Palace Theatre, Southampton

Review from The Stage - Thursday 17 December 1914 On Monday evening, December 14, 1914, was produced at the Palace,Southampton, a one-act play, by F. Dawson Buckley and J.A. Bentham, entitled:- The Teapot. Produced by F. Rawson Buckley. The curtain rises on ex-Gunner James Carlin, who, although himself belonging to the lower deck, has succeeded in giving to his grandson an education that has enabled him to obtain a commission as a midshipman in the Royal Navy. He is accompanied by Colour-Sergt. John Gregory, an old chum of his, and incidentally serving in the same ship; and they are anxiously awaiting a visit from the grandson, Cyril Jones, in whom the old man has long centred his hopes of his becoming an officer by means of the hard-earned savings that have accumulated in the “Teapot.” The appearance of Jerry Seabright with a bill of exchange for £50, which is demanded for a supposed debt contracted by the grandson a year previously, causes no little misgiving and heart burning, but when the young midshipman arrives he is able to pronounce the document a forgery, as well as to clear himself of a false charge in connection with a secret code book. The evil design of Jerry Seabright being frustrated, the midshipman leaves his now contented old grandfather in order to join his ship, and the old man replaces in the teapot the money which had been temporarily jeopardised. The sketch is well written and admirably played, the greater part of the work falling on Mr. F. Rawson Buckley, who gives a fine impersonation of the old ex-gunner. The other parts are suitably sustained by Mr. J.A. Bentham, Mr. W.F. Jackman, and Mr. Frank Lorriman. The Teapot also plays an important role and takes a curtain by itself at the end of the play.

‘Charles Kitts and Rhoda Windrum and company, with The Slacker, score well’. The Stage 28 October 1915.

Performed by Gilbert Heron and company.

'The Mystery Gun,' by Fred. Clayden, goes with a bang. it is very clever and very laughable. The Four Shades a ladies' vocal quartette, is a harmonious delight, and the singers charm the audience. Songs without singers, by the Miles-Stavordale Quintette, is a remarkable performance. Miss Joan de Ferraro sings charmingly. Will Gardener strikes a new comedy line. Macdonald Watson and Company appear in an amusing Scottish playlet; and very clever is the Monkey-up-a-stick Act by the Spanish Grace Bros. (Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 08 January 1916)

Performed by Miss Beaumont Collins.

Performed by Miss Beaumont Collins.

‘Next week [at the Palace, Southampton] Harry Thurston will appear in an episode of trench humour, entitled “The Johnson ‘ole,”’. Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 6 October 1917. ‘“The Johnson ‘Ole” is an episode of genuine trench humour at the Palace this week. The scene is a muddy trench at the front, and the dialogue is exceedingly funny’. Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 13 October 1917.

The cast were listed as Kate Cutler and Co.

‘“Parker’s Appeal,” Charles Austin’s latest comedy sketch, is affording the utmost amusement at the Palace this week’. Hampshire Advertiser, 9 February 1918.

Performed by: Mary Mayfren and company Other acts on the bill: Variety acts; The Diving Belles, Noblett (French "mystific" actor), Lily Eyton (singer), Eddie Brown, Rosie Reys (singer), Howard Flynn and Elsie Haynson (singers)