Great War Theatre

Performances at this Theatre

Date Script Type
2 Aug 1915 In Time of War Professional
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Twice nightly. Mr. C. Watson Mill presents in its Etirety the Greatest and best of a lll the War Dramas, Entitled, "In Time of War." Shields Daily News - Friday 06 August 1915
30 Aug 1915 Joy - Sister of Mercy Professional
6 Sep 1915 A Woman In Khaki Professional
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The Shields Daily News, 6 September 1915, advertised for that week at the Theatre Royal, North Shields, ‘Mrs Frank Bateman and her Talented Repertoire Company’ in The Woman in Khaki on Monday-Wednesday, Sapho on Thursday, and The Way Women Love on Friday and Saturday. Noted in The Era, 8 September 1915, and The Stage, 9 September 1915.
18 Oct 1915 St Elmo or The Saving Grace Ma Unknown
1 Nov 1915 It's A Long Way To Tipperary Professional
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First time in North Shields of this most Successful Domestic and Military Drama. Twice Nightly.
15 Nov 1915 The Day Before The Day Professional
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‘The attraction next week at the Theatre Royal [North Shields] will Miss Cecile Barclay and Mr Rupert Lister’s company in “The Day Before the Day,” a topical four-act drama ... It is a strong play, cleverly written, full of exciting incidents, and yet with a strong vein of humour running through it. The story is that of German espionage in England, and the lesson it enforces is of enthralling interest at the present moment. The company is a strong one, and the Royal should be well patronised all the week’ (Shields Daily News, 13 November 1915). Noted in The Era, 17 November 1915.
3 Jan 1916 His Mother's Rosary Professional
20 Mar 1916 Mary from Tipperary Professional
3 Apr 1916 Home Once More Professional
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‘The attraction at the Theatre Royal [North Shields] this week is Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company in her new play, “Home Once More.” It is of an intensely dramatic nature, and the audience last night greatly appreciated the fine acting of the talented company. The story, which is of home and heart interest, shows how Stella Richmond, a beautiful adventuress, plots to ruin the lives of a number of good people ... The part of Mary Lorraine was pourtrayed [sic] with great emotion by Miss Emma Litchfield, and her skilful acting was greatly appreciated. Miss Ena Newham also ably acted the part of Stella Richmond. The roles of the heroes were admirably taken by Mr S. P. Goodyer-Kettley as Capt. G. Forrester, and Mr Conrad E. Stratford as Eric Lorraine. Splendid parts were also played by Lionel Balmont (Lieut. Aubrey Neilson), Mr. Tom H. Solly (Jack Anderson, A.B.), Mr. A. B. Lyons (Barney McChree), and Miss Lillie Livesey (Yvette d’Arville). The scenery and music play were also first class’. Shields Daily News, 4 April 1916.
10 Apr 1916 The Little Grey Home In The West Professional
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The Era, 12 April 1916, listed The Little Grey Home In The West (North) as On The Road from 10 April at the T.R., North Shields. Noted in The Stage, 13 April 1916: ‘The play, which is intensely dramatic, was witnessed on Monday night by two large audiences’. The cast included Phil Harker [sic – Harer] as Cecil Shanding [sic – Standing], Ernest Vaughan as Dick Bryant and Mabel Lister as Mary Bryant.
1 May 1916 Somebody Knows - Somebody Cares Professional
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The Shields Daily News, Monday 1 May 1916, advertised that Mrs Frank Bateman herself & company were appearing that week at the Theatre Royal, North Shields in Somebody Knows, Somebody Cares on Monday-Wednesday and Saturday, The King and the Orange Girl on Thursday and Sapho on Friday.
3 Jul 1916 Brave Women Who Wait Professional
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Twice nightly
11 Sep 1916 The Woman Pays - Back Professional
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Twice nightly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Thursday and Friday "The Cotton Spinner". ('Shields Daily News', 13 September 1916, p. 1)
9 Oct 1916 Forty Winks Unknown
23 Oct 1916 In the Pink Unknown
30 Oct 1916 John Raymond's Daughter or A Soldier's Love Child Professional
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Twice nightly.
