Midst, inserted theatrical cards in The Stage, 28 October and 4 November 1915 respectively, their address for this week was the Vic., Walthamstow.
8 Nov 1915	Her Majesty's Theatre, Walsall	Professional	Read Narrative ‘It is often possible to find as much entertainment in the behaviour of some of audience as in the play itself, and this seems to apply especially to war dramas. It is highly amusing to hear the excited comments on the German villain who frequently talks of "the English swine," or the outbursts of joy when the British hero and his friends triumph. But nothing more delighted the pit and "gods" at Her Majesty’s this week than the fight between an aeroplane and a Zeppelin, cleverly introduced by the aid of the electric lantern in the last scene; the cheers were almost deafening. The Enemy in our Midst compares very favourably with other war plays we have seen in Walsall, and the work of the Repertory Company throughout is excellent’. Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle, 13 November 1915.
8 Nov 1915	Theatre Royal, Aston	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, the author of many well-known plays, and who, the way is an Astonian, presented his latest production last night at the Aston Theatre Royal. The play, which he describes as up to the moment, is entitled The Enemy in Our Midst. As the title implies, it has a military vein, but the whole of the eleven scenes are laid in this country. The company which Mr. Carlton Wallace has got together is a highly capable one ... The principals are good and the setting is very effective’. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 9 November 1915.
15 Nov 1915	Theatre Royal, Smethwick	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The war has afforded splendid material for the imagination of playwriters. The latest production of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, which has for its title The Enemy in Our Midst, is a notable example. It is not too much to assume that this drama, which appears at our local amusement house on Monday, will be ranked as a favourite. Miss Lalla Stanhope appears as Elise Carstone, and Mr. John Parker, as Lord Northwood (of the Admiralty)’. Smethwick Telephone, 13 November 1915.
22 Nov 1915	Hippodrome, Batley	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 17 November 1915, listed G. Carlton Wallace’s company in The Enemy in our Midst in Calls for Monday 22 November at the Batley Hippodrome.
29 Nov 1915	Queen's Theatre, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The title of this week’s melodrama at the Queen’s Theatre, Leeds, is a clear enough indication of what is to be expected. It is one of the minor effects of the war that your double-dyed villain of melodrama, if a thoroughfaced [sic] Teuton, can be dyed more deeply still. But the actor who plays such parts must indeed say farewell to any hope of recognition, from the more vociferous parts of the house, of any qualities in him except his villainy. Nothing could well be more topical than a play which introduces a Zeppelin raid, with the accompanying bombardment of the sky. The Enemy in our Midst,, in fact, is the latest’. Yorkshire Evening Post, 30 November 1915.
6 Dec 1915	Royal Court Theatre, Wigan	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 4 December 1915.
10 Jan 1916	Rotunda, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace is presenting a startling up to-date play entitled The Enemy In Our Midst, at the Rotunda Theatre. The piece deals with the methods used by enemy secret agents. There are also, of course, love and comedy elements. The scenery is splendid, and the representation of The Great Zeppelin Raid in act four is extremely effective. Pictures on the bioscope complete an excellent entertainment - one that must be seen to be appreciated’. Liverpool Echo, 11 January 1916.
17 Jan 1916	Hippodrome, Bilston	Professional	Read Narrative Noted in The Stage, 20 January 1916: ‘The chief parts are sustained by G. Carlton Wallace (Basil Stanhope), Norman A. Overton (Hermann Klost), J. Forbes Knowles (Henry Carstone), Evelyn Carleton (Elise Carstone), and Lydia Mannington (Ms. Stanhope)’.
24 Jan 1916	County Theatre, Reading	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Twice nightly at the Royal County Theatre this week is being produced what is billed as a startling, new, up-to-the-moment play, entitled The Enemy in Our Midst. It certainly justifies its claim to be up-to-date, and any play professing to be the very latest must of course deal with the war. Submarines and transports and Zeppelins and other aircraft find a place' ( Berkshire Chronicle, 28 January 1916). ‘There have been large audiences at the County Theatre this week, where a topical play, dealing with a subject which interests everyone at the present time, the German espionage system in England, entitled The Enemy in Our Midst, is being presented. The audience at the first performance on Monday were certainly appreciative, and no one should miss the opportunity afforded this weekend of paying the County Theatre a visit. Although dealing with a serious subject, the play is full of humorous situations, which are just the thing required at the present time - whatever the killjoys may say - to buoy us up till victory is assured ... The final scene is remarkably well staged. portraying a great Zeppelin raid’ (Reading Observer, 29 January 1916).
