Palace Theatre, Rochdale

‘A melodrama with an up-to-date war setting entitled “When there was war” is being presented at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, twice nightly. Mr. Albert Grenville ably sustained the role of Captain Arthur Leigh of the English Army, who befriended Lilian Carruthers (Nina Hardinge), against whom a conspiracy was planned by Captain Fritz Baumgarten of the German Army (Mr. James Jarrett). The character of Gretchen, head of the German espionage system, was cleverly pourtrayed by Miss Hilda Beverley. The story proved of much interest, the different parts being well taken’ (Rochdale Observer, 13 January 1915). ‘An exceedingly topical subject is the foundation of the play which is being presented to the patrons of the Palace Theatre this week. “When There Was War” stirs up the patriotism of everyone present, and that it does not fail to please is proved by the applause awarded the performers’ efforts by Monday night’s audiences. The play deals with the attempts of two German spies to obtain the love respectively of the hero and heroine, and at the same time serve their country. The manner in which the plot eventually ends will not fail to appeal to the audiences that will be sure to assemble before the end of the week. As Capt. Arthur Leigh, of the English Army, Mr. Albert Grenville is all that is needed, and the part of his heroic little sweetheart and eventual wife is well played by Miss Nina Hardinge. Lieut. Edward Freshwater, Arthur’s friend, is represented by Mr. Jack Armitage, and Mr. J. L. Inglis does well in the role of Colonel Carruthers, of the English secret service. The parts of the villains (or Germans) are well taken by Mr. James Jarrett (Capt. Fritz Baumgarten), Mr. H. E. Jones (Grosse), Mr. Francis Cavans (Max), and Miss Hilda Beverley as Gretchen, head of the German espionage system. Miss Mary Brammer, as Bessie Banks, does much to sustain the humour of the piece, and Miss Maggie Sadler is good as Marie, an old French servant’ (Rochdale Times, 13 January 1915).

‘One of the latest of the war dramas is on view at the Palace Theatre this week. “Remember Belgium” is a topical play, with an intricate love story running through, which tells how a young man, who has sold his commission re-enlists as a private to eventually regain the coveted position' (Rochdale Times, 21 July 1915). ‘There have been large houses twice nightly this week at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, where the patriotic play “Remember Belgium” has been presented by Mr. and Mrs. Percy Brown’s company. The plot is a strong one, and the different characters have been ably taken’ (Rochdale Observer, 24 July 1915).

The Stage, 26 August 1915, reported that Mrs Frank Bateman and company played The Man [sic] in Khaki on Monday and Tuesday and Sapho on Wednesday at the Palace, Rochdale. ‘For the end of the week The Beggar Princess will be staged’ [presumably by Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy – see under Bury below].

"John Raymond's Daughter" which is played by Mr. Will H. Glaze's company, has attracted large audiences to the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, Rochdale, this week. ('Rochdale Observer', 30 October 1915, p. 8)

The Era, 2 February 1916, listed The Unmarried Mother (North) as On The Road from 31 January at the Pal., Rochdale. Similarly The Stage, 27 January and 3 February 1916.

Playing all week, twice nightly at 7 and 9 with a cast including Stanley Ravenscroft, Holly Haslewood, and Mr E. Vivan.

Review in Rochdale Observer, 26 February 1916: "an interesting story of a waif, has proved an entertaining production at the Palace Theatre ..."

The Era, 29 March and 5 April 1916, listed The Little Grey Home In The West (South) as On The Road from 3 April at the Pal., Rochdale. Also The Stage, 30 March 1916. Noted separately in The Stage, 6 April 1916.

‘Fred. J. Little’s company are here [the Palace, Rochdale}, giving two performances nightly of The Slacker’ (The Stage, 20 April 1916). ‘“The Slacker,” which has been capably acted by Mr. F. J. Little’s company twice nightly this week at the Palace, Great George-street, has been greatly appreciated by large audiences' (Rochdale Observer, 22 April 1916).

‘“Home once more,” a military play, with a well-balanced plot, is being presented by Miss Emma Litchfield's company at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street this week. On Monday the audiences were large, and the play was much enjoyed' (Rochdale Observer, 26 April 1916). Also, ‘“Home Once More,” a strong domestic play, has been enjoyed by large audiences at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, twice nightly this week. The company is a very capable one and the story has proved of much interest’ (Rochdale Observer, 29 April 1916).

(The Stage - Thursday 31 August 1916)

Performed for the week.

‘“Somewhere a heart is breaking,” a very entertaining play, has been cleverly presented twice nightly this week at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street. Mr. Victor Du Cane has ably sustained the part of Inspector Timothy Tim [sic – Trim], while Miss Winifred Maude has been a very acceptable Ruth Staveley’. Rochdale Observer, 16 December 1916.

‘There were large houses at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, last night, when Mr. Oswald Cray presented the drama “The unmarried mother.” The story is a strong one, and interest in the production was well maintained (Rochdale Observer, 27 December 1916). ‘Undoubtedly the management of the Palace Theatre have secured for the holiday week what is a very absorbing drama in The unmarried mother.” At last night’s performance the subject was openly yet wholesomely dealt with, the life of a charming young girl, who “wins through,” forming the basis of an intensely absorbing play. The dresses and scenery are very effective, and the cast is a strong one' (Rochdale Times, 27 December 1916). ‘“The unmarried mother,” an interesting drama, has attracted large houses to the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, twice nightly this week. The different characters have been presented in a very capable manner, and the character of the plot is such as to sustain interest throughout the six scenes’ (Rochdale Observer, 30 December 1916).

‘The enemy in our midst, which is staged at the Palace Theatre this week, is about the most up-to-date play seen in Rochdale for a long time. It illustrates the national danger which exists through the machinations of German spies in this country during war time, and after passing through many thrilling periods, closes with a dramatic representation of the bringing down of a Zeppelin at a little country village. The piece held the large audience spellbound during a great portion of Monday evening' (Rochdale Times, 10 January 1917). ‘The enemy in our midst, an up-to-date play dealing with war conditions, has been presented twice nightly this week at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, and it has proved a decided attraction. The different characters have been ably pourtrayed’ (Rochdale Observer, 13 January 1917).

The Stage, 18 January 1917, advertised ‘Charles Locke’s New Production For Motherland. This is the 1917 magnet. Managers looking for something novel and out of the ordinary book For Motherland'. Also, 'For Motherland is being acted with much success at the Palace Theatre, Great George-street, this week’ (Rochdale Observer, 20 January 1917).

The Stage, 22 February 1917, noted that The Mormon and The Maid was On Tour from 19 February at the Palace, Rochdale, but did not mention Somewhere A Heart Is Breaking.

Performed by Messrs Jazon and Montgomery Company