13 Nov 1916 Pals Professional
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T. Edward Ward's company in "Pals" and "Her Luck in London". ('The Era', 15 November 1916, p. 9)
11 Dec 1916 The Slacker Professional
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The Shields Daily News, 12 December 1916, advertised twice nightly at the North Shields Theatre Royal ‘Fred J. Little’s new and powerful drama – “The Slacker” (the story of a modern Enoch Arden)’. ‘A play with a topical interest is being presented this week at the North Shields Theatre Royal, and good audiences last evening showed hearty appreciation. It is entitled “The Slacker, the Story of a Modem Enoch Arden," and a leading character is a young man employed in a munitions works. The plot is well constructed, and the drama has strong domestic and emotional interest, relieved by touches of amusing comedy. Mr Fred J. Little, who is responsible for the production, has secured a very capable company, including Mr E. Warden, Mr Dennis Leslie, Mr A. Tyndall, Mr Clarence H. Rayner, Mr Fred Lloyd, Mr Will Aynesworth, Mr Alfred Stone, Mr Fred Montgomery, Miss Maud Elliot, Miss Helene Moore, Miss Constance Carewe, and Miss Lily Harrold’ (Shields Daily News, 12 December 1916).
15 Dec 1916 The Fair One wth the Golden Locks Unknown
26 Dec 1916 Puss in Boots Unknown
29 Jan 1917 The Enemy In Our Midst Professional
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‘The twelve scenes of The Enemy in our Midst, which is spending the week at the Theatre ‘Royal, North Shields, are full of tense situations, thrilling incidents, and exciting events, including the destruction of a Zeppelin by a British aeroplane. Patriotic and domestic sentiment suffuse the piece, and the comic element plays its time honoured and welcome part. It is evident that the author, G. Carlton Wallace, knows his business thoroughly, and his acting in the role of the soldier hero, Basil Stanhope, shows that he is no less able as an actor than as a maker of plays' (Shields Daily News, 30 January 1917).
9 Jul 1917 His Last Leave Professional
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Advertised in the Shields Daily News, 7 July 1917: ‘A Realistic Play of the Times … A Drama That is Drawing Huge Crowds Everywhere’. Also: ‘“His Last Leave,” which is presented this week at the North Shields Theatre Royal, by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company, is a very effective and interesting play by Mr Clifford Rean. As the title indicates, it is a war drama, but the author has succeeded in treating his theme in such a manner that it has no tendency to add to the cares and anxieties which beset most people at the present time. The plot contains a strong love interest, but there is plenty of excellent comedy, and the scenes in a dug-out at the front and No Man’s Land are exceedingly funny, the audience screaming with laughter last night, at the quaint comedy of Corporal Tim Trimfoot (Mr James Mailey), and Pte. Erb (Mr Charles Leverton). Comedy, however, is not the only strong feature of the drama, and the company is an exceedingly able one. Mr James Hart, in the leading part of Richard Maxwell, proves himself to be an actor of considerable talent, and Miss Gwynne Warren, as Dora Wendover, and Lilian Fenn, as the wife Richard Maxwell, are both charmingly effective. Mr Albert Caron gives a strong interpretation of the role of Capt. the Hon. Robert Saltire, and J. P. Maisden [sic - Marsden] (the Rev James Maxwell), Mr. Fred E. Chabot (Dr Walton Rame), and Miss Lena Brand (Selina Kettle), are also worthy of mention’. Shields Daily News, 10 July 1917.