31 Jan 1916	?, Ilkeston	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 2 February 1916, the address for communications was the Theatre, Ilkeston.
7 Feb 1916	Palace, Derby	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s production, The Enemy in Our Midst, is proving a gigantic attraction at the Palace this week. It is typical of the present times, and therefore is followed throughout with intense interest by the large audiences present at each performance ... A fine sight which should not be missed is the bombardment of the East Coast, in which a real model Zeppelin, costing £2,000, is seen in full flight, and the fight between Zeppelin and biplane thrills one through. Each part is in capable hands, and the show is well worth a visit’. Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 11 February 1916.
14 Feb 1916	Hippodrome, Darwen	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 16 February 1916, the address for communications was the Hippodrome, Darwen.
14 Feb 1916	Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the North Star (Darlington), 14 February 1916: ‘in which Miss Violet Carlyle and Mr. Stanley Healy will appear’. And Stephen C. Venner and Kathleen Stewart inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 17 February 1916, referencing their participation in The Enemy in our Midst during the stock season at the Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough.
21 Feb 1916	Palace, Newcastle	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Thrills there are plenty in for patrons of the Palace Theatre, where The Enemy in Our Midst, a play from the facile pen of Mr G. Carlton Wallace, is presented by the author’s company. The story deals with a phase of the war which offers scope for the imagination of the playwright, and the plottings of an English transport manager’s German wife are ingeniously portrayed. The many unique effects of the production include a representation of a Zeppelin raid, in which a British biplane succeeds in bringing the airship to earth’ (Newcastle Journal, 22 February 1916). ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s company produces at the Palace Theatre, Newcastle, this week, his play, The Enemy in our Midst. Who the enemy is it is not bad [sic – hard?] to guess. and so the up-to-the-moment character of the piece can easily be imagined. This character is strongly emphasised, too, by a Zeppelin raid with which the piece ends' (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 22 February 1916).
28 Feb 1916	Junction Theatre, Manchester	Professional	Read Narrative ‘A play entitled The enemy in Our Midst, which deals with the topical question of espionage in England, is presented by a capable company at the Grand Junction Theatre. The author, G. C. Wallace, has handled the subject with much cleverness, and has evolved a story well calculated to rouse the ire of every patriot' (Manchester Evening News, 29 February 1916). Also noted in The Stage, 2 March 1916: ‘on Monday an enthusiastic reception was accorded to the author’.
6 Mar 1916	Grand, Accrington	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Accrington Observer and Times, 4 March 1916, as ‘G. Carlton Wallace’s world-famous production’.
13 Mar 1916	Theatre Royal, Leicester	Professional	Read Narrative Noted in The Era, 15 March 1916: ‘The various parts are capitally interpreted by Messrs. H. Faulkner, Frederick Scarth, G. Carlton Wallace, Cyril Grier, Norman Overton, Chas. Mervyn, William Tarbent, Billy Owen, Frank Gray, and Misses Anna Beaumont, Lydia Mannington, Phyllis Evelyn, and Evelyn Carleton’.
20 Mar 1916	Prince's Theatre, Blackburn	Professional	Read Narrative Noted in The Era, 22 March 1916.
27 Mar 1916	Theatre Royal, Liverpool	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 22 and 29 March 1916, the address for communications for this week was the T.R., Breck Road, Liverpool. And when Norman Overton, the heavy lead in The Enemy in our Midst (250th performance), inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 30 March 1916, his address was the T.R., Liverpool.
3 Apr 1916	Alexandra Theatre, Hull	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Those responsible for the title of the play at the Alexandra Theatre this week christened better than they knew when they called it The Enemy our Midst. The coincidence was certainly a striking one last night, for the play was reaching the height of excitement—the naturalised Englishman, Korman [sic – Hermann] Klost, declaring that Zeppelins should bomb England and then - The remainder was inaudible, for the gallery occupants immediately shouted The Buzzers, and they were not. mistaken. Under more peaceful conditions, the play - one up to the moment, with many exciting episodes - would have attracted a good house, but the disturbing elements were against this. Mr G. Carlton Wallace, author of The Apple of Eden, has penned this melodrama in eleven scenes. Plotting for the destruction of British transports, German frightfulness by Zeppelins, and the frequent outbursts for revenge on England, are but a few of the episodes which increase the interest of the play'. Hull Daily Mail, 4 April 1916.
