The Day Before The Day

‘Sir George Alexander has chosen Wednesday evening, May 19, for the production, at the St. James’s, of The Day Before the Day. In a note by the author, he states: - “Before the War I should have called this piece a melodrama with reference to its probability; I now call it a drama"' (The Stage, 6 May 1915). ‘The war is at last beginning to invade the theatre. Sir George Alexander announces a new play at the St. James’s Theatre entitled, “The Day Before the Day,” and I notice that Mr. Martin Harvey has got a new war play in preparation. I suppose this sort of thing is inevitable. But when I go to the theatre I like to be able to forget the war for two or three hours – don’t you?’ (Daily Citizen (Manchester), 7 May 1915). ‘London News. London, Wednesday night … This evening Sir George Alexander produced a play which promises to be successful. It is a full-blooded war melodrama, called “The Day Before the Day,” which seems a little out of place at the St James’s ... Mr Chester Bailey Fernald, the author, did not mince matters or make any pretence at treating his subject seriously. His work is very ingenious and full of thrills, the dialogue is often effective, and it really does not matter a bit if the logic of the characters is the logic of the stage, and not of real life. A capital performance was given, particularly by some of the obnoxious characters ... The reception was enthusiastic’ (The Scotsman, 20 May 1915). ‘The applause at the end of the new play at the St. James’s suggests that “The Day Before The Day” will have a real success, and its chances will be improved when the blue pen has been used and the acting screwed up a little tighter. One would like to see a play more worthy of its author, Mr. C. B. Fernald … In “The Day Before The Day” the author runs no risks. The public is supposed to want melodramas about the war, and so the dramatist gives them one hot and strong; indeed one might use the classical phrase “two-pence coloured.” Fortunately, though the play begins indifferently, it soon warms up and becomes a very blood-curdling, clever affair, with novel stage tricks and contrivances. To tell the story is quite beyond my power – and my duty, too, I think. There were bits that I did not quite understand, or, to be more accurate, passages where I failed to see what the characters were driving at; but this really did not matter ... We had an excellent performance of this ingenious and entertaining play, for in its unpretentious way it was quite entertaining, as are all really clever melodramas ... although [the audience] got chilled occasionally, by the length of the scenes, there is no doubt that it enjoyed the piece greatly’ (Westminster Gazette, 20 May 1915). ‘Sir George Alexander has given us at James’ Theatre a new drama about the war. It is by Mr Fernald, and is styled “The Day Before the Day,” which sufficiently indicates that its theme is a possible invasion of these shores. The play has the merit that, while in some respects it is serious, the satire worked round the miscreant Germans, and the plentiful use of theatrical tricks, makes it for the most of the time amusing' (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 20 May 1915' similarly the Dublin Daily Express and the Hull Daily Mail of the same date). 'There is only one way to take “The Day Before The Day.” It is a good joke, and when last night s audience at the St. James’ Theatre was not marvelling at Mr. Lyn Harding’s acrobatic feats which the “Handcuff King” [that is, Harry Houdini] might be proud of, they were laughing heartily at all the mock seriousness. The only wonder was that so many clever and capable players should have been engaged by Sir G. Alexander to present such banal melodrama. But then, these are war times, and you never know why things are as they are’ (The Globe, 20 May 1915). 'One of the most interesting things about the new spy play at the St. James’s Theatre was the way the audience took it. For the most part they took it as a joke, grim and real as some of the scenes were; but a few people took it seriously, and some people walking just behind me as we came out were evidently prejudiced. Said the portly lady to her portly escort, “It vas fery bat taste.” But then, I fear they were of Teutonic origin. Still, I never cease to marvel how our British audiences can sit through these war plays with evident enjoyment and laugh at or thrilled at the make believe on the stage of what may at any moment become a ghastly reality in these days. On Wednesday night, for instance, we applauded light-heartedly and happily the dramatic trapping and arrest of the three dangerous spies of the piece ... We had been laughing at their “comic” Teutonisms and hatred all through the play. A few hours after the curtain fell upon their clever performance Herr Kuepferle, a real German officer with real Teutonisms and filled with real hate for England, hanged himself in his cell at Brixton Gaol, half an hour’s taxicab ride away. We are a strange people’ (Daily Mirror, 21 May 1915). ‘Apart from a kind of Houdini exhibition on the part of Mr. Lyn Harding in freeing himself from fetters and manacles, which, clever as it was, would have been more in place on the stage of the Oxford Music Hall than on that of the St. James’s Theatre, there was nothing to distinguish Sir George Alexander’s latest production from an average melodrama at a third-rate Surreyside place of entertainment. The play bristled with sensational improbabilities, and was not even