Alhambra, Glasgow

‘Sir James M. Barrie’s play, “The New Word,” which is to be seen at the Alhambra this week, is specially interesting as typical of the present day. It shows with unerring genius the parental restraint between father and son, the second-lieutenant the eve of his appointment, who has been fussed over by an adoring mother. That gifted actress, Miss Helen Haye, plays the mother to perfection; the role of father is in the capable hands of Mr. O. B. Clarence; while Mr. Geoffrey Willard [sic – Wilmer] as the hesitant son acts cleverly’. Daily Record, Tuesday 7 September 1915.

Performed by Sarah Bernhardt. The Daily Record noted that 'The playlet is written by a French officer and is stated to be founded on a real episode of the war' (14 March 1916).

Performed for the week by Ralph Roberts (writer), Harry Buss (actor): 'An amusing little sketch well staged and cleverly played' (Daily Record, 18 October 1916)

Performing in the same bill: Bransby Williams in 'Dickens Up-to-Date', Florence Wray in 'Midnight', Daisy Wood, Elsie Southgate the Royal violiniste [sic] and her sister Dorothy, James Stewart, The Cadillos.

Cast included: Nina Boucicault (Mrs Lane) and Hubert Willis.

The Daily Record, Friday 10 August 1917, advertised Helen Haye & Co. in the sketch “The New Word’ at the Alhambra the following week. ‘Helen Haye, actress, and Sir J. M. Barrie, author, make a charming combination at the Alhambra. “The New Word,” the sketch which the clever lady is featuring, has that delightful Barrie touch that commands appreciation’. Daily Record, Tuesday 14 August 1917.

Daily Record, Friday 7 September 1917, advertised for the following week at the Alhambra, Glasgow a bill that included Harry Thurston as Old Bill, The Walrus, in ‘Captain Bairnsfather’s Episode of Real Trench Humour, “The Johnson ‘Ole.” The First Bairnsfather Playlet seen in Glasgow’. ‘Those who have enjoyed Captain Bruce Bairnsfather’s humorous cartoons of trench life should not miss seeing “The Johnson ‘Ole,” which was accorded quite an ovation at the Wellington Street house last night. Harry Thurston is inimitably funny in the role of “Ole Bill, the Walrus,” whose philosophy is much oftener than not a bit muddled’. Daily Record, Tuesday 11 September 1917.

Advertised in the Daily Record, 12 April 1918; and mentioned in the Daily Record, 16 April 1918.

The Daily Record, 8 July 1918, advertised ‘Esme Beringer & Co. In “The Hon. Gertrude”’ on the bill at the Alhambra. Also, At the Alhambra ‘a remarkable programme includes … Esme Beringer and company in a diverting playlet, “The Hon Gertrude”’ (Daily Record, 9 July 1918).

Allan Jeayes (actor), Gilbert Heron (actor), Florence Helm (actress)

‘A one-act play, “The Old Lady Shows Her Medals,” by Barrie, is capably produced at the Alhambra by Miss Agnes Bartholomew, who, in the leading role, gives a clever study of an elderly charwoman who is pathetically anxious to have a son participating in the Great War, and adopts a private of the same surname as herself. Mr. Heath Haviland is excellent as Private Dowie. The play is characteristically Barrie, and one is kept hovering between laughter and tears. There is a splendid variety programme in addition’. Daily Record, 5 November 1918.

‘Neil Kenyon heads the bill, and his subtle studies of Scottish character are finer than ever. Godfrey Tearle is the leading figure in the first-rate playlet The Boy Comes Home’. The Stage, 27 February 1919.

‘A second edition of “Jolly Times” is winning great favour here [the Alhambra, Glasgow], with Jos. Alexandre, Madge Merle, Joseph Victor, and others in the cast. Hymack also is billed in his clever business, and the Four Finales give a good act’. The Stage, 28 August 1919.