10 Apr 1916	Empire Theatre, Barnsley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘A stirring war drama The Enemy is Our Midst is proving a popular attractive at the Empire this week. Written and produced by Mr. J. [sic – G.] Carlton Wallace. who also appears in the caste, it is a startling play and deals with the spy peril. Hermann Klost, a naturalised Englishman, and Mrs. Stanhope, who is of German descent, scheme against England, but the plans in connection with a Zeppelin raid are frustrated in a sensational scene where a German Zeppelin is destroyed. Prominent artistes in a strong caste are: Miss Evelyn Carleton (Elsie Carstone), Miss Lydia Mannington (Mrs. Stanhope). Mr. J. [sic – G.] Carlton Wallace (Basil Stanhope), Mr. Norman M. [sic – A.] Overton (Hermann Klost), whilst Miss Phyllis Evelyn and Billy Owen are responsible for humourous interludes’. Barnsley Independent, 15 April 1916.
17 Apr 1916	Victoria Opera House, Burnley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The war gives unbounded scope for the stage, and in the newest piece, The Enemy in Our Midst, which is appearing at the Victoria Theatre this week, the espionage system which is exposed is in no way exaggerated. Upon the elaborate spy organisation of the Germans within our own shores Mr. Carlton Wallace has built a really fascinating and probable story, of thrill, human nature, and comedy, whilst the spectacular effects of the last act are wonderfully realistic. This consists of a Zeppelin raid and an effective attack by our aeroplanes, and as a stage setting is perfect in its vividness ... Theatre goers will find in The Enemy in Our Midst a play of unusual force and merit, and at a time like this, one which will open their eyes to the German spy system in England, even to-day’. Burnley Express, 19 April 1916.
24 Apr 1916	Prince's Theatre, Bradford	Professional	Read Narrative ‘A stirring drama, and one very much in keeping with current events should prove a strong attraction at the Prince’s Theatre this week. It is entitled The Enemy In Our Midst, and is from the pen of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace ... Last night there were two large audiences, and considerable interest was evinced in the production. The character of the drama is thoroughly up-to-date in its patriotic sentiment, and abounds with thrilling incidents ... Towards the close of the performance there is a realistic representation of a Zeppelin raid which is excellently arranged as a scenic effect. The monster German invader is seen approaching, but is attacked by an aeroplane and brought to doom’. Bradford Daily Telegraph, 25 April 1916.
1 May 1916	Royal and Empire Theatre, Merthyr Tydfil	Professional	Read Narrative ‘To judge from the houses at the Theatre Royal this week. The Enemy in Our Midst is one of the best draws Mr. Noreirffe has booked. The title is so suggestive of the character of the play that it scarcely needs enlargement here. To have accomplished the stage effects alone is a triumph, for the Zeppelin raid and the fight with a British biplane, together with the air defence guns, is a startling and realistic scene. There are 11 scenes evolving a fine story of enemy spies who are thwarted by British acuteness and daring. None of us are too familiar with the machinations of the German spy system, and in this drama one’s eyes are considerably opened’. Merthyr Express, 6 May 1916.
8 May 1916	Empire, Mountain Ash	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 3 and 10 May 1916, the address for communications for this week was the Empire, Mountain Ash.
15 May 1916	Theatre Royal, Chatham	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the East Kent Gazette, 13 and 20 May 1916.
22 May 1916	Grand Theatre, Luton	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Luton Reporter, 22 May 1916, as ‘a Startling, New Up-to-the-moment Play in 4 Acts’.
29 May 1916	New Theatre, Pontypridd	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Pontypridd Observer, 27 May 1916, as 'G. Carlton Wallace’s World Famous Production … British Guns and Biplane v. German Zeppelin’. Also: ‘The Enemy in our Midst, a dramatic production by the famous G. Carlton Wallace’s Company, is a feature at the New Theatre this week, which is timely and instructive. It should not on any account be missed. Also pictures which deserve attention are those showing the great zeppelin raid and a set-to between British guns and biplane and a German zeppelin’. Pontypridd Observer, 3 June 1916.
