Hippodrome, Cheltenham

‘The revue “Stop Press,” which is presented at. the Hippodrome [Cheltenham] this week, differs very largely from most shows of the class, and is certainty worthy of a better title. It is of a distinctly versatile character, approaching very closely on variety, and the scenes, as well as the “turns” which alternate between, possess a strong flavour of novelty, mingled with a buoyancy.md colour which contribute to make the show one of the best that has been seen at the Hippodrome. It is effectively dressed and well mounted, and the company numbers some talented artistes, including Tom Major and Miss Kitty Major' (Gloucestershire Echo, 28 November 1916).

The Cheltenham Looker-On, 16 March 1918, advertised at Gillsmith’s Hippodrome, Albion Street, Cheltenham from Monday next 18 March [sic] ‘Tom Major presents his Special Edition Revue, Introducing all the latest Tit-Bits of the Revue World, featuring Kitty Major, Rhoda Ring, Violet Loftus, May Holt, Sisters Desmond, Tubby Turner, Arthur Stanley, Dorrie Don, Jay Junior, Peggie Sweby, Julia Way Blossom, Ennis Myne, Tom Major’s “Soldiers’ Wives” Compy., and “Kit-I-Dids” Concert Party. Troupe of Dancers & Beauty Chorus’. ‘Mr. Tom Major’s company are appearing at the Hippodrome this week in a “Special Edition” revue, featuring revuesical tit bits in a series of bright and entertaining scenes ... A war-time scene, introduced by Miss Kitty Major in collaboration with members company who are soldiers’ dependants, makes a particularly strong appeal' (Gloucestershire Echo, 19 March 1918). ‘The Hippodrome reverts to revue during the present week. “Special Edition” presented by Tom Major follows the now traditional revue lines, which is no more nor less than a sequence of vaudeville turns with a beauty chorus as a background. Of story there is not a vestige, but that now-a-days is never in the list, and consequently never missed ... The scenes number seven; that of Mrs. Murphy’s kitchen is given by some six dependents of either soldiers or sailors who have now returned to their old profession. This is Kitty Major’s opportunity, and she and her comrades “carry on” right merrily with song, and merry jest at the present-day war-worker. They had a great reception on Monday evening. Kitty Major also renders a monologue written by a wounded Tommy, in which he says what he thinks of the conscientious objectors' (Gloucester Journal, 30 March 1918; also a similar review in the Gloucestershire Chronicle, 30 March 1918).

Advertised in the Cheltenham Looker-On, 23 March 1918: ‘The Universal Productions Co. present the Musical Comedy Revue - Somewhere in Somerset. Powerful London Cast, including Albert Bruno as Biffins the Waiter. Miss Dorothy Barnes as Vera. Fred Ramsdale as Pontefex. Miss Dorothy Vere as Dolly Delemere. Fred Eugene as The Captain. Miss Lydia Lee as Some Flapper. Leonard Palmer as Walter Wallace. Miss Nora Stockell as Olive. Somerset Maids & Beauty Chorus’. Also: ‘“Somewhere in Somerset” is a picturesque title, and one is led to expect something of a rural atmosphere about the revue which is presented at the Hippodrome this week by the Universal Production Company. In substance, however, the revue bears comparatively little upon its title, and travels on lines quite conventional for this class of entertainment. The scenes are four, and are laid in a New York hotel, [the] deck of a steamer, a “National Service” office, and the exterior of a court “Somewhere in Somerset.” The company work with plenty of enthusiasm, and with Mr. Albert Bruno as the comedian the show possesses much life. As “Biffins,” the waiter, he serves up some excellent comedy, while in [the] role of a national service recruiting officer he keeps the business going very merrily. He is, in fact, the very “life” of the performance. There are some bright dances, and a number of tuneful songs, which are entrusted in the main to Miss Dorothy Vere, who displays a sweet soprano voice, and fills the role of leading lady very daintily. Her song “Somewhere in Somerset” is her best effort. Among the other members of the cast are Mr. Fred Eugene, Mr. Leonard Palmer, and Mr. Fred Ramsdale’ (Gloucestershire Echo, 26 March 1916).