Palace Theatre, Ramsgate

Performed from 3 to 8 April 1916 by Eric Dudley (comedian), Annie Hill's octette of dancers, Little La Coupe (child dancer), and a large company of vocal entertainers & some chorus. 'A musical something to laugh at in 5 scenes is the summary of the production [...] the show is to be wholeheartedly recommended as bright and amusing from beginning to end." (Thanet Advertiser, 1 April 1916)

Performed during the week starting 8 April by Magini's company. Twice nightly at 6.45 and 8.45pm.

Performed twice nightly at 6.45 and 8.45pm.

Performed for the week by the Taylor Platt company.

Presented for the week for the holiday week.

Arthur Hardy (producer), Vernon Fortescue (actor), Marjorie Murray (actress), A. Blundell Murray (actor), Marjorie Gaffney (actress), Philip Knowx (actor), Garnett Hallick (actor), Arthur E. Owen (actor), Ethel Gordon (actress), Norman Arnold (actor)

Organised by Thos. C. Dagnall and presented by Robert Brasher. Performed for the week by Robert Brasher (actor), Olivia Glynn (actress), C.B. Keston (actor), T. Arthur Ellis (actor)

‘We have not the slightest hesitation in saying that the play “Nurse Benson,” which is being produced at the Palace Theatre, Ramsgate, this week, is one of the most charming comedies ever presented to a local audience. On Monday evening the theatre was crowded with patrons, who listened with the greatest enjoyment to the sparkling dialogue, and loudly applauded the really wonderful acting. Every line of the play is witty, the situational natural vet screamingly funny, and altogether “Nurse Benson” is a play to be seen and remembered ... The theatre has been crowded at every performance so far, and none should miss the opportunity of seeing this really clever production’ (East Kent Times and Mail, 24 September 1919). ‘It not often that a play so wholesomely mirth-provoking as “Nurse Benson,” appearing at the Palace Theatre, Ramsgate, this week, has been given such an excellent production in the town ... There is a hopeless and apparently inextricable tangle of identity, and in the last scene the clever absurdity of it all grows to such a pitch that the audience is convulsed with helpless laughter. The play is splendidly acted, and the company is happy in a particularly clever caste' (Thanet Advertiser, 27 September 1919).

Performed by Louis Victor by arrangement with Thomas C. Dagnall for the week.

Ramsgate seems to be growing popular as a producing town. Several pieces which have afterwards found their way to London, or missed it on account of failure, have had their first performance there. On Monday next, at the Palace, Mr. Jerrold Robertshaw is to produce “The K.C."’ (The Stage, 17 November 1921). ‘There is a good evening’s enjoyment awaiting any who visit the Palace Theatre, Ramsgate, this week, during the production of Dion Titheradge’s now play, “The K.C.,” which is being offered to local audiences prior to its appearance at a London theatre. At the first performance on Monday evening the play had a deservedly warm reception, and at the conclusion of the last act, so vociferous was the applause that Mr. Jerrold Robertshaw, who been entrusted with the title role, was not able to leave the stage until he had voiced the author’s and company’s thanks for the reception the play had been accorded. From the first minute of the production there was little cause for anxiety on the part of either the producer or the members of the cast. It was obvious that the admirably written dialogue and clever characterisation had “caught on.” From beginning to end the play is full of charming and, at times, highly dramatic, situations, to which the excellent company gathered together were able to do full justice. Chief amongst these was Mr. Jerrold Robertshaw as Sir Benjamin Oddington, K.C. ... It was truly a great piece of acting, and thoroughly deserved the praise accorded. The minor parts bristled with difficulties, and were of the character which made them easy to overact. An error of taste or judgment in many cases would have wrecked many of the great scenes, but so clever was the characterisation that the whole conveyed in a remarkable degree the purpose of the author' (East Kent Times and Mail, 23 November 1921). ‘On Monday evening was presented at the Palace, Ramsgate, “The K.C.,” originally produced at the Playhouse. Liverpool, April 29, 1918. The author is Dion Titheradge. and Mr. Jerrold Robertshaw is responsible for the revival, which he has booked for a short provincial tour before presenting it to a London audience. The book has been touched up slightly, to make it more suitable to an audience of the present day, but otherwise it is practically the same as when first written’. The cast was Sir Benjamin Oddington, K.C., Jerrold Robertshaw; Arthur Dawson, William Daunt; David Hyslop, J. W. Austin; Beagle, Lionel Calthorpe; Inspector Hitchen, Eric Blythe; Dorothea Oddington, Marjorie Maclean; Lilian Alvin, Ray Desmond. The review continued: ‘It is a play with strong possibilities, and gives many opportunities for good acting ... A pleasing curtain-raiser, “The Touch of Truth,” was presented by Messrs. Austin and Daunt, the former showing clever acting’ (The Stage, 24 November 1921). ‘The “K.C,” a new play by Mr. Dion Titheradge, produced the Palace Theatre, Ramsgate, this week has the merit of originality with a good strong situation well brought out. When thoroughly knocked into shape and ruthlessly speeded up, the play has sufficient strength to warrant its success in London' (Thanet Advertiser, 26 November 1921).

‘Dion Titheradge’s well-known play, “The K.C.,” is, with the equally well-known production, “In the Night,” being produced at the Palace Theatre, Ramsgate, this week by Mr. Rex Gerard. The former was staged on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and will be played again on Friday. The latter will be produced this (Wednesday) evening, to-morrow (Thursday) and Saturday. Mr. Rex Gerard’s skill as an actor is quite above the ordinary, and in the parts with which he is entrusted in both productions he is seen to the greatest advantage. On Monday and Tuesday evenings the audiences were delighted with his wonderful portrayal of the old King’s Counsel, who comes from his retirement to defend his daughter’s lover. “The K.C.” is a poignant story, and one which appeals to a wide section of the public, so that all who have not yet seen it should make a point of doing so on Friday evening … Mr. Gerard is supported by an excellent company, including Mr. C. Hamilton Langham, Mr. W. Gordon-Wyld, Mr. Fred Owen, Mr. Herbert Fabri, Miss Kathie Picard and Miss Mary Marvin’. East Kent Times and Mail, 13 December 1922. Also noted in The Stage, 14 December 1922.