5 Jun 1916	Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘People who delight in plays about war plots and counter-plots, submarines, and sunken transports, Zeppelin raids, and the evil work of German spies, will find all they like at the Alexandra this week. The Enemy in Our Midst is a red-hot war play. The audiences last night were obviously of the peculiar variety described above; they were frankly delighted with the entertainment provided for them by Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s company. They were supplied with thrills innumerable and plenty of strong sentiment and heroics. The climax was reached in a scene representative of a Zeppelin raid, a raid, needless to say, that came to a sticky end when British guns were brought into action' (Birmingham Daily Post, 6 June 1916). ‘The Enemy in Our Midst, the topical war drama the Alexandra Theatre this week, contains many incidents which some people consider are not altogether imaginary. But the deepest plot of the villain, a naturalised German, and his accomplice, the German mother of the hero, however, is thwarted, and the submarine and Zeppelin raids prove more disastrous to the enemy than to Britain' (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 6 June 1916).
12 Jun 1916	Opera House, Northampton	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The Enemy in our Midst, presented twice nightly, is popular’ at the Opera House, Northampton. The Stage, 15 June 1916.
31 Jul 1916	Olympia, West Bromwich	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 2 August 1916, listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 31 July at the Olympia, West Bromwich.
7 Aug 1916	Theatre Royal, Sheffield	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The Enemy in Our Midst is a strong war play, dealing with the heroic deeds of our soldiers and the dastardly work of naturalised German spies. The great sensation is a Zeppelin raid, with the destruction of the invading monster, and this is excellently managed’. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 8 August 1916.
14 Aug 1916	Eden Theatre, Bishop Auckland	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 9 and 16 August 1916, the address for communications for this week was the E.T., Bishop Auckland.
21 Aug 1916	Metropole Theatre, Glasgow	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Topical and up-to-date is the drama, The Enemy in our Midst, which is staged at the Metropole. It is from the pen of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, and deals cleverly with the enemy alien question. It teems with dramatic situations and incidents, and includes a Zeppelin raid'. Daily Record, 22 August 1916.
18 Sep 1916	Theatre Royal, Wednesbury	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 20 September 1916 listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 18 September at the T.R., Wednesbury.
25 Sep 1916	Her Majesty's Theatre, Carlisle	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 20 and 27 September 1916, the address for communications for this week was Her Majesty’s Theatre, Carlisle.
2 Oct 1916	Metropole Theatre, Openshaw	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Manchester Evening News, 2 October 1916, as ‘G. Carlton Wallace’s World-Famous Production’. Also: ‘The Enemy in our Midst should please the patrons of the Metropole’ (Manchester Evening News, 3 October 1916).
9 Oct 1916	Hippodrome, Salford	Professional	Read Narrative ‘A war drama, The Enemy in Our Midst, at the Salford Hippodrome, includes a sensational fight between a British aeroplane and a Zeppelin’. Manchester Evening News, 10 October 1916.
16 Oct 1916	Theatre Royal, Bristol	Professional	Read Narrative ‘An exciting story of the spy peril, The Enemy in Our Midst, is the attraction at the Theatre Royal this week. It is from the pen of G. Carlton Wallace [who] has handled the theme in a popular way, presenting a rather obvious naturalised Englishman, who is seeking to probe into Government secrets in the possession of Henry Carstone, of the Transport Department'. Western Daily Press, 17 October 1916.
23 Oct 1916	Pavilion, Pontnewynydd	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 25 October 1916, listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 23 October at the Pavilion, Pontnewynydd.
30 Oct 1916	Gaiety Theatre, Hastings	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. Carlton Wallace has an exceptional slice of luck in his great Zeppelin play, The Enemy in our Midst, for the more the German Emperor turns on the tap of frightfulness the bigger his business becomes. The receipts have leapt up until the play is now one of the biggest successes on the road' (Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle, 28 October 1916). ‘The Enemy in our Midst, a four-act drama being played at the Gaiety Theatre this week, is described as a startling up-to-the-moment play, and the description is thoroughly justified. There are numerous very startling situations, and everything is certainly up-to-date, even to the engagement of women in khaki uniforms. It is really a thrilling play of the old Lyceum style, reminding us of In the Ranks and similar productions ... It is all very interesting, at times exciting, such as when a British aeroplane brings down a Zeppelin' (Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 4 November 1916).
6 Nov 1916	Grand Theatre, Pentre	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 8 November 1916, listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 6 November at the Grand, Pentre.
13 Nov 1916	Empire Theatre, Tonypandy	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 8 and 15 November 1916, listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 13 November at the Emp., Tonypandy.
