Grand Theatre, Plymouth

‘To-night will see the first production on any stage of the new up-to-date “Current Events” drama, entitled, “A Sailor’s Love: A Story of the Dardanelles,” by Sara Mignon and Rollo Balmain. It is a strong naval play in two acts, nine scenes, and a realistic tableau depicting the rescue of a British steamer by a submarine in the Dardanelles. The scenes, which have been specially painted, embrace a view of Torbay, Dartmouth Castle, and the Barbican at Plymouth, and further afield, we have a Turkish harem and a ruined mosque. All the members of the popular stock company have good parts, and a particularly interesting production may be anticipated’ (Western Morning News, 13 September 1915). ‘The title, “A Sailor’s Love,” is, if anything, too unassuming to indicate the real scope of the play, an inkling of which, however, is afforded by the sub-description – “A Story of the Dardanelles.” One is prepared, therefore, for something topical and thrilling, and the authors (Rollo Balmain and Sara Mignon) have provided it in abundance’ (Western Morning News, 14 September 1915). ‘By a happy selection Plymouth – a great naval port – was chosen for the first performance of [A Sailor’s Love], which is topical and thrilling, while its appeal to patriotic sentiment is irresistible ... The play is effectively acted’ (The Era, 15 September 1915, which listed the cast as follows: Commander David Mayne, R.N. … Frank Beresford Tom Bateson … Leonard Aardale Capt. Gerrard … Augustine Bowerman Marmi … Little Elsie Reid Capt. Von Luff … Clifton Earle Tode … Charles Poulton Denver Pasha … Vernon Fortescue Olan Bey … Ernest A. Duval Limberg … Derek Mason Krout … Wm. Boosey Golch … Geo. Field A Eunuch … Ernest Lodge Casima Von Luff … Marie Robson Zuleika … Amy McNeill Dora Gerrard … Violet Ingram Josephine … Maudie B. Douglas.) The Stage, 16 September 1915, listed the same cast as The Era and, after narrating the plot in some detail, ended its review as follows: 'It will be seen from the foregoing résumé of the plot that the piece is by no means lacking in exciting incidents. It found favour with an audience that filled the house from floor to ceiling at the opening performance ... [The play] should make a capital touring drama during the present strenuous times’.

‘German spies, British soldiers, and a thrilling representation of a Zeppelin raid are the outstanding features of that remarkably up-to-date drama “The enemy in our midst” which constitutes the attraction at the Grand Theatre this week. The story tells of the operations of a German spy, who steals plane, puts the blame on an English officer, tries to separate the hero and his sweetheart, perpetrates all the villainy possible in a couple of hours, and ends up by promoting a Zeppelin raid with disastrous results to the Zeppelin, which is destroyed in the air after a realistic combat with an English aeroplane. There is sensation enough and to spare from start to finish ... Quite a typical drama, and received with the utmost enthusiasm by crowded houses’ (Western Evening Herald, 19 October 1915). ‘The Enemy in our Midst is the piece selected for representation this week by the stock company [at the Grand, Plymouth]’ (The Stage, 21 October 1915).

An interesting drama......The woman who is the heroine of the piece does not, as it turns out, pay back in the ordinary sense, but returns evil for good, whereat "The gods" are greatly pleased. ('Western Morning News', 16 November 1915, p. 4)

‘“Remember Belgium!” is the title of the drama being staged this week at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, and the title alone sufficiently indicates its patriotic character. Into the patriotic stew - the patriotism of Britons against that of the agents of Germany - is introduced as an agreeable ingredient love, and the result is a highly satisfying production, which was received last evening by a crowded house with the utmost enthusiasm. The story, which runs through eight scenes, was cleverly unfolded by an accomplished cast, in which Mr. Frank Beresford, Mr. Denbigh Douglas, Mr. Clifton Earle, Miss Sidney Crowle [sic - Crowe], Miss Maudie Douglas, and Miss Violet Ingram were conspicuous figures’. Western Morning News, 29 February 1916. [Miss Sidney Crowe inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 2 March 1916: ‘Grand Theatre, Plymouth, Stock Season. Monday, Feb. 28, Madam Vittoria, Remember Belgium’], suggesting that the play was presented by a stock company.]

Noted in The Era, 3 May 1916, as 'The Slacker' but with no details of the performers or of any other items on the bill.

The Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 July 1916, advertised ‘a new drama’ Somewhere A Heart Is Breaking twice nightly at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth. Also noted in The Era, 26 July 1916.

‘A particularly interesting new domestic drama, “The Black Sheep of the Family,” is being presented here [the Grand Theatre, Plymouth] by the popular stock company’ (The Era, 15 November 1916). The author of the play is not named, so there is no certainty that it was Gladys Hastings Walton, but no other play with the same title was licensed by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office.

