Philip The King
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
This is a very simple play, chiefly in heroic verse, partly in prose and lyrics. It shows Philip of Spain waiting news of the armada. He has a colloquy with his daughter, and then is visited by the spirits of Don John, his brother, of murdered Indians and mothers. An English prisoner brings false news of victory, but while the people are rejoicing, monks singing and so forth, miserable survivors come with the tale of ruin. Philip is left in a spirit of resignation. I will not attempt an artistic appreciation of Mr Mansfield’s work, especially as time presses. Much of it is fine and marked by characteristic vigour, but not by any of the 'strong ' expressions for which he is, perhaps, too famous. The play is therefore Recommended for license. G. S. Street.
Researcher's Summary:
'Philip the King, and other poems' was published by Heinemann in early October 1914, priced 3s 6d. It was then performed at the Theatre Royal Bristol before being given at Miss Elizabeth Asquith's matinee on 5 November, in aid of the Arts Fund. Miss Muriel Pratt's repertory company, which performed the play at Bristol, concluded a 14-week season at the theatre in mid-December 1914 and may have performed the play additional times during the season, although this is not recorded in the newspapers. No further performances have been identified.
Licensed On: 28 Oct 1914
License Number: 2997
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British Library Reference: LCP1914/32
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66080 D
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Oct 1914 | Theatre Royal, Bristol | Professional |
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Staged by Miss Muriel Pratt’s company and advertised as written before the outbreak of war, yet curiously appropriate at the present time. Performed alongside “The End of the World” by Mr Lascelles Abercombie. “With the quality of that we are not concerned here. The play itself, though conventional in craftsmanship, plays better than it reads. In spite of rather too long speeches,” Western Daily Mail (27.10.1914) Mr Brember Wills acted the part of Philip. Miss Muriel Pratt as the daughter. Clive Carey recited the Armada’s defeat.
|
| 27 Oct 1914 | Theatre Royal, Bristol | Unknown | Licensed Performance |
| 5 Nov 1914 | Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London | Other |
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Produced as part of a charity matinee in aid of the Arts Fund.
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