distinguished by the polished dialogue which one associates with the St. James’s. Its construction is loose and its characterisation colourless ... The actors do all that is possible with a very ungrateful task ... [They] all do their utmost to disguise the fact that their parts are altogether unworthy of their great abilities’ (Sporting Times, 22 May 1915). ‘There is no reason why we should not have good melodrama at the St. James’s, and if the new piece is not a very remarkable example of its kind it has one or two thrilling moments which prove that Mr. C. B. Fernald has in him the stuff of which writers of melodrama are made ... while there is some excitement and good fun in “The Day Before the Day,” there is more than once fun in the wrong place, which means that the author failed to convince his audience of the melodrama realities ... “The Day Before the Day” is nothing if not a war and spy play. As such it may win success’ (The People, 23 May 1915). ‘What a change from [Lady Gregory’s new drama] Shanwalla to The Day Before the Day at the St. James’s - from sincerity and simplicity to complexity and artificiality. It is disappointing to see so clever a man as Mr. Chester Bailey Fernald doing such undistinguished work. Still, he does it very cleverly. Cutting is needed, particularly in the scenes with the heroine; here and there are found needless repetitions, and the characters ought not to put so heavy a strain on their hip-pockets by constant production of revolvers or automatics never fired. However, the audience enjoyed the drama immensely. It was in the mood for hateful pictures of treacherous naturalised Germans, and their awful machinations on the East Coast; the hymns of hate and bloody threats; and the crushful downfall of the Teutons, and preservation of good old England. An excellent recruiting piece, I should think, and likely to go round the provinces - but I hope it will be a little simplified and straightened out before a country campaign; for fully to understand it demands as much brain-work as is needed for “the intellectual drama”' (The Sketch, 26 May 1915). ‘The play is somewhat disjointed … [It] is decidedly amusing, and contains few strong situations, but its plot is really altogether “impossible”’ (Gloucester Citizen, 26 May 1915). The Stage, 27 May 1915, listed the cast as follows: Captain Guy Howison … Mr. Lyn Harding Sec. Lieut. Robert Cresfield … Mr. Owen Nares Capt. Richard Buckingham … Mr. Hesketh Pearson Col. Wallingford … Mr. Dawson Milward Draper … Mr. Alfred Harris Führman Max Von Ardel … Mr. Gerald Lawrence Karl Pulitzer … Mr. Fredrick Ross Adolf Schindler … Mr. A. B. Imeson Ludwig Grunau … Mr. Nigel Playfair Herr Professor Willy Effenbach … Mr. Edmund Gwenn Frieda Grunau … Miss Clare Greet Ruthers … Miss Stella Rho Lady Lulliby … Miss Elizabeth Chesney Mona Cresfield … Miss Stella Mervyn Campbell Victoria Buckingham … Miss Grace Lane The Stage continued its review as follows: 'A serio-comic about the War may make its appeal to certain sections of the public It may amuse and excite persons who are not imaginative, or persons who are so confident about the tremendous issues as to see nothing incongruous in turning them, in anticipation, to the traffic of melodrama and travesty. The Day Before the Day runs a good deal upon the lines of The Man Who Stayed at Home, but whereas the authors of the latter piece wisely concerned themselves with a comparatively small matter of spying Mr. C. B. Fernald is content with nothing less than the plans of the Germans for the invasion and subjugation of England. Even if handled as well as it could be, we do not think that this subject would be suitable for stage treatment at the present moment. Mr. Fernald gives it a treatment of which it is difficult to make either head or tail. The first act, so whimsically is it written, would pass as an excellent burlesque of spy melodramatics ... But Mr. Fernald’s aim, judging from the subsequent acts of his play, is not burlesque, though he contrives to be funny enough at times, both intentionally and unintentionally. He indulges in all sorts of melodramatic happenings ... A love interest may be according to all the rules of melodrama, but what is one to say to it with the fate of England, as here represented or postulated, trembling in the balance? The plot of The Day Before the Day is too involved for description or even for full understanding, but it is rather upon incidents than upon plot that reliance is placed ... The play was received on the first night in an amused, half-jesting spirit' (The Stage, 27 May 1915; and similarly on 9 December 1915). 'This is the play ... of which a writer wrote that it was too ridiculous to criticise seriously, and that could it be taken seriously the audience would wreck the theatre. After reading these sentences from this particular writer’s review I went to the St. James’ expecting to find a truly ridiculous and piffling play. And to some extent my expectations were realised. Mr. Fernald styles his play a drama. I think he probably set out with a very good serious idea, which, if carried out, would have made the play a serious and perhaps stirring addition to war-time drama. Unfortunately, the main idea is permitted to play second to a theme of such ordinary melodramatic quality that the whole thing develops into sheer melodrama ... As melodrama, then, “The Day Before the Day” would stand a chance of success. But it fails in the pose I feel sure its author intended, because only, perhaps, a few members