20 Nov 1916	Theatre and Opera House, Cheltenham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The play of the present week at the Cheltenham Theatre and Opera House is The Enemy in Our Midst, by C. [sic – G.] Carlton Wallace, author of The Village Blacksmith, whose company is responsible for the presentation, the author himself appearing as Basil Stanhope, the hero. As the title indicates, The Enemy in Our Midst is a spy story, and it is much of the type of The Man who Stayed at Home. The plot, arising out of events in the early days of the war, is worked out in four acts of strong drama with many thrilling situations, including, in the finale, the destruction of a Zeppelin by a British aeroplane. This feat is well managed, those responsible for the scheme having hit on a simple, method which appeals to the imagination without straining the credulity too far. The latter quality is of more importance in Cheltenham than in many towns, for a more sceptical house it would be hard to find than that which usually patronises the Theatre. Try it with loud sounding appeals that would in many places bring a response that would raise the roof, it is more than likely it will raise a titter instead. Thus the heroine in this piece declares, when her husband returns from the war, that a woman’s Paradise is in the arms of the husband she loves - an excellent sentiment, but a trifle overcharged. So instead of the virtuous cheers such a sentiment might be expected to arouse, we hear a loudly whispered What ho! from a little group in khaki not far behind the orchestra stalls! The dramatic special providences that drop the right people into the right place at the right moment are also great fun for the Cheltenham audience, which can never take these things seriously. Fortunately, although cast in the mould of the older drama, The Enemy in Our Midst has a story in which we have so much reason to be interested, and which is so excellently played, that it can afford for one two of its guns, which might do great execution elsewhere, to miss their fire. Even if they do, it is a play to thrill ... The house was highly appreciative’ (Gloucestershire Echo, 21 November 1916).
29 Nov 1916	Queen's Theatre, Holbeck, Leeds	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, the popular author-actor, supported by a capable company, is presenting two of his own plays at the Queen’s Theatre this week, the attraction, yesterday, being: The Amazing Marriage ... To-morrow (including matinee) and Thursday, The Enemy in our Midst is to be staged, The Amazing Marriage occupying the remainder of the week’ (Leeds Mercury, Tuesday 28 November 1916).
11 Dec 1916	Grand Theatre, Mansfield	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Mansfield Reporter, 8 December 1916, as ‘a thrilling play of the times’.
8 Jan 1917	Palace Theatre, Rochdale	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The enemy in our midst, which is staged at the Palace Theatre this week, is about the most up-to-date play seen in Rochdale for a long time. It illustrates the national danger which exists through the machinations of German spies in this country during war time, and after passing through many thrilling periods, closes with a dramatic representation of the bringing down of a Zeppelin at a little country village. The piece held the large audience spellbound during a great portion of Monday evening' (Rochdale Times, 10 January 1917). ‘The enemy in our midst, an up-to-date play dealing with war conditions, has been presented twice nightly this week at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, and it has proved a decided attraction. The different characters have been ably pourtrayed’ (Rochdale Observer, 13 January 1917).
22 Jan 1917	Metropole Theatre, Gateshead	Professional	Read Narrative ‘G. Carlton Wallace and company are presenting The Enemy in our Midst to good houses this week. A convincing presentation is given by the company, the principal characters being capitally undertaken by Fredk. Scarth, G. Carlton Wallace, Roy Fortescue, Bon Anderson, William Rea, Henry Parker, Evelyn Carleton, Lydia Mannington, Gertie Henderson, and Phylis Evelyn. The piece is splendidly mounted’. The Stage, 25 January 1917.
29 Jan 1917	Theatre Royal, North Shields	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The twelve scenes of The Enemy in our Midst, which is spending the week at the Theatre ‘Royal, North Shields, are full of tense situations, thrilling incidents, and exciting events, including the destruction of a Zeppelin by a British aeroplane. Patriotic and domestic sentiment suffuse the piece, and the comic element plays its time honoured and welcome part. It is evident that the author, G. Carlton Wallace, knows his business thoroughly, and his acting in the role of the soldier hero, Basil Stanhope, shows that he is no less able as an actor than as a maker of plays' (Shields Daily News, 30 January 1917).
5 Feb 1917	Opera House, Kirkcaldy	Professional	Read Narrative ‘At the Opera House next week, Mr Fred Collins will present G. Carlton Wallace’s world-famous production entitled The Enemy in Our Midst. It is described as a startling, new, up-to-the-moment play, and throughout its twelve scenes it depicts vividly the doings of the enemy in our midst, and shows the dangers attached to allowing unregistered German women in our country, and how a German step-mother fools her great-hearted step-son. All should see the great Zeppelin raid - British guns and biplane versus German Zeppelin. Times and prices as usual’. Fifeshire Advertiser, 3 February 1917.
