Hippodrome, Newcastle

It was advertised as coming before: “CHAR LADIES.” " a comical impromptu. v Also CECIL LYLE, the Magical Milliner; BRADSHAW BROS., Acrobatic Eccentrics; FREDRICA’S TERRIERS; TALBOT & PEARCE, in “A Winsome Wooing”; THE DENNISONS, Terpsichorean Artistes; and HARRY MARLOW, Comedian.' (Jarrow Express, 3 December 1915)

Performing in the same bill: George Lashwood, The H.J. Corner, Edith Pink, Spissell Bros & Mack, Claude Lester, MDLLE Cameo, Dalkeith, La Belle Leonora assisted by Valentine, 'Something Simple' (play), Jeanette Denarber, Elsie Southgate

Reviewed in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle and in the Newcastle Journal, both 28 November 1916.

A departure from the usual bill is the appearance here of Horatio Bottomley, who on Monday gave the opening of a series of addresses on the War in its various aspects. Gilbert Payne supplies a very good turn in his truly humourus songs and patter. The Novelty Minstrels are no strangers here, and their rollicking show goes well. Costa and Gee perform a clever trapeze act. Effie Mann delights everyone with her fine rendering of pleasing songs. (The Stage - Thursday 01 February 1917)

Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: The Cochens (Indian equilibrists), Dorothy Storm (singer), Wilson Hallett (eccentric violinist), Valazzi, Viviana and Company, Jack Lord (handcuffed violinist). 'Chief character is Private Joe Higgins, a Cockney with a large fund of London humour...meets with the public approval...keeps the audience merry' (Newcastle Daily Journal, 27 February 1917)

Performed by the week by company including Harry Buss. 'Appropriately and admirably staged....in the hands of thoroughly capably artists....exceptionally smart and entertaining' (Newcastle Daily Journal, 19 June 1917)

Performed for the week. Others on the bill included: Dalva duo, Bert Weston, Geo. Carvey and Company, Jack Lane, Hymack, Mizuno Family.

‘Mr Charles Austin presents a capital sketch at the Hippodrome entitled “Parker’s Appeal.” Dealing as it does with a tribunal incident, is topical, and probably came with added force in view of other appeals which Mr Austin’s auditors may be framing on the eve of the introduction of the new *Manpower Bill’. Newcastle Journal, 9 April 1918. [* The Military Service Act 1916 specified that men from 18 to 41 years old were liable to be called up for service in the army ... A second Act in May 1916 extended liability for military service to married men, and a third Act in 1918 extended the upper age limit to 51’. (Wikipedia)]

"Eleven Magnificent Scenes" Newscastle Evening Chronicle, 29 July 1918.

The Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 25 November 1918, advertised at the Hippodrome that week a bill that included ‘Esme Beringer & Co. in “The Hon Gertrude”’. The Newcastle Journal, 26 November 1918, reviewed the show, concluding, ‘Mention should be made of a sketch presented by Miss Esme Beringer and Co., entitled “The Hon Gertrude”’. The Stage, 28 November 1918, noted that at the Hippodrome, Newcastle, ‘A sketch, The Hon. Gertrude, is admirably played by Esme Beringer and company’.

This is the licensed performance.

‘The Hippodrome offered another big variety bill last night … At the head of the list is Godfrey Tearle, who with a London company is running a smart sketch “The Boy Comes Home,” by A. A. Milne, an author who has already done some good work as a playwright. The time is “a day after the war,” and the rest can be imagined with little effort. Mr. Tearle is supported by a useful company’. Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 11 February 1919.

‘Tommy’s cheerfulness helped him through many weary days while the fighting was on, and it is just that spirit of cheerfulness which Mr. H. G. Goring has been able to interpret in his music-hall comedy, “Jolly Times.” It was produced at the Hippodrome, Newcastle, last night and proved in every way acceptable. The music is an arrangement by Max Darewski, and is characteristic of his vigorous style at its best, and the playlet is made up of a series of highly entertaining duologues, dances, songs and choruses, all of which fit in like the pieces of a jigsaw. Mr. Joseph Alexandre, with his dry humour and infectious laugh, is naturally funny in the role of Corporal Squibby, and he has an admirable pal in Mr. Joseph Victor. The love element is introduced by Mr. John Doran and Miss Gertie Hall, both of whom sing with good effect, and Miss Madge Merle combines something of classical dancing with ragtime singing, with an effect that is altogether charming, incongruous as may seem the combination Miss Dorothy Vernon and Mr. Ellis J. Preston also leave nothing wanting in their respective roles, and a word must be given to the glee singing in billets, led by Mr. Alexandre’s concertina. The last scene is a fine example of artistic staging, in which a large beauty chorus is seen to advantage. The war has produced few outstanding songs, but among those of which more might be heard is “Brave Old Contemptibles,” sung by Mr. Doran, and “It’s a Long Way No Longer,” in which he is joined by Miss Hall and the chorus. Also appearing at the Hippodrome are Will Lacey, a favourite comedy cyclist, and Marcelle Molray, soprano vocalist. The cinematograph pictures show, among other topical events, scenes at the wedding of Princess Patricia’ (Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 4 March 1919).

‘Charles Austin, the popular comedian of “Parker, P.C.” fame, is heading the bill at the Hippodrome. His company is to produce that diverting three-act comedy sketch, “Parker’s Appeal”’. Newcastle Daily Journal, 5 April 1919.