of an audience will realise the serious drama behind the melodramatic embellishments. One may exaggerate the danger of German spies in our midst. Who knows? Who can tell until too late? But events have too often and too conclusively proved that the German spy system is a real danger, and that it does exist here in our very midst ... It is the absolute duty of those at home to safeguard our sons, husbands, and sweethearts by seeing to it that the spy danger is removed as far as possible. We insist. These thoughts reframed themselves in my mind while watching Mr. Fernald’s play. Also another feeling obtruded its unpleasantness into my mental consciousness: a feeling of shame, of blushing, red-hot shame. Mr. Fernald’s play showed in a small and perhaps melodramatic way the completeness of German preparation ... after nine months of war ... Germany has had no shortage, has shown no sign of trouble. And I thought of the things we are hearing daily - shortage of men, shortage of ammunition, trouble at the Admiralty, grave Governmental crises, tramway strikes, dockers’ strikes, etc., etc., etc. Ashamed - yes, positively ashamed that our brave men should be facing hell for a country which refuses to see that the Government does its duty, that war business is efficiently organised, that strikes and shortages and quarrels do not take place ... It is the people’s sorrow, the people’s calamity. And the people are playing tennis - ye gods! they are even playing tennis!’ (Clarion, 28 May 1915). ‘A Playwright can be too clever at his job; can be so clever as not to take his own play seriously. That seems to be what is wrong with Mr. C. B. Fernald’s stage-story about spies, “The Day Before the Day”; he wavers constantly between burlesque and melodrama ... you can never be sure whether Mr. Fernald is not laughing at our dread of Teutonic espionage, and he never lets his patriots be patriotic in a very convincing way. So it is probably to little purpose that Sir George Alexander has engaged a splendid cast for the production ... will their efforts avail?’ (Illustrated London News, 29 May 1915). ‘There was a time when Mr. C. B. Fernald’s new play at the St. James’s would have been taken as a burlesque melodrama without qualification, say any time before August, 1914. So taken it would have been highly entertaining ... Mr. Fernald seemed clearly to be having his little joke at the expense of spy dramas in general, and, to do him justice, it would have been quite a good joke if we had all been quite sure that it was not meant to be serious. I voted for the joke theory, and consequently enjoyed myself; others appear to have voted for the serious theory, and consequently set the whole thing down as rubbish. And the joke then continued, but the problem became more difficult and while still enjoying myself I wavered ... Mr. Fernald had found a subject which was certainly no matter for burlesque and was better not treated, even seriously, upon the stage at all ... it was a play which it would have been easier and wiser not to write but at the same time it is only fair to state that it is a well-written, ingenious, and exciting melodrama' (Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 29 May 1915). ‘If the playhouse cannot aid us to carry on the grim business of battle it has no right to keep open. Now it may do this by diverting us with laughter, or by helping us to recuperate in other ways. But Mr. C. B. Fernald’s play, “The Day Before the Day,” at the St. James’s, simply presents (hypothetically) the war crisis on lines that are not helpful ... The whole affair is – chilling’ (The Graphic, 29 May 1915). 'It was all like a drama played at the Elephant and Castle - a spy drama with certain pretensions, not, however, pretentious enough to be really funny, but far too twopence coloured to be really thrilling. But the acting saved it. The play and the characters would have appeared absurd had not the actors by their art contrived to put a semblance of reality into those sawdust images of ferocious mien ... The Day Before the Day is a poor play well acted. With a few more high falutin’ heroics it ought to go down well with holiday audiences. But at the St. James’s … well, these are strange times. You never can tell. It certainly gives you plenty of stage thrills’ (The Tatler, 2 June 1915). ‘Saturday [5 June 1915] saw the last of “The Day before the Day” at the St. James’s Theatre' (The Globe, Monday 7 June 1915). ‘The production of a war play is a perilous business at the present time. Some quite good plays with a war flavour have been produced, only to fall like leaves before an autumn frost. The war is too near us to be staged in the way these plays have been presented to us. There was Mr. C. B. Fernald’s war drama at the St. James’s. There were two scenes in it which at any other time would have secured a long run ... A galaxy of stars did their utmost but for all that the play has passed away’ (The Sphere, 26 June 1915). ‘Actual war plays have proved somewhat of a drug in the market throughout the year, which need surprise no one … “The Day Before the Day,” by Mr. Chester Bailey Fernald … was another war play which failed to attract’ (Nottingham Evening Post, 1 January 1916). ‘C. B. Fernald’s “The Day Before the Day,” produced by Sir George Alexander at the St. James’s, ... failed entirely to suit the mood of the theatre-goer, and was quickly relegated to the list of the unsuccessful efforts [at plays inspired directly by the war]’ (The People, 2 January 1916).