10 Sep 1917 A Mother's Prayer Unknown
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Every true British heart thrills with pride in the achievements of our gallant navy. The lads in blue face hardship and danger with a courage that nothing can daunt. They are the boys who do and dare, and it is around this theme that Miss Eva Elwes, the gifted young dramatist has woven her latest play, "The Middy V.C. Comes Home". ('Shields Daily News', 8 September 1917, . 4)
24 Sep 1917 The Fishermaid of Old St Malo Professional
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Twice nightly
7 Jan 1918 The Babes in the Wood Unknown
18 Feb 1918 Always Welcome Professional
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The Shields Daily News, 18 February 1918, advertised at the North Shields Theatre Royal ‘Miss Emma Litchfield and Strong Company, in a New Thrilling Domestic Drama – “Always Welcome”’.
25 Mar 1918 The Black Sheep Of The Family Professional
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‘A thrilling and interesting drama is “The Black Sheep of the Family,” which makes its appearance at the Theatre Royal, North Shields, this week. The “black sheep” is the Hon Ralph Sylvester, eldest son of Lord Arlingham, who takes upon himself the responsibility for a sin by his brother Lionel, who has an undeserved reputation for virtue. The Hon. Ralph enlists, receives his commission for valour on the field, and altogether redeems his sinful past. It is quite an interesting plot, and the play is very well acted. Mr Henry T. Wood does admirable work in the leading male role, and Mr R. Powell James is very effective as the Hon. Lionel. Miss Ethel Minton [sic], as Loyale Dare, is a charming heroine, and Blanche Maitland, a “heavy” part, is skilfully played by Miss Lily Harrold’. Shields Daily News, 26 March 1918.
24 Jun 1918 Rationed In Three Qs Qs Qs Unknown
1 Jul 1918 Mother’s Sailor Boy Professional
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Performers: Dot Stephens Co
29 Jul 1918 The Unmarried Mother Professional
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Advertised in the Shields Daily News, 27 July 1918, as ‘the great Problem Play on the burning question of the day … Note.- This Play is for Adults Only. No person under the age of 16 will be admitted’. Also: ‘What is described as “the great problem play on the burning question of the day” is presented this week at the Theatre Royal, North Shields. Mr Oswald Cray’s company appears in “The Unmarried Mother,” by C. Vernon Proctor, a play which has excited much interest in different parts of the country, and in certain towns has met with hostile criticism. The title suggests the nature of the story which is unfolded. The company is an exceptionally good one all round, and the acting, which included light comedy, was received with frequent applause by a large gathering at each performance last evening' (Shields Daily News, 30 July 1918).
30 Sep 1918 The Love Child Professional
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The Shields Daily News, 28 September 1918 advertised next week at the Theatre Royal, North Shields, ‘A Play for Adults Only, “Neither Wife Nor Maid”’.
9 Dec 1918 For Those in Peril on the Sea [A Son of the Sea] Professional
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‘A romantic drama of the Cornish coast, entitled “A Son of the Sea,” is visiting the North Shields Theatre Royal this week. It is in the hands of a capable company, and the play is an interesting one. Mr Clifford Rean gives a capital reading of the leading part of Paul Tregarron, and Miss Dorothy Kirk, as Poppy Wentworth, made an exceedingly favourable impression upon the audience last evening. Mr J. Fulton Miller [sic – Millar], as Richard Tregaron [sic], and Miss Nellie Furgesson, as Edith Tregarron, the two plotters of the piece, acquit themselves admirably, and Mr Arthur Gilroy, who takes the part of Jacob Polperro, provides much amusement’. Shields Daily News, 10 December 1918.
10 Feb 1919 Married on Leave Professional
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The Shields Daily News of Monday 10 February 1918 carried an advertisement for the North Shields Theatre Royal for Lew Lake’s presentation of ‘Dorothy Mullord and a powerful company in a new play “Married on Leave”. This play is “breaking” records everywhere’. Performances were twice nightly at 6.40pm and 8.40pm with no mention of matinées.
