Hippodrome, Sheffield

A prominent place in a well-varied programme at the Hippodrome is taken by Conrad's Novelty Minstrels those 'Half Scotch' providers of much merriment. Their choruses are sung with vim, the jest and by-play provide much mirth, and the musical side is not neglected. (Sheffield Independent Tuesday 21 April, 1914)

Performed by the Six Brothers Luck company.

Performed by Mr Alfred Butt's company.

Performed by Sarah Bernhardt.

Noted in The Era, 13 December 1916.

San Brothers "In the Trenches", Novelty Minstrels. (The Stage - Thursday 18 January 1917)

The play was shown here between 20 and 25 August inclusive. Others on the same bill included: Jack Birchley - Humourous Twister, Oswald Bemand and his Wonder Pigeons, Clara Evelyn, Ivy St Helier, Jack Lane - Yorkshire rustic in Jest and Song, Mr Hymack- whimsical Human Chameleon.

Performed for the week: H. Buss, M. Webber, F. Quinn, A. J. Charlwood, A. Stevenson, J. F. Dockery, Nora O'Malley (all actors). 'A continuous series of hearty laughs...as if Captain Bairnsfather's sketches had come to life' (Sheffield Independent, 23 January 1917) Other acts on the bill: Novelty Minstrels including Terris and Romaine, Harry Evans and Raglus, Dnig Sen Bros (gymnasts), King and Mayfair (singer and pianist), Jaffa (burlesque conjuror), Audrey Cooper (vocalist).

A review in the Sheffield Independent, 8 January 1918, noted, ‘“A Cushy Job,” the first work of a new military humorist, Capt. E. C. Baker, is a military sketch in the sense that military figures take part in it, but its sole mission is comedy, and right well is that mission fulfilled. Skilfully acted, its first performance was a pronounced success, and the humour of its dialogue and characterisation gained the approbation of the audience. The author at the close appeared and bowed his acknowledgement of the well-merited applause. Capt. Baker, an old cavalry officer, was with the late Lord Kitchener in the Soudan campaign, and has done splendid work for recruiting for the present war. The cast of “A Cushy Job” includes Howard Law, Fanny Wallace, Andrew Storm, XXX, Mary Allan, Molly Suffield, and Lillian Wallace’. Also, ‘Capt. E. C. Baker’s sketch, “A Cushy Job” - his first offence, as he terms it – which has aroused some curiosity in the profession, was produced at the Hippodrome, Sheffield, on Monday, and was an instantaneous and great success. A slide announced that the captain was in the house, and the close of the production, which ran about 25 minutes, the popular officer, who is well known in variety circles, went on to the stage to be very heartily greeted. “A Cushy Job” has one mission, and that is to amuse. “This is no time for sad stuff,” says the author. “We have all got to laugh and look happy, even if it covers up tears.” The sketch takes a novel line, for it portrays a series of interruptions in a recruiting office, where a captain finds life anything but a cushy job. These events are based on the experiences of Capt. Baker’ (The Era, 9 January 1918). The People, 13 January 1918, mentioned ‘“A Cushy Job,” a military comedy by Capt. E. C. Baker, a well-known figure in theatrical circles, who was with Kitchener in the Sudan. He is a fine old warrior. “A Cushy Job” was produced at the Hippodrome, Sheffield, on Monday, and with better success than was thought possible'.

‘Mr. Charles Austin in his new sketch “Parker’s Appeal” at the Hippodrome, is irresistibly funny’. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 26 April 1918.

‘Will Evans creates roars of laughter in his latest “Queues” and “A Dream of Home Defence”’ (Sheffield Independent, 1 October 1918). ‘An unusual profusion of “star” turns ensures a highly successful performance at the Hippodrome this week ... Bert Weston and Will Evans are two very entertaining comedians’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 1 October 1918). ‘This week’s programme at the Sheffield Hippodrome constitutes a happy combination of mirth, music, and novelty. Will Evans creates roars of laughter in his latest “Queues” and “A Dream of Home Defence”’ (Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express, 5 October 1918).

‘Will Evans creates roars of laughter in his latest “Queues” and “A Dream of Home Defence”’ (Sheffield Independent, 1 October 1918). ‘An unusual profusion of “star” turns ensures a highly successful performance at the Hippodrome this week ... Bert Weston and Will Evans are two very entertaining comedians’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 1 October 1918). ‘This week’s programme at the Sheffield Hippodrome constitutes a happy combination of mirth, music, and novelty. Will Evans creates roars of laughter in his latest “Queues” and “A Dream of Home Defence”’ (Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express, 5 October 1918).

The Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1918, included ‘a sketch entitled “The Hon Gertrude,” by Esme Beringer and Co.’ in its preview of the following week’s attractions at the Hippodrome. Also the Sheffield Evening Telegraph of the same date.

‘The Hippodrome has arranged an unusually attractive programme with the entirely new musical burlesque entitled “Jolly Times,” which includes some incidents of the Great War. James (sic) Alexandre is responsible for the fun, and is ably supported by a capable company and a chorus of discharged soldiers. There is also a variety turn, “Black and White,” a musical mystery – a doll that plays a concertina’ (Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 21 February 1919). ‘Some of the humours of the war are very cleverly presented at the Hippodrome in “Jolly Times,” the new musical burlesque, and are appreciated by both Tommy and civilian. The scenes are typical, and the artistes, especially Joseph Victor as Lce-cpl. Moppitup, and Jos. Alexander as Corpl. Squibbs, soon win the approbation of all; while Madge Merle, American soubrette, is at once a favourite' (Sheffield Independent, 25 February 1919). ‘“Jolly Times” at the Hippodrome was warmly received by crowded “houses” last night. “Jolly Times” is a very cleverly-produced musical comedy of a rather novel type, presented by Harry Goodson. The excellent company includes Jos. Alexandre, Dorothy Vernon, John Doran, Madge Merle, Gertie Hall, and Ellis J. Preston, all of whom fulfil their respective parts with considerable skill. There is a strong chorus, pretty scenery, and the songs are excellently rendered' (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 25 February 1919). A scene from Jolly Times was performed at a matinée at the Sheffield Hippodrome on 1 March in aid of the King’s Fund whose purpose was to give disabled soldiers and sailors a fresh start in civil life (Sheffield Independent and Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 March 1919).

‘The large and delighted audiences [who?] sampled the excellent and varied bill at the Hippodrome at both houses last [evening?] gave full promise of a successful week. At the head of the programme is the entertaining [and?] laughable “Parker’s Appeal,” presented by Charles Austin and his company’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1919). ‘Chas. Austin, assisted by an excellent company of artists, in an irresistibly funny sketch “Parker’s Appeal,” heads a sumptuous holiday programme. As “Parker,” Austin creates much laughter in his efforts to deceive the military tribunal’. Sheffield Independent, 22 April 1919. Also in the Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express, 26 April 1919.