Reviewed at length in The Stage, 12 July 1917:’On Monday, July 9, 1917, at the Grand, Plymouth, Messrs. King and Parry produced a drama, by Clifford Rean, entitled “For Those in Peril on the Sea”’. The cast was: Paul Tregarron, Fred Edouin; Richard Tregarron, Eris Morden; Rev. John O’Farrell, John Durant; Jacob Polperro, Dick Seddon; Jack Hern, Derek Mason; Coroner, Augustine Bowerman; Jane Polperro, Maudie B. Douglas; Edith Tregarron, Flora Leslie; Aunt Sarah, Marie Edwards; Mavis Wentworth, Violet Ingram. The review began: 'A homely tale of Cornish fisherfolk opens at the Old Farm, the home of the Tregarons [sic], in the village of West Foy a supper party being in progress ...' (The Stage, 12 July 1917). Also reviewed at length in The Era, 18 July 1917; the cast was as in The Stage, 12 July 1917; and the review began, 'Mr Clifford Rean’s new drama, “For Those in Peril on the Sea,” has not only a domestic touch but a rich vein of comedy runs through the play, which at the opening performance was well received by a demonstrative audience’.

Performers: Dot Stephens Co

‘At the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, King and Parry’s company are running a play entitled “His Last Leave,” which contains much admirable sentiment applicable to the time when men must fight and women most weep ... The mounting of the play is distinctly good and interesting, including a dug-out somewhere in France and a scene in No Man’s Land. Both scenes do much credit to the clever scenic artist of the Grand and the Repertory, Mr. J. G. Symes'. Western Morning News, 18 September 1917.

Performed by Frank Bateman and company.

Tonight at 6.0 and 9. The successful novelty drama, "The Girl and the Blackguard." (Western Morning News - Monday 05 November 1917) The German Kaiser and the Crown Prince are on the boards at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, this week. The play, which claims to be "the most novel drama of the century," is entitled "The Girl and the Blackguard." the girl (Miss Violet Ingram) being an English governess in the house of the Crown Prince, and the blackguard - the colour is laid on rather thick - is the Crown Prince himself. William the Kaiser is played by Mr. Wilfred H. Benson, and William the CrownPrince, otherwise "the dirty dog" by Eric Morden, whose get up, judging by the familiar pictures of "Little WIllie" is admirable. The hero of the piece is an Attache of the British Embassy, Lord Ewart of Glenmore (Fred Edouin), who is, of course, in love with the heroine, and after many adventures has his reward. Joseph Poulton makes a dignified British Ambassador, Sir Evelyn Bond, who when war breaks out, is made a prisoner by the Crown Prince. The villaneous, or as she is called "a female Hun," who makes dupre of the Royal personage and is the unscrupulous enemy of the heroine and her lover, is played with great success by Miss Gwendoline Verchoyle. She gets the Crown Prince completely under her thumb, and the Crown Princess (Miss Maud Garth) is described as "a forsaken wife," and the Princess Royal (little Miss Mabel King) is "a lonely child," whom the English governess has to nurse through an attack of diptheria because his mother and father forsake him. The comedy of the piece is, as usual, supplied with great gusto and effect by Miss Maudie B. Douglas and Mr. Dick Seddon; but the Kaiser and the Crown Prince are made to contribute largely to the desire of the audience to laugh although their laughter in this case is derisive. The play begins before warr, and ends with the British troops entering Berlin! The play was enjoyed last night by crowded houses. (Western Morning News- Tuesday 06 November 1917)

Advertised in the Western Morning News, 19 November 1917, as ‘the up-to-the-moment war drama’.

Performers: Messrs King and Perry's Stock Co

Twice nightly

Produced by King and Parry's Stock Company. 'The drama, of which the author is Eva Elwes, has previously played at the theatre under the title of "A Soldier's Love Child," and that it is equally attractive under the new title there can be no doubt, judging by the enthusiastic reception accorded it by crowded houses last night. It portrays a story extremely popular with patrons of the theatre.' ('Western Morning News', 26 February 1918, p.3)

Advertised in the Western Evening Herald, 6 May 1918, as an ‘absorbing and enthralling drama’. Also: ‘“The Voice on the ‘Phone” is being given here by the stock company, to appreciative houses’. The Stage, 9 May 1918.

‘A new up-to-date and military drama, with the comprehensive title, “Back to Wife and Blighty,” will be produced by the stock company at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, next week. It is from the pen of Mr C. Vernon Proctor, a successful dramatist, whose works are new to Plymouth. Messrs. Richard A. Green, Walter H. Wilson, and Miss Violet Ingram are entrusted with the leading rôles’ (Western Morning News, 1 June 1918). Also the Western Evening Herald, 3 June 1918, advertised ‘The Exceptionally Powerful New Drama’ Back To Wife And Blighty.