Rupert Lister advertised in The Stage, 10, 17 and 24 June 1915, for theatres for Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister in The Day Before The Day. Vacant dates in 1915 included July 22 (for three nights) to 3), to follow Rhyl. ‘This week excellent business has been done by Miss Cecile Barclay and Mr. Rupert Lister’s company in The Day Before the Day’ (The Stage, 22 July 1915).

‘After a week’s closure, the New Theatre, Cardiff, will be re-opened on Monday next, with the intensely interesting and topical four-act drama, “The Day Before the Day” … This remarkable play comes direct from the St. James’s Theatre, London, and Mr. Rupert Lister and Miss Cecile Barclay figure as the principal characters. The title of the piece gives an indication of its purport, but the absorbing character of the plot cannot be appreciated without personal experience of the histrionic abilities of the actors, who make up the cast in the production of this remarkable play. It deals with the Hun and his reprehensible methods in a succession of most exciting situations, and the play is a striking illustration of German characteristics, which the world is to-day protesting against in the European war’ (Western Mail, 31 July 1915). '‘After brief vacation the New Theatre, Cardiff, was re-opened on Monday, with matinee and evening performances of Mr. C. B. Fernald’s new play, “The Day Before The Day.” Two overflowing holiday audiences greeted this remarkable play with enthusiasm, explaining the remarkable run of success it has enjoyed at the St. James’s Theatre, London. Apart from the forceful appeal it makes to the patriotic subject, the production throws a lurid light upon the barbarous methods of the Huns. Though not a war play in the acknowledged sense of the term, the audience is made to feel itself moving in atmosphere of khaki and German spies ... The topical drama is full of excitement, interest never flags - and it certainly never did on Monday, whilst it pulsates with a strong vein of humour throughout. Mr. Rupert Lister (Captain Gay [sic – Guy] Howison) and Miss Cecile Barclay (Victoria Buckingham) are two brilliant stars in a wonderfully good cast, and bring out the best features in a play which is well worth seeing. The other artistes, all of whom sustain their allotted parts splendidly, include Messrs. Hugh Lyndhurst, Charles Wiseman, Bruce Lindley, Hubert Brett, Wallace Everrett [sic – Evennett], James Weston, Arthur E. Pringle, Thomas Reed, and the Misses Lilian Seaton, Beryl Wylly, Amy Morrison, and Blanche Payling’ (Western Mail, 3 August 1915).