16 Jun 1919 When Our Lads Come Marching Home Professional
30 Aug 1920 For Sweethearts and Wives Professional
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‘Lovers of drama will welcome the announcement of the first presentation in North Shields on Monday next of the naval drama of to-day – “For Sweethearts and Wives,” by the original company, which they have played over one thousand times. The story is built round the lives of the men who build and man our ships. Throughout this thrilling story there is interwoven a strong vein of comedy that keeps the audience in continual merriment almost from the rise of the curtain to the fall. The scenes are laid in the young engineer’s home, on board ship, and in the church for “Sweethearts and Wives"' (Shields Daily News, 28 August 1920).
6 Sep 1920 A Broken Doll Professional
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Twice nightly, 6.50 & 9pm. The celebrated Arthur Hinton Repertory Company. (Shields Daily News Saturday 11 September 1920)
9 Sep 1920 The Black Sheep Of The Family Professional
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The Shields Daily News, Monday 6 September 1920, advertised ‘the celebrated Arthur Hinton Repertoire Co.’ in A Broken Doll on Monday and Saturday; Temptation on Tuesday and Wednesday; The Black Sheep of the Family on Thursday; and The Sorrows of Satan on Friday.
10 Dec 1921 The Black Sheep Of The Family Professional
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The Shields Daily News, Tuesday 6 December 1921, reported that Arthur Hinton’s Repertoire Company would that week present at the Theatre Royal, North Shields, The Scandalmongers the previous night (and apparently that night), Temptation on Wednesday, A Broken Doll on Thursday, Sorrows of Satan on Friday and The Black Sheep of the Family on Saturday.
27 Nov 1922 The Love Child Professional
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‘Ernest R. Abbott’s Company is a household word on Tyneside, and although he has not visited North Shields since 1919, he and his popular company are assured of a hearty welcome. On Monday and Tuesday, “The Passions,” is bound to appeal to all classes of playgoers. No visit of this favourite company would be complete unless their always welcome version of “Sapho” was staged. It will occupy the bill on Wednesday and Thursday … On Friday and Saturday the problem play, “Neither Wife nor Maid,” will be presented, a play of absorbing interest’. The company included Ada Abbott, Edwin Keene, Ernest Foster, Flo Appleby and John Johnston (Shields Daily News, 25 November 1922). ‘ “Neither Wife nor Maid,” by Ada G. Abbott, will be produced on the last two nights of the week, and only adults will be admitted. The production of this great problem [play] will no doubt prove very attractive’ (Shields Daily News, 28 November 1922). Also mentioned in The Era, 30 November 1922.
15 Dec 1924 Seven Days Leave Professional
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Presented for the week with support of a local boys choir.
9 Feb 1925 Seven Days Leave Professional
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Performed for two weeks by Fred D'Albert's Repertoire Company.
23 Jul 1931 The Black Sheep Of The Family Professional
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The Shields Daily News, Thursday 16 July 1931, advertised ‘The Vickers “Super” Stock Company’ in The Black Sheep of the Family on Thursday-Saturday of next week at the Theatre Royal, North Shields. ‘For the third week of the present season, the Vickers Super Stock Co. will present … on Thursday, Friday and Saturday the fast and exciting melo-drama, “The Black Sheep of the Family,” by Gladys Hastings Walton … “Loyall Dare” will be played by Miss Gertrude Vickers, and “The Black Sheep” by Mr Rhys Meredith, supported by the full strength of the company. This is considered one of the best dramas ever written’ (Shields Daily News, Saturday 18 July 1931).
14 Sep 1931 The Unmarried Mother Professional
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‘The Vickers Super Stock Company will celebrate their hundredth night at the Theatre Royal, North Shields on Thursday … Last night’s play was a drama by Vernon Proctor, entitled “The Unmarried Mother.” It was splendidly acted entertainment, and showed the entire company at its best. The play was true to life, and portrays a young servant girl whose lover was torn away from her by the world war. Whilst was away, however, she had a child and her subsequent hardships, caused by people who did not understand, were terrible. It was a play in which Miss Vickers excelled in her role as Eileen Liscombe (the unmarried mother)’. Shields Daily News, 14 September 1931.