Queen's Theatre, Leeds

'"In Time of War,” should draw good houses at the Queen's Theatre this week, seeing that Mr. Watson Mill is at the head, while the incidents depicted relate the recent fighting in Belgium. During the progress of the play stress is laid on the urgent need recruits to fill the numerous gaps caused casualties, and at the interval, last night, Mr. Mill, supported two recruiting sergeants, gave a speech urging the immediate necessity for young men joining the ranks.' (Leeds Mercury, 22 September 1914)

Also on bill: 'Attack' Performers: Cecile Barclay, Rupert Lister

Performed as 'Don't be Silly'.

‘The title of this week’s melodrama at the Queen’s Theatre, Leeds, is a clear enough indication of what is to be expected. It is one of the minor effects of the war that your double-dyed villain of melodrama, if a thoroughfaced [sic] Teuton, can be dyed more deeply still. But the actor who plays such parts must indeed say farewell to any hope of recognition, from the more vociferous parts of the house, of any qualities in him except his villainy. Nothing could well be more topical than a play which introduces a Zeppelin raid, with the accompanying bombardment of the sky. The Enemy in our Midst,, in fact, is the latest’. Yorkshire Evening Post, 30 November 1915.

The Era, 8 and 15 March 1916, listed The Little Grey Home In The West (North) as On The Road from 13 March at the Queen’s T., Leeds. Also The Stage, 9 and 16 March 1916. Also: ‘Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vaughan’s company in The Little Grey Home in the West had a hearty reception on Monday, playing almost to capacity business. An able hero is Phil Harper, who acts with a manliness quite convincing. Madge Douglas is well in the picture as the heroine, and Ada Roscoe’s assumption of the adventuress is most capable. A dramatic portrayal of the erring son is given by Ernest Vaughan. Frank Eaglesfield does the best he can with the part of Standing. Edgar Moran [sic – Morgan] supplies some excellent humour’ (The Stage, 16 March 1916).

Performed by Leonard Mortimer's Company.

(Yorkshire Evening Post Monday 18 September 1916)

Performed Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9pm. 'The Enemy in our Midst' being performed Wednesday (including matinee) and Thursday.

‘The holiday attraction at the Queen’s Theatre is Mr. Ernest R. Abbot’s excellent company, who for the first half of the week present a new and domestic drama, entitled “Neither Wife nor Maid.” Although there is a fair sprinkling of the comedy element, it is not a pleasant story, although yesterday’s audience found no fault. Miss Ada Abbott, the author, cleverly acts the part of Meg Huxter, and Miss Nellie Crowther plays Tommy precocious little Cockney’ (Yorkshire Evening Post, 10 April 1917). ‘Packed houses assembled at all three performances yesterday at the Queen’s Theatre, where the attraction was Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company in a play new to Leeds, entitled, “Neither Wife Nor Maid.” The piece revolves around the trials and sufferings endured by a young unmarried mother, who spends many years as the dupe of a gang of “crooks.” Driven to desperation, she disposes of her child for a sum of money to a wealthy lady, whose husband turns out to its own father. The bulk of the work falls upon the authoress, Miss Ada Abbott, who cleverly sustains the role of the unmarried mother, other prominent members of the company including Mr. Cecil Gray, Mr. Yves Renaud, Miss Nellie Crowther, and Miss Grace Stafford. At to-morrow’s matinee, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the well-known play, “ Sapho,” is to be presented’ (Leeds Mercury, 10 April 1917).

The Eight Jutland Boys presented by Miss Florence Smithson.