‘The danger to Great Britain in allowing Germans who have become naturalised in form, but not in spirit, to remain at large, is pointedly dealt with in “The Day Before the Day,” the newest play from the St. James’s Theatre, London, which will be presented at the Prince’s Theatre next week. Dealing with the war period, and illustrating the feeling of Germans for this country, the play commands attention. The play, by C. B. Fernald, is a battle of wits between German spies and an English officer, who seeks to get hold of their information and thus turn the tables on the enemy. The company presenting the play is under the direction of Miss Cecile Barclay and Mr Rupert Lister’ (Western Daily Press, 7 August 1915). ‘That the war would produce war-plays was inevitable. They are divided into two classes, as is most drama, plays that deal with the physical possibilities of life and those that attempt to solve the deeper psychological problem. “The Day Before the Day” belongs to the former category, and is melodrama pure and simple. “The Day” is, of course, “Der Tag,” and the play ... is really concerned with the spy peril. It teaches nothing, however, being purely a romantic idea of what that peril may be. Consequently as such, the play has no value beyond providing an exciting and gratifying entertainment. In that it succeeds admirably ... The audience enjoyed it hugely; it is what they wanted to see happen' (Western Daily Press, 10 August 1915; much of the review is repeated in the Clifton Society, 12 August 1915, p. 12). ‘“The Day Before The Day” … is the attraction at the Prince’s Theatre this week. It is a play illustrative of the German spy peril, and Mr. C. B. Fernald, the author, has evolved a thrilling and up-to-date melodrama which arrests the attention of the spectator at the start and holds it to the end. Of course the tables are turned on the German and the large audiences are naturally delighted at their discomfiture and defeat. The play is splendidly interpreted. Mr. Rupert Lister makes an ideal Captain, who is always cool, even debonair In the presence of danger. Miss Cecile Barclay as the heroine, Victoria Buckingham, plays in excellent style and the German agents are well played, Mr. Bruce Lindley as the Professor being exceptionally good. Adequate support is given by Mr. Arthur E. Pringle, Mr. Charles Wiseman, Mr. Hubert Brett, Miss Lilian Seaton and Miss Beryl Wylly’ (Clifton Society, 12 August 1915). Reviewed in The Stage, 12 August 1915, which named the cast members as Cecile Barclay, Rupert Lister, Bruce Lindley, Hugh Lyndhurst, Charles Wiseman, Hubert Brett, Wallace Everrett [sic – Evennett], James Weston, Arthur E Pringle, Lilian [Seaton], Beryl Wylly, and Amy Morrison.

'At the Theatre Royal [Braford] this week “The before the Day” is being presented by Miss Cecile Barclay and Mr. Rupert Lister’ (Leeds Mercury, 17 August 1915).