Advertised in the Western Evening Herald, 1 July 1918.

‘Yet another of Mr. C. Vernon Proctor’s powerful dramas will be staged the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, next week. This time it is “The Man Who Made Good,” a play founded on facts, and considered by many to be this popular author’s best work. A novel plot, trenchant and forcible dialogue, and telling situations go to make up the drama’. Western Morning News, 8-13 July 1918.

‘A new drama on marriage reform, entitled “Divorce or Dishonour,” by Mr. Frederick H. U. Bowman, will be produced for the first time on any stage at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, next week’ (Western Evening Herald, 17 August 1918). ‘On Monday evening, August 19, 1918, at the Grand, Plymouth, was produced a drama, in six scenes, by Frederick H. U. Bowman, entitled:- Divorce or Dishonour’. The cast was: Desmond Ray, Walter H. Wilson; Stephen Gledsdale, Eric Morden; Dr. Joseph Trench, John Durant; Roger Beverley, C. Alan Hineson; Lionel Kirk, Joseph Poulton; Pat Summer, Fred Rignold; Dolly Adair, May Day; Annie Elvira, Maudie B. Douglas; Florence Beverley, Violet Ingram. ‘The play, which suggests drastic reforms in our marriage laws and customs, is of an exciting character and full of thrilling incidents. It sustained the interest of the large audience which greeted its production. The plot deals with the problem of a young wife married to a confirmed inebriate. On account of his habits she is torn with despair in her endeavour to fulfil what she considers her duty in accordance with the marriage contract, and is tempted to seek consolation by a former lover, who is a villainous adventurer. While the theme is essentially serious, the play is relieved by a substantial measure of comedy rather broad at times. Miss Violet Ingram portrays the wife with much skill, her acting in the emotional moments being especially good. Mr. C. Alan Hineson as Roger Beverley, the husband, goes [sic] his work well. Mr. Eric Morden acts with power as the sinister villain, Stephen Gledsdale. In the part of the hero, Desmond Ray, alias “Swanky Smart,” Mr. Walter H. Wilson finds much scope for his undoubted abilities. Mr. John Durant gives a good performance of Dr. Joseph Trench, the villain’s accomplice. The part of Lionel Kirk, a detective, is well sustained by Mr. Joseph Poulton. Miss May Day as Dolly Adair, Smart’s accomplice, gives a capable assumption of the part. The comic rôles are well undertaken by Miss Maudie B. Douglas and Mr. Fred Rignold. The piece is given at two houses nightly’ (The Stage, 22 August 1918). ‘Frederick H.-U. Bowman has just completed a new drama in four acts entitled, “Divorce, or Dishonour,” which deals in trenchant and dramatic fashion with one of the most poignant problems of the present day - namely, the hardship of the Divorce Laws. There can be little question that a play of this description will make people think; for the stage, like the kinema screen, can bring home to the public arguments in a way which is both effective and forcible. The main points raised are the suggested grounds for extending divorce facilities to persons unhappily married to drunkards, lunatics, and convicts sentenced to prison for life’ (Kinematograph Weekly, 22 August 1918). The Era, 28 August 1918, reviewed Divorce or Dishonour?: ‘Drama, in Six Scenes, by Frederick H. U. Bowman, produced at the Grand, Plymouth, on Aug. 19’. The cast as listed in The Stage, 22 August 1918, except that ‘Durant’ is spelled ‘Dinant’ in the cast list. ‘The action of “Divorce or Dishonour,” which contains many thrilling incidents, opens in a drawing-room in Roger Beverley’s house, where swanky Smart and Dolly have come in search of a diamond necklace. Desmond Ray, a famous detective, and Detective Kirk later appear and discuss the recovery of the necklace, also a daring robbery of a bag containing a silver idol, which they attribute to Swanky Smart. Florence Beverley returns from the opera, accompanied by Gledsdale, who endeavours to persuade her to leave her husband on account of his drinking habits. This the loyal wife refuses to do. Meanwhile, Roger Beverley comes home accompanied by Dr. Joseph Trench (alias Cyril Knowleton), who discloses to Florence and Stephen that Roger’s constant drinking will send him mad. The two adventurers plan to get Roger into an asylum. Previously Roger had been speculating on the Stock Exchange, and lost heavily, and Florence had stolen the necklace to raise money to clear her husband’s name. Her courage fails her, and she is here discovered by Desmond Ray, who advises her to return the necklace by post, and gives her a cheque for the amount. Florence then tells Desmond about the loss of the idol given her by her father which contains valuable information concerning a gold mine, and asks his assistance to get it restored. Returning later with the idol, Desmond is charged by Gledsdale with being Swanky Smart, the criminal. Later, in a struggle between Roger, who has escaped from the asylum, and Gledsdale, Roger is killed, and Gledsdale makes his escape. The house catches fire, and Desmond, being awakened, saves Florence. Desmond is accused of the murder, and sentenced to penal servitude, but escapes, and after many thrilling situations forces Gledsdale to confess that it was he who murdered Roger. Mr. Walter H. Wilson as Desmond Ray, alias Swanky Smart, acted cleverly; and Miss Violet Ingram as Florence Beverley, the young wife, gave a finished and impressive portrayal. Miss May Day as Dolly Adair, and Mr. Eric Morton [sic] as Stephen Gledsdale also did well; Miss Maudie Douglas and Mr. Fred Rignold, as the maid-of-all-work and the police constable, were responsible for much appreciated comedy relief; and Mr. John Durant as Dr. Joseph Trench, Mr. Alan Hineson as Roger Beverley, and Mr. Joseph Poulton as Lionel Kirk, were all good. The play was well received’ (The Era. 28 August 1918).

