Theatre Royal, Grantham

The Grantham Journal, 10 April 1915, advertised ‘London’s Greatest Success, “The Man Who Stayed at Home”‘ at the Theatre Royal, Grantham, for three nights only, Thursday-Saturday, 15-17 April. The Stage, 15 April 1915, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Taylor Platt) as On Tour from 15 April for three nights at the Royal, Grantham.

The Grantham Journal, 19 June 1915, advertised ‘A grand Military Matinee will be given at the Theatre Royal, Grantham, on Saturday next, 26th June, at 2.30 p.m. in aid of the Grantham Branch of the British Red Cross Society, by members of the 17th (Service) Batt. “The King’s” Liverpool Regiment … The Artistes include …Charles Kitts and Rhoda Windrow, in a Dream Play, entitled “The Slacker”’. Also: ‘Friends of Charles Kitts, of Kitts and Windrum, will regret to hear of the severe accident he sustained at the Royal, Grantham, on June 26, when at a Red Cross charity matinée. Owing to an explosion he was severely burned on the face and hands and had to be immediately conveyed to London. Although progressing favourably, it will be some considerable time before he recovers the complete use of his hands, and it was only by a lucky chance that he retained his sight’ (The Stage, 8 July 1915).

3 performances only.

Theatre Royal, Grantham, 6-11 November 1916 The Era, 1 November 1916, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Blue) as On The Road from 6 November at the T.R., Grantham. ‘A most attractive twice-nightly play is seen at the Empire this week, viz., “The Man Who Stayed at Home.” It has an ingeniously thought-out plot, and deals with a party of German spies who occupy a boarding establishment, and interest is centred in Christopher Brent (Mr. Geo. Howard), “The Man Who Stayed at Home.” He takes up residence at the boarding house, and by cleverly assuming the part of a brainless dude, succeeds in bringing the spies to justice. To-night, the final performances will be given, at 6.45 and 9’ (Grantham Journal, 11 November 1916).

This was a performance in aid of the Machine Gun Corps Prisoners of War fund.

‘Having been staged with such decided success at the Globe Theatre, London, “Nurse Benson,” Miss Marie Lohr’s latest play, paid its first visit to Grantham on Monday. It is an original comedy, comprising four acts and has a delightfully interesting and appealing story'. Grantham Journal, 5 April 1919.

Performed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Performed by Brasher's company for the week: Robert Brasher (actor), Olivia Glynn (actress), C.B. Keston (actor), Vera McCallum (actress), Charlton Hutchinson (actor), Stephenson Jack (actor), Harry Gilbey (actor), Park Bedford (actor), Jackson Carn (actor), Desmond O'Neil (actor), Brendon O'Sullivan (actor) "It would be difficult to find a more attractive play...It possesses all the elements of a successful production, good plot, and strong love interest." (Grantham Journal, 20 November 1920)

Performed Thursday-Saturday.

Mr. Kimberley has great pleasure in submitting at the end of next week his own play, "A Soldier's Divorce," which deals exclusively with scenes set "at home" and then "over there" during the years 1914-16. The story is heart-gripping, but far from being heavy provides ample scope and is providing some rich comedy. A very powerful setting is that of "No Man's Land." Throughout the show is dressed in khaki, the ladies appearing in the W.A.A.C. uniform. At great expense this play is being produced, and it is hoped there will be capacity houses. The performances will be given twice nightly at 6.45 and 8.45. (Grantham Journal - Saturday 24 September 1927)

Presented by Mr Harry Lionel and his repertory company for the first half of the week.

The Grantham Journal, Saturday 13 July 1929, advertised the Theatre Royal’s stock company in ‘another sure winner’ The Black Sheep of the Family on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next, with Harry Lionel in the title role. ‘To see Mr. Harry Lionel in a role other than the hero will be an opportunity afforded Theatre-goers in the opening half of next week, when, in “The Black Sheep of the Family,” the name part - a long and arduous one - will fall to the lot of Mr. Lionel, whose many qualifications will ensure success. Mr. John Haddleton is cast as the saintly and prosperous member of the family - a character study which is the opposite to that usually undertaken by this popular artist. Miss Ruby Ray, Miss Mysie Monte, Mr. Charlie Parker and partner have important roles. The play should rank as most enjoyable’ (Grantham Journal, Saturday 13 July 1929). ‘Despite the heat wave local lovers of drama are well rallying round the stock company. On Monday at both houses they showed their appreciation of the clever production of “The Black Sheep of the Family.” Harry Lionel and John Haddleton as the black sheep and the “good” son give effective interpretations of the characters. Ruby Ray scores as the American heiress, and Mysie Moule [sic - Monte] is successful in the heavy rôle of Blanch Maitland’ (The Stage, 18 July 1929).

Mr. Kimberley's own play. "A Soldier's Divorce." A very beautiful war-time story that will appeal to all - brimful of splendid comedy. (Grantham Journal - Saturday 28 September 1929)