‘At the Lyceum Theatre [next week] a story of absorbing interest is to be presented in “The Day Before the Day,” which incidentally illustrates the danger to Great Britain in allowing Germans who have become naturalised in form, but not in spirit, to remain at large. It is a battle of wits between German spies and an English officer, who seeks to get hold of their information, and thus turn the tables on the enemy ... The mounting of the play is on a lavish scale, and the scenery and properties are those actually used at the St. James’s Theatre, London’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 20 August 1915). ‘In “The Day Before the Day,” from the St. James’s Theatre, which opened a week’s visit at the Lyceum, Sheffield, last night, Mr. C. B. Fernald has produced a war play that seizes firm hold of our nerves at the beginning, and goes on shaking them till the very end. We are in the midst of treasons, stratagems, and spoils, villainies as black as night, all full-flavoured with a mighty German hatred of England ... It is not till the very finish that the villains are foiled, and we are allowed to breathe freely again. Fortunately, however, a good deal of humour is introduced by the character of a brave Englishman, who is bent on unmasking the scheme, and this, and one or two other touches of comedy, relieve the tension. Melodramatic though it undoubtedly is, “The Day Before the Day” is a good play. It holds our interest enchained, and had a very hearty reception. In its dialogue there are several smart hits, and the whole piece is cleverly constructed' (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 24 August 1915). ‘“The Day before the Day,” presented this week at the Lyceum by Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lester, is a strong drama, full of exciting incidents, dealing with the great German spy question in our land' (Sheffield Independent, 24 August 1915). ‘“The Day Before the Day,” played at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre, apart from its intrinsic dramatic quality, has a distinct propagandist bias. It makes the spy peril instant and real, just as the novel “The Riddle of the Sands” years ago exposed Germany’s sinister preparations for a descent upon this island at the ripe moment ... Mr. Fernald’s play is a capital example of its kind that should command big houses throughout the week' (Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 24 August 1915).

Rupert Lister advertised in The Stage, 10 and 17 June 1915, for theatres for Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister in The Day Before The Day. Vacant dates in 1915 included August 30 (three nights), to precede Buxton. The Stage, 26 August and 2 September 1915, listed The Day Before the Day as On Tour from 30 August at the King’s Hall, Ilkley.

Rupert Lister advertised in The Stage, 10 and 17 June 1915, for theatres for Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister in The Day Before The Day. Vacant dates in 1915 included August 30 (three nights), to precede Buxton.

‘Mr. Rupert Lister, Miss Cecile Barclay and company are here [the Royal, Middlesbrough] with The Day Before the Day. Mr. Lister’s fine soldierly bearing and finished acting make him an admirable Guy Howison, and Mr. Hugh Lyndhurst powerfully depicts Max von Ardel. Miss Cecile Barclay wins all hearts with her life-like impersonation of Victoria Buckingham’ (The Stage, 9 September 1915).

‘If “The Day Before the Day” had been produced eighteen months ago, it would have been dismissed by the critics with a contemptuous shrug of the shoulders as a wildly impossible phantasy, a dream of the scaremongers. But the public to-day is vastly different to that of pre-war days - how long ago it seems! Its eyes have been opened and the spy danger is now a very real one. Any play dealing with the intricacies of the German espionage system is sure of a good hearing from the audience of to-day. “The Day Before the Day” is a logical sequence to “The Man who Stayed at Home,” and if its “run” in London was not so extended as its famous predecessor, one must attribute it to the fact that its appeal is almost too direct. It leaves one with a feeling of anxiety that such things could be, and even the final unmasking of the coterie of spies in the lonely East Coast house fails to reassure one. Things might so easily have gone the other way, were it not for the long arm of coincidence. “The Day Before the Day” is essentially a play of the period. If we were in the piping times of peace, it would have attracted but scant attention. Now it rivets one’s attention, it “grips” by its very reality. The plot is thin in the extreme, the dialogue undistinguished, but still it “gets there,” because it deals with a topic that has absorbed everyone’s attention during the past year ... “The Day Before the Day” is a thick layer of pate de foi [sic] gras between slices of stale bread. At the same time it is a very welcome relief from stock melodrama’ (Yorkshire Evening Post, 14 September 1915). ‘Patrons of the Holbeck house are provided with excellent Feast fare in the visit of Mr. Rupert Lister and Miss Cecile Barclay in a powerful topical drama entitled “The Day Before the Day.” German espionage is the main feature of what may be described a play full of interest throughout' (Leeds Mercury, 14 September 1915). Also reviewed in The Stage, 16 September 1915.

‘A very interesting and attractive booking is announced for the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, next week, when Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister will present a new play, entitled “The Day Before the Day.” The piece, which is written by Mr. C. B. Fernald, is presented by arrangement with Sir George Alexander and comes direct front the St. James’ Theatre, London, where it has scored a tremendous success. The plot deals with events that preceded the present great world upheaval, and distinctly shows the temper and purpose that has been behind the movements of certain aliens for years past. The drama is suited to the times, and will undoubtedly prove a big draw. A strong cast includes Miss Cecile Barclay as Victoria Buckingham, and Mr. Rupert Lister as Captain Guy Howison, while the staging is a notable feature’ (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 25 September 1915).