12 Feb 1917	Gaiety, Methil	Professional	Read Narrative ‘This week Mr G. Charlton [sic] Wallace’s company present an up-to-the-moment play, The Enemy in Our Midst. As the title implies, the plot revolves on imaginary incidents in the present war, and is conspicuously satirical on the alien situation in this country. The whole trouble is caused by the scheming of a naturalised German, and his paramour, who is of German birth, but claims to be British through marriage. The two ingratiate themselves into the good graces of a Government official, and endeavour to gain plans and information for headquarters in Berlin. Their scheming leads up to many thrilling situations, and is a convincing lesson to the public of the danger which exists in allowing naturalised Germans to remain at large. The play, as a whole, is full of action, and the various parts were in good hands. The somewhat difficult and exacting role of Klaus, the naturalised German, was played by Mr Roy Fortescue in a striking manner. In the final scene, the audience were shown an imaginary air raid, in which a Zeppelin was brought to earth by a bomb front a biplane. The scenic effect was very clever and realistic. The setting of the play is very pretty’. Leven Advertiser & Wemyss Gazette, 15 February 1917.
19 Feb 1917	Empire, Alexandria	Professional	Read Narrative When G. Carlton Wallace’s companies advertised The Amazing Marriage and The Enemy in our Midst in The Era, 21 February 1917, the address for communications as the Empire, Alexandria, N.B. And The Era, 21 February 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 19 February at the Empire, Alexandria, N.B.
26 Feb 1917	Her Majesty's Theatre, Carlisle	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 21 February 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 26 February at Her Majesty’s, Carlisle.
5 Mar 1917	Opera House, Southport	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 7 March 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 5 March at the Opera House, Southport.
12 Mar 1917	Theatre Royal, Stockport	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 14 March 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 12 March at the T.R., Stockport.
19 Mar 1917	Opera House, Dudley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘The easy fashion in which alien enemies in our midst may work here for the benefit of their own countries is the lesson which it is intended to press home by the author of The Enemy in our Midst, the up-to-date play which is to be presented at the Opera House, Dudley, next week, twice nightly, at 6.50 and 9. The play is replete with intrigue, danger, adventure, and exciting episode, and it creates just the right feeling at the present time, when so many people feel that all Germans ,whether naturalised or married to Englishman, should be interned. We can give it hearty commendation, more particularly as it is performed by a hard-working and talented company ... The searchlights, the appearance of a Zeppelin and its destruction by a bomb from a British biplane, will all be seen, and there is little left to the imagination. Early bookings are advisable’. Dudley Chronicle, 17 March 1917.
26 Mar 1917	Grand, Brighton	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Mr G. Carlton Wallace’s exciting drama, The Enemy in Our Midst, provides the Grand with a very strong card, and the interest is maintained at fever pitch throughout. The realistic representation of a great Zeppelin rail [sic – raid] , in which British guns and bi-plane give battle in the sky, arouses tremendous enthusiasm. The author appears as Basil Stanhope, and Miss Evelyn Carleton contributes an appealing rendering of Elsie Carstone’. The Era, 28 March 1917.
2 Apr 1917	Theatre Royal, Woolwich	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 4 April 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 2 April at the T.R., Woolwich.
9 Apr 1917	Theatre Royal, Bath	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 4 April 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 9 April at the T.R., Bath. Advertised in the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 14 April 1917.
16 Apr 1917	Opera House, St Helens	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 18 April 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst as On The Road from 16 April at the O.H., St. Helens.
23 Apr 1917	Opera House, Wakefield	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 24 April 1917, as ‘The Play of the Year’. Also: ‘A play which is certain to draw a continuance of crowded houses is staged this week at the Opera House, where Mr G. Carlton Wallace presents the startling and up-to-date drama, The enemy in our midst. As indicated by its title the play deals with present-day war conditions, and in one great scene a marvellously clever and realistic representation of a Zeppelin raid is given, in which a conflict between British guns and a biplane on the one hand and a Zeppelin on the other is vividly depicted. It is in eleven elaborate scenes, and as may be imagined the vast amount of scenery and effects carried with the company necessitates a powerful staff to manipulate' (Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 24 April 1917).
