Coliseum, Glasgow

Possibly performed by Tom Colley and Co. Incorrectly listed in one newspaper as being performed at the Lyric, Glasgow but all others confirm the Coliseum. Comments - 'a new sketch by a local man which deserves the reception accorded to it', The Stage, 22/10,1914 and 'A sketch, written by a Glasgow gentleman, ... is given a very cordial reception indeed', Scottish Referee, 23/10/1914. Advertised as 'Ae Touch o' Bonnie Scotland; or, Somewhere in France'.

Staged during the week of Moss Empires Ltd 3rd Annual Amateur Carnival, a talent contest with a 'Big Star Variety Bill'. Comment - 'a new Scottish song scena entitled [..] Touch o' Bonnie Scotland; or, Somewhere in France', The Stage, 3/6/1917.

The evening was described as 'splendid entertainment' with the 'leading place is taken by a topical show entitled "A Day in a Dug-Out", a bright and breezy little production which proved very acceptable.' (Daily Record and Mail, 15 Auust 1916). Other pieces in the same bill were: 'The Good Luck Girl' (a play starring Coleman & Alexandra), Fulgora, Billy French, Musical Navvies, New Macs, Thurber and Thurber, and Six Ceylons.

"Follow the Flag" has achieved such a striking success here that it has been retained for a second week. With Walter Passmore in the cast, it is well supported. (The Stage - Thursday 07 June 1917)

A gigantic national revue in 10 gorgeous scenes The Super Spectacular Revue Powerful Company featuring Walter Passmore, Leo Ray A superb Beauty Chorus of 60 Those who saw the remarkable scenic and artistic effects evolved in the "Tulip" and "Flag" scenes and the Scottish "Gathering of the Clan" scene in "Razzledazzle" will need no further confirmation as to William J. Wilson's inventiveness - the mastermind that now presents "Follow the Flag." A surpassing feast of music, artistic splendour and spectacle. Music by the musical genius Herman Darewski, augmented orchestra. Patriotism without jingoism. "Follow the Flag" whilst essentially a patriotic spectacular production, repleted with glittering pageantry does not descend to jingoism. It is an imperial spectacle. Blended with a wealth of comedy. Some press opinions The revue is super gorgeous. (Liverpool Post) Bang up to date in its conceptions. (Liverpool Express) A huge success. (News of the World) (Daily Record - Monday 28 May 1917) (Daily Record - Monday 28 May 1917)

Performed for the week by George Hestor (actor), Dorothy Frostick (actress), Ethel Arden (actress), Winnie Collins (actress).

The Daily Record, 22 April 1918, advertised at the Coliseum Theatre ‘Fred Karno’s “Rations,” featuring Robt. Wilton, Winnie Collins, and a Strong Company of Fun Makers’, with supporting variety turns. The Era, 8 May 1918, advertised Rations with a quote from the Glasgow Evening News, 23 April 1918: ‘It is a right good show, with just enough of the solo and chorus to give Robb Wilton a rest, not to mention the ribs of the audience, for he makes them sore. Since Fred Kitchen’s day Karno has not struck a comedian like Robb Wilton, and it is doubtful whether Fred or Robb will regard this as the greater compliment’.

The Daily Record, Thursday 4 July 1918, advertised for the following week at the Coliseum Harry Thurston in “The Johnson ‘Ole”.

Performers: Fred Kitchen, Nora Delany

Advertised in the Glasgow Observer and Catholic Herald, 2 November 1918: ‘See this play and understand why we should intern every enemy alien’. Also: ‘Abounding with thrills, the new four-act spy play at the Coliseum, “Carry On,” has many features which show a novelty of conception on the part of the author, Mr. G. Gordon Jefferson, late manager of the Eglinton Street house. The plot circles round two spies who endeavour to steal a powerful new type of British aeroplane. There is a special wireless installation, in connection with which many exciting moments are provided. It is a play that appeals to a wide circle and is certain to attract big audiences’. Daily Record, 5 November 1918.

Performed here until 22 December 1918 and starring Bob Stevens as Erb.

The Daily Record, 30 December 1918, advertised at the Coliseum ‘Fred Karno Presents Tom Drew in Rations. A Queue of Quaint Quipsters, And Winnie Collins. A Clever Skit On War Conditions. Supported by All-Star Variety Programme’. Also, ‘The fun in Fred Karno’s “Rations,” presented at the Coliseum, is anything but rationed. It is there in generous abundance. Tom Drew is the chief mirth-provoker in this topical skit, while Winnie Collins sings and dances with great success' (Daily Record, 31 December 1918).