‘Rupert Lister and company are here [the Royal, Colchester] in The Day Before the Day’. The Stage, 7 October 1915.

The Stage, 14 October 1915, listed The Day Before the Day as On Tour from 11 October at the New Royal, Castleford.

‘“The Day Before the Day,” a drama dealing with the German espionage system, was well received by the patrons of the [Scala Theatre, Seacombe] last night. The plot, which is admirably worked out, shows the frustration of spies by a Scotland Yard man. Owing to the indisposition of Mr. Rupert Lister the role of Captain Guy Hourson [sic – Howison] was taken by Mr Hugh Lyndhurst, who did full justice to it. He was ably supported Miss Cecile Barclay as Victoria Buckingham, and a strong company’ (Liverpool Echo, 19 October 1915). Reviewed in The Stage, 21 October 1915, which names the cast members as Hugh Lyndhurst (deputising for the indisposed Rupert Lister), Cecile Barclay, Charles Wiseman (doubling Von Ardel and Karl Pulitzer), Arthur E Pringle, Wallace Evenett [sic - Evennett], Bruce Lindley, Hubert Brett, Thomas Read, Lilian Seaton, and Mary Horton.

‘There was a large audience at the Rochdale Theatre on Monday night to welcome the war drama “The Day Before the Day,” which comes from the St. James’s Theatre, London, by arrangement with Sir George Alexander. The author has certainly contrived to give his play plenty of thrills' (Rochdale Observer, 27 October 1915). ‘There is again an excellent entertainment provided at Theatre Royal this week, where a first-class company are appearing in a play entitled “The day before the day,” and from the manner of its reception on Monday evening we can confidently predict that its further presentation in Rochdale will meet with undoubted success. The play is a work of much merit, and the theme upon which it is based deals with an English officer’s determination to discover and expose the rendez-vous of German spies. This, of course, is but a brief synopsis of the underlying motive, and the subsequent unravelling of the story, which is given in four acts, keeps the audience I an atmosphere at keen expectancy' (Rochdale Times, 27 October 1915). ‘The war drama “The day before the day” has proved a popular attraction at the Rochdale Theatre this week, and the thrilling episodes in the tracking down of the German spies on the East Coast has kept interest sustained. The piece is exceedingly well played’ (Rochdale Observer, 30 October 1915). Also reviewed in The Stage, 28 October 1915.

Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister’s companies advertised in The Stage, 11 November 1915, for a character comedian and a light comedian for The Day Before the Day and Repertory: This week HMT, Carlisle; next, TR, North Shields'.

‘The attraction next week at the Theatre Royal [North Shields] will Miss Cecile Barclay and Mr Rupert Lister’s company in “The Day Before the Day,” a topical four-act drama ... It is a strong play, cleverly written, full of exciting incidents, and yet with a strong vein of humour running through it. The story is that of German espionage in England, and the lesson it enforces is of enthralling interest at the present moment. The company is a strong one, and the Royal should be well patronised all the week’ (Shields Daily News, 13 November 1915). Noted in The Era, 17 November 1915.

‘This week Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister have been presenting “The Day Before The Day” [at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow] ... The play is splendidly staged and all the parts are taken with success. The attendances have been very gratifying during the week’ (Jarrow Express, 26 November 1915).

The Bedfordshire Times and Independent, Friday 4 February 1916, advertised The Day Before the Day for Friday and Saturday of the following week at the County Theatre, Bedford, performed by Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister’s company appearing in a repertory of West End plays.