30 Apr 1917	Hippodrome, Bolton	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 25 April and 2 May 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 30 April at the Hippo., Bolton. Noted in The Era, 2 May 1917, and The Stage, 3 May 1917.
7 May 1917	Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Few plays staged at the Alexandra Theatre recently contain more thrills than Mr. Carlton Wallace’s “The Enemy in Our Midst.” Opening with a plot to torpedo transports, the climax is reached in the last act, when during a Zeppelin raid the “enemy” (a naturalised Englishman) is killed' (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 8 May 1917). ‘Novelty is certainly not lacking in this drama. In the final scene a Zeppelin travels across the darkening summer sky, but its death-dealing errand is terminated by British guns and a British biplane. As may be gathered from the title, the story of the play deals with spies and treachery. Innocent people are unjustly suspected, but in the end virtue triumphs over vice' (Birmingham Daily Post, 8 May 1917).
14 May 1917	Imperial Theatre, Canning Town	Professional	Read Narrative Between them The Era, 9 and 16 May 1917, listed The Enemy in our Midst (Carlton Wallace’s) as On The Road from 14 May and 21 May at the Imperial, Canning Town.
18 Jun 1917	Theatre and Opera House, Cheltenham	Professional	Read Narrative ‘During tine fourth week of their season at the Cheltenham Theatre Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s Company are playing his thrilling drama The Enemy in Our Midst, with the author in the part of Basil Stanhope, the hero. Spy tales, even in peace times, make good reading and acting; but for his The Enemy in Our Midst Mr. Wallace has used dramatic material molten hot in such a manner that it loses none of its heat in the making of his story. The play was acted here some months ago, and must have made a good impression, for there was a splendid house on Monday. Recent circumstances have tended to increase rather than diminish interest in such pieces, for if the German spy fever has cooled down, the air-raids have intensified the appeal of The Enemy in Our Midst, the plot of which deals with the doings of German spies scheming a big Zeppelin raid. The scene of the destruction of the Zeppelin by a British aeroplane is a clever piece of stagecraft that enthuses the audience tremendously (Gloucestershire Echo, 19 June 1917). ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, as well as being a strong actor, knows how to write plays that will draw popular audiences in crowds ... The Enemy in our Midst was first seen here last year and has been received again with enthusiasm. It is quite up-to-date, for it deals with German spies and includes a well managed destruction of a Zeppelin by a British aeroplane. The whole piece is powerful melodrama and the company puts all it knows into it (Cheltenham Looker-On, 23 June 1917).
6 Aug 1917	Theatre Royal, Hanley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘As an up-to-date, attractive programme for the holiday week, the management [has] succeeded in arranging for the interpretation of a patriotic play, The Enemy in Our Midst, by a company selected by the author of the piece, Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, who also sustains one of the principal roles. The Enemy in Our Midst seems to have been written as a warning against Germans who have become naturalised ... The drama culminates in a Zeppelin raid. The raid is pictured in a realistic way. Bombs are heard to drop, and then there appears from the far distance a Zeppelin floating into view. Suddenly an aeroplane rises above the Zeppelin, and when quite over it a flash is seen, and the huge envelope beneath buckles up in the centre, and. gradually falls, and the triumphant aviator also descends. The picture is so uncommon as to come as a great surprise ... The Enemy In Our Midst was played twice on Monday evening to good houses'. Staffordshire Sentinel, 7 August 1917.
27 Sep 1917	Grand Theatre, Falkirk	Professional	Read Narrative ‘Two dramas, distinct in theme, but each having one factor in common - that of the unusual - are presented at the Grand this week by Mr G. Carlton Wallace ... On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday The Apple of Eden is staged, and during the second three days The Enemy in Our Midst is the attraction … The theme of The Enemy in Our Midst is one which is always interesting, and at the present time is particularly so. The plot deals with the doings of German spies scheming a big Zeppelin raid, and provides great scope for exciting situations. A feature of the production is a clever piece of stagecraft depicting the destruction of a Zeppelin by a British aeroplane' (Falkirk Herald, 26 and 29 September 1917).
22 Oct 1917	Empire, Cowdenbeath	Professional	Read Narrative ‘G. Carlton Wallace presents The Enemy in Our Midst. The cast includes Gertie Henderson, Lalla Shelton, Phyllis Evelyn, Evely Carlton, Theo Balfour, Fred Search, Wm. Chalmers, Roy Fortescue, Chas. Mervyn, Wm. Tarbent, Bob Anderson, and G. Carlton Wallace’. The Stage, 25 October 1917.