‘A crowded audience at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, last night, found “On leave for his Wedding” a war drama of thrilling interest, with its tense character, however, agreeably relieved with much broad humour. The plot is not too simple, but runs through a great many interesting and unexpected ramifications before the inevitable happy ending. Mr. Walter Wilson filled the rôle of hero, and, with Miss Violet Ingram, heroine, scored conspicuous success. Miss Gwendolen Verachoyle(?), the master schemer, was responsible for a really finished bit of acting, and to her more than to any other belonged the credit of maintaining the house at a high pitch of excitement. Mr. Eric Morden(?) filled the part to husband and fellow-plotter to perfection, and Mr. O. Alan Hewson(?) played agreeably to ones conceptions the part of a young clergyman, who, weak and in love, is easily enmeshed in their desperate schemes. Mr. Fred Rignold, Mr. A. Bowerman, and Miss Maudie Douglas make themselves responsible for the humour in the play. The scenic attempts to represent the scarred battlefields of France are creditable’. Western Morning News, 27 August 1918.

‘At the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, next week will be staged the latest topical drama, entitled “Back from Overseas,” produced only a few weeks ago in Liverpool. The play is on one of the burning subjects of the day - the internment question - which the author propounds and answers in eight scenes of thrilling and absorbing interest. Messrs. Walter H. Wilson, John Durant, Eric Morden, and the Misses Violet Ingram and Gwendolen Verschoyle are entrusted with the principal parts’. Western Morning News, 31 August 1918. Those cast members were part of Messrs. King and Parry’s stock repertory company which was based at the Grand, Theatre, Plymouth (as mentioned , for example, in the Western Morning News, 16 July and 21 December 1918). Back From Overseas was advertised as ‘The New Drama on the Internment Question’. Western Morning News, 6 September 1918.

The Western Evening Herald, 14 October 1918, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, ‘The New Drama on the Perils of London Streets – “Love and the Law”’. Maudie B. Douglas, appearing in Love and the Law, inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 17 October 1918; her address was ‘G.T., Plymouth (Stock)’.

Tonight 6.30 & 8.40. The successful new topical Drama. "A Soldier's Divorce" (Western Evening Herald -Monday 25 November 1918)

Mentioned in advertisements (‘Next week. Return of the Grand Stock Co. in “Home From The Trenches”’) in the Western Morning News, 10 February 1919 and The Era, 19 February 1919.

Performed for the week but not by E. Vivian Edmonds' company. Performers included: Beckett Bould (actor), Phil Harper (actor), Clifton Earle (actor), John Durant (actor), C. Alan Hineson(?) (actor), Violet Ingram (actress), Dora Weber (actress), Maudie B. Douglas (actress). ‘Quite a novelty in the dramatic fare usually provided for patrons of the Grand Theatre, Plymouth, will be submitted next week in the shape of Coming Home, a drama in which the comedy element predominates. In place of the usual dramatic thrills, we have a series of side-splitting situations which keep the audience in roars of laughter from the rise of the curtain to the fall. The piece will be interpreted by the usual popular stock company ...'. (Western Morning News, 21 August 1920)

'The charming domestic drama "The Fisherman of Old St Malo" will be presented, for the first time in Plymouth, at the Grand Theatre next week. The scenes are laid in picturesque and romantic surroundings and the story is of great interest.' ('Western Morning News', 4 June 1921, p. 6) It is staged by the stock company. ('The Stage', 9 June 1921, p. 3)

Performed in the third week of the stock season by the Denville Stock co with Annie Saker in the cast.