The Luton Times and Advertiser, Friday 11 February 1916, noted that The Day Before the Day would be performed on Friday and Saturday of the following week at the Grand Theatre, Luton, performed by Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister’s company appearing in a repertory of plays (confirmed by a separate advertisement): ‘“The Day before the Day” is a topical play, direct from the St. James’s Theatre. It is full of exciting moments and the humour of the piece is not lacking in abundance. German espionage is the theme of the play, and how the “naturalized Germans” are brought to bay by an English officer affords much amusement, and gets right home with the sympathies of the audience’. ‘… the week is being brought to a close with another of Sir Geo. Alexander’s patriotic successes entitled, “The day before the day.” It is a stirring four-act drama dealing with German espionage in England, and showing how a disguised British officer penetrates the secret quarters of a gang of naturalised spies’ (Luton Reporter, 14 February 1916). Noted in The Stage, 17 February 1916 and the Luton Reporter, 21 February 1916.

‘The public are to be favoured with a war play at the New Theatre [Port Talbot] next week. “The Day before the Day” promises plenty of excitement, and should prove a great attraction. The plot hangs upon the meaning of the German phrase “God strafe England,” and it will be helpful to us all if it helps us to understand “why” the prayer has been offered. These are days when the tingle of patriotism is in the veins of us all, and “The Day before the Day” ought to provide us with a new thrill’ (Glamorgan Gazette, 3 March 1916). ‘Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister’s company are here [the New, Aberavon - actually Port Talbot] with The Day Before the Day. The company include Rupert Lister (Guy Howison), Andrew O. Buck (Max von Ardel), Bernard Copping (Karl Pulitzer), Harry Colbeck (Schindler), H. Vickers Smith (Grunau), Horace A. Whitmee, (Effenbach), James Green (Draper), Michael Raglan (Robert Cresfield), Kathleen Harrison (Ruthers), Mabel Jeye (Lady Flora Lulliby), Ida Warrington (Frieda Grunau), Dorothy Dewhurst (Mona Cresfield), Cecile Barclay (Victoria)’ (The Stage, 9 March 1916).

‘Sir George Alexander’s productions from the St. James’s Theatre are always popular with local audiences. and next week’s play at the Theatre Royal, presented by Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister, should prove very welcome. “The Day Before the Day,” by Mr. C. B. Fernald, deals with a German scheme of invasion, and the way in which the Teuton plots and intrigues for the destruction of this country. There are some strong dramatic situations, and the scene in which the hero makes his escape from the “den” of the German conspirators is particularly exciting. The serious tone of the play is relieved by a pleasant leavening of humour. Miss Barclay plays the heroine’s part, and Mr. Lister impersonates Captain Guy Howison. The company is exceptionally strong, and the original West End scenery will be used’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 10 March 1916). ‘There are many thrilling episodes in “The Day Before the Day,” presented at the Portsmouth Theatre Royal last night. The story deals with the work of German spies and an Englishwoman’s engagement to an officer of the Prussian army. An old sweetheart in the person of an officer of the British Intelligence Department comes upon the scene, and the plot centres round his methods of undoing the treacherous work, running the gang to earth, and saving the honour of the woman he loves, and who in turn loves him. In the leading roles, Mr. Rupert Lister, as Captain Guy Howison. and Cecile Barclay, as Victoria Buckingham, were very fine, and they were well supported by a strong and talented company’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 14 March 1916). ‘The Day Before the Day is being presented here [the Royal, Portsmouth) this week. Cecile Barclay’s acting is full of grace and charm, and the part of Victoria Buckingham could not be played to better advantage; while as Captain Guy Howison Mr. Rupert Lister is excellent. These artists are supported by Andrew O. Buck, Bernard Copping, Harry Colbeck, Dorothy Dewhurst, Ida Wallington, and Mabel Jeye’ (The Stage, 16 March 1916).

‘C. B. Fernald’s play, The Day Before the Day, is finding good patronage here [the Royal, Aldershot] this week. The cast includes Rupert Lister as Capt. Guy Howison, Cecile Barclay as Victoria Buckingham, Dorothy Dewhurst, Ida Warrington, Mabel Jeye, Kathleen Harrison, Andrew C. Buck, Bernard Copping, H. Vickers Smith, Harry Colbeck, Bruce Lindley, H. A. Whitmee, and J. Green’ (The Stage, 23 March 1916).