5 Nov 1917	Royal Princess's Theatre, Glasgow	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Glasgow Observer and Catholic Herald, 3 November 1917, for Monday 5 November and during the week, as ‘The Thrilling Drama … The Startling Truth Told’. Also: ‘In the drama, The Enemy in Our Midst, Mr. G. Carlton Wallace deals in a clever manner with a problem which has been much discussed of late. It relates to subjects which concern the whole country, including the mysterious hidden hand. There are many thrills during the four acts, and the company make the most of their opportunities' (Daily Record, 6 November 1917).
12 Nov 1917	Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough	Professional	Read Narrative The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 12 November 1917, advertised the ‘Special engagement of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s company, in the great sensational play The Enemy in our Midst’.
19 Nov 1917	Grand Theatre, Plymouth	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Western Morning News, 19 November 1917, as ‘the up-to-the-moment war drama’.
3 Dec 1917	Theatre Royal, South Shields	Professional	Read Narrative The Shields Daily News, Monday 3 December 1917, advertised at the Theatre Royal, South Shields, the ‘Second Week of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s Popular Company in his Famous Production The Enemy in our Midst’.
20 Dec 1917	Theatre Royal, King's Lynn	Professional	Read Narrative The Lynn News & County Press, 15 December 1917, advertised at the Theatre Royal and Hippodrome 'The Apple of Eden' on Monday-Wednesday, 17-19 December; and 'The Enemy in our Midst' on Thursday-Saturday, 20-22 December.
7 Jan 1918	Theatre Royal, Stratford	Professional	Read Narrative The People, 6 January 1918, advertised The Enemy in our Midst at the Theatre Royal, Stratford.
22 Apr 1918	Brixton Theatre, Brixton	Professional	Read Narrative The Stage, 25 April 1918, listed The Enemy in our Midst at Brixton from 22 April.
13 May 1918	Grand Theatre, Nottingham	Professional	Read Narrative Advertised in the Nottingham Evening Post, 9 May 1918, as ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s Company In the Startling Up-to-the-Moment Play, The Enemy in our Midst‘. Also: ‘Not only as a strong drama of human interest – it is all that – but as a propaganda play, The enemy in our midst at the Grand Theatre this week is worth seeing. Presented by Mr. G. C. Wallace’s talented company, the piece was well received last night, and the comedy interludes with which the sensational scenes are lightened produced an unusual amount of merriment. It is a good play, well played’ (Nottingham Journal, 14 May 1918).
27 May 1918	Theatre Royal, Norwich	Professional	Read Narrative The Era, 29 May 1918, noted ‘Mr. G. Carlton’s company in “The Enemy In Our Midst”' at the Norwich Theatre Royal.
5 Aug 1918	Theatre Royal, Hanley	Professional	Read Narrative ‘For the second and concluding week of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace’s repertory season at the Theatre Royal, Hanley, The Enemy in our Midst will be presented. This is a spy play, abounding in intensely dramatic situations, from the pen of Mr. Wallace himself' (Staffordshire Sentinel, 10 August 1918). ‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace is this week producing at the Hanley Theatre Royal his own play, The Enemy in Our Midst. Last night the piece met with a cordial reception by large audiences. Mr. Wallace himself supports the role of Herman Klost, a naturalised Englishman. Klost is both a spy and a plotter, with the instincts of a brute ... when a Zeppelin appears on the distant horizon he guides its course by means of a strong light. He is thus occupied when Basil comes across him, and then a well-directed shot puts an end to all his machinations. It does not, however, prevent the advance of the Zeppelin or the dropping of bombs. That is effectually done by an aeroplane which is seen to advance and to mount above the airship. The hail of lead which falls from the aeroplane has the effect of buckling up the Zeppelin, to the delight of everybody. It will be seen that the plot is startlngly up-to-date, and it may be added that the Zeppelin and aeroplane used work so well that the scene has a considerable amount of realism given to it' (Staffordshire Sentinel, 13 August 1918).
9 Sep 1918	Theatre Royal, Waterford	Professional	Read Narrative The Waterford Standard, 7 September 1918, advertised at the Theatre Royal, Waterford, an ‘enormous and expensive attraction. G. Carlton Wallace and his company in the following Plays:- The Apple of Eden, The Enemy in our Midst, The Amazing Marriage‘ on Monday-Friday, 9-13 September. ‘For Time and Prices see Day Bills’.

The Enemy In Our Midst

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