Hippodrome, Sheerness

The Era, 28 March 1917, listed Stop Press as On The Road from 26 March at the Hippo., Sheerness.

‘“How do you like it?” a popular skit revue in four scenes, written by Mrs. Kimberley and presented by Mrs. Kimberley and Mr. Frank Liston is one of the best which has ever been seen on the Hippodrome stage. It is breezy, cheery, optimistic and goes with a “swing” throughout, and is accompanied by some splendid singing, a good flow of humour, and some charming dances. There are four scenes, and each is very successful from their different point of view. The first is the Recruiting Office for the W.A.A.C. [i.e. the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps], the second is the Farm, the third a Dug-out, and the fourth a Room in a Hotel. The company is capitally balanced, and Miss Ruby Kimberley as the leading lady, is popular throughout. She possesses a charming voice, is full of grace, and shone in whatever character she impersonated. Her musical items were all good, but she was heard to special advantage in the songs “I may be gone a long time,” which quite captivated the audience, who showed their appreciation by joining in the chorus, and “Smoke Clouds,” which was accompanied by pleasing and appropriate spectacular effects. Miss Lill Clifford gave a very fine rendering of “The Swiss Boy,” and was rapturously encored, and another beautiful number was “The Bells of St. Mary,” by Miss Ruby Bradford. “Things will be different,” sung by Miss Adeline Raby was also well received. Mr. Tom H. Solly and Mr. George Millard were the humorous artistes, and were adepts in their calling. Especially fine was their discussion in the Dug-out on letters from home. Mr. Solly achieved great success with the songs “That’s the stuff to give ‘em,” and “Have we got the wind up,” and Mr. George Millard received approbation for his singing of “I think I’ll go home.” Mr. Eric Wingfield sang “Floating with my best girl” and “When the bells of peace are ringing,” two very fine songs, and the duet with Miss Kimberley “I mean to get you,” was also greatly appreciated. The revue was admirably presented, the scenery was pretty and the dresses were charming. There was a capital chorus and mention should also be made of the topical quartettes “When Tommy comes marching home” and “John’s [sic] Bull’s Budget,” and also the very clever and attractive speciality dances by the Five Weetmans and Miss Ruby Mildred (principal dancer). Altogether “How do you like it?” furnished a couple of hours’ real fun and enjoyment’. Sheerness Guardian and East Kent Advertiser, 24 August 1918.

At Sheerness on the 21st inst. Joe Hayman will produce a new sketch based on military hospital life, called "The Wrong Billet." The cast includes Gus Blake (of Blake and Granby), Fred Powell, and Will Crackles. The sketch opens in town on November 25 at Finsbury Park with the Moss Tour to follow. (The Era - Wednesday 9 October 1918). The Wrong Billet is the leading feature in the Hippodrome programme this week. The sketch is presented by Mr. Harry Thurston, and is admirably staged, the scene being representative of a ward in a Military Hospital. It is described as a farcical comedy sketch of military hospital life, and is full of fun. Of course all hospital visitors are not of the type of "Mrs Buttin" - we have good reason to know that. Such visitors are the exception rather than the rule, and if any do exist we can quite understand the fun that such humerous characters as Gus Blake and Will Crackles would get out of them. There were plenty of merry scenes in the sketch, especially in the brighter incidents at the close. The leading parts in the sketch were taken by Gertrude Le Sage as "Mrs Buttin," and Messrs. Gus Blake, Will Crackles, Fred Powell, and W. Outlaw. The sketch filled the "bill" before the interval - there were five variety items afterwards, the best in which was the exquisite violin playing of Countess Rubedi, the Italian Court violinist, a talented instrumentalist, who elicited demonstrations of appreciation. Her charming manner added to the effectiveness of her turn, and she was encored again and again for her classical and topical renderings. Another clever performance was that of Celest, upon the slack wire. He did some remarkably smart feats, and came in for a liberal meed of appreciation. Anna Martens, a French comedienne, sang British, American, and French trench songs in character. Turns were also furnished by Denny and Don, comedy and vocal artistes, and the Borellis (entertainers). (Sheerness Guardian and East Kent Advertiser - Saturday 26 October 1918)

The Stage, 13 February 1919, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home as On Tour from 10 February at the H., Sheerness.