Her Majesty's Theatre, Walsall

"Plays innumerable dealing with the present War are, no doubt , destined to be written, and many will be produced, but whatever distinction may attach to the staging of almost the very first of them we believe belongs to the repertory company of Her Majesty's, Walsall. For obvious reasons, there will be no disposition to judge 'A British Soldier', the author of which is Rollo Balmain, by the ordinary standard. It is somewhat crude in structure and characterisation. But this drama has not been written to please the critical mind; it has been written to the unspoken order of the public, who 'want War' in news and picture, song and story, and, regarded from this limited point of view, it may be expected to achieve a fair measure of success." "The Stage", 1 October 1914

‘A new and original play is announced for production at Her Majesty’s Theatre during the week commencing Monday next. On that occasion the popular resident company of players will present the beautiful romantic play - written by T. C. Conlon - “The Angelus Bell.” We are in a position to state that this will be one of the best plays yet presented at the theatre. To those who are fond of bright, pleasing romantic plays a special treat is in store. Lovers of genuine comedy, too, will be specially catered for. The witty sayings and clever retorts of an irrepressible Irish soldier will, we are sure, furnish food for hearty laughter. The production is billed for the week in which St. Patrick’s day (March 17th) occurs and therefore a visit by the many admirers of the “ould counthry’s” wit and humour will be amply repaid ...' (Walsall Advertiser, Saturday 13 March 1915). ‘The Repertory Company, under the direction of Mr. John B. Shinton, will next week produce another new play, “The Angelus Bell,” which has been written by T. C. Conlon. Lovers of the romantic are assured of a special treat, for the play abounds in dramatic incidents and situations, and the comedy is a particularly strong feature ...' (Walsall Observer, and South Staffordshire Chronicle, Saturday 13 March 1915). ‘Considerable success has attended the production at Her Majesty’s Theatre this week, of Mr. T. C. Conlon’s beautiful romantic play “The Angelus Bell.” The plot is laid in one of those states in the South East of Europe which have provided the material for so many capital plays, and the enthralling story is unfolded with artistic skill for which Her Majesty’s Repertory Company have obtained so well deserved a reputation. Genuine comedy holds high place in the production, and a humorous Irish soldier furnishes cause tor hearty laughter. The dramatic side of the entertainment is in the capable hands of Mr. J. B. Shinton, who appears as Paul Lorrimer, an English soldier of fortune who rises from the ranks in the army of Sardonia. Miss Ada M. Ryder, ably pourtrays [sic] the part of Bonita, Queen of Sardonia, whilst Mr. Beckett Bould achieves much success in the part of the Prince D’Asturios, pretender to the throne. Mr. Bert Atherton, as Trooper Michael Patrick Delahunt, and Mr. Jack Bland, as Petticose Green, a war correspondent, provide excellent humour, and the other parts are admirably acted’ (Walsall Advertiser, 20 March 1915).

Her Majesty's Repertory Company, John B Shinton (Paul Wingold), Ada M Ryder (Joy)

Perfromed by Her Majesty's Theatre Repertory Company with John B Shinton and Ada Ryder.

The true to life play.... ('Walsall Advertiser', 30 October 1915, p. 4)

‘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.

Performed for the week, except Christmas day, twice nightly at 6.55 and 9pm by Her Majesty's Repertory Company.

Cast: Jack McCaig, Ada Ryder, H Kenneth Barton, Jennie Stevens, Poppy Lytton, Marie Thorne, Stuart Lomath, J Bland, F Irish. (Walsall Observer and South Staffs Chronicle, 23/9/1916). Different cast from Lodge Percy and Henrietta Schrier's company.

Twice nightly. Performed by Her Majesty's Repertory Company of Talented Players ('Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle', 23 September 1916, p.6)

Her Majesty's Repertory Company of Talented Players. Twice nightly. ('Walsall Observer, and South Staffordshire Chronicle', 14 April 1917, p.4)

Performed by Her Majesty's Repertory company.

Performed by the Walsall Repertory Company.

‘The play produced by the Repertory Company [at Her Majesty’s Theatre] this week is “For Those in Peril on the Sea,” a story of Cornish fishing life, and it met with a deservedly hearty reception. The piece goes with a swing throughout it, and is played with fine feeling by the Company. The storm scene was well-produced and proved most effective, Mr. John B. Shinton, by his fine work in this and the lighthouse scenes, winning the hearty applause of the audience. He most admirably sustained a heavy rôle, and in his solo appearances, which are a hard test for any actor, he held his audience perfectly soundless. Mr. C. Alan Hineson, as the Rev. John O’Farrell, was very good. He was a jolly and likable Father, who quite captivated the audience. Mr. Stuart Lomath and Miss Enid Ross were perfect villains - on the stage, that is. Miss Ada M. Ryder, as Mavis Wentworth, had a part which she has often played, that of an appealingly lovely young girl whose love tangle eventually comes right so that she can marry the right man, and she played with her accustomed charm. Mr. Bert Atherton and Miss Poppy Lytton supplied the humour with their usual success. The other members of the cast, who contributed in small measure to the general excellence of the presentation, were Miss Marie Thorne, as a sweet old lady; Mr. Fred Blake, as a beery, weary, lying and sly salt; and Mr. Jack Bland as the coroner’. Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle, 22 September 1917.

Performers: Dot Stephens Co

Performed as 'The Middy V.C. Comes Home'

Advertised in the Walsall Observer, 30 November 1918 as Keeping On, ‘Mrs. Kimberley’s Topical Skit Revue … Written by Mrs. Kimberley. Special Company, headed by Ruby Kimberley, Ruby Bradford, Reggie Dingle, Lill Clifford, Eric Wingfield, Fred Bentley, Five Weetmans, Speciality Dancers, Fred Round, Sid Dean. Full Chorus, Farmyard Animals, etc. Special Scenery & Effects’.

Advertised in the Cannock Chase Courier, 1 March 1919: ‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s Company, Under the direction of F. E. Chabot, Present the Most Realistic Play of times, His Last Leave By Clifford Rean’. And when James Hart and Lena Brand inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 6 March 1919, their address was the H.M. Walsall.

Performed 14-19 July 1919.

Performed Monday and Tuesday in aid of the funds of the Victoria Nursing Institution. Produced by Stanley Eglington.