Grand, Southampton

'The spy peril is the stirring theme of the drama, and interwoven with the events are illustrations of the bright future in store for the boy who faithfully serves his King and country, as so many boys are doing now. The play is arranged in many fine and effective scenes that range from Epsom Downs on Derby Day to the land of death and glory. In the sensational journey from the racing track to the ballroom the audience witness some remarkable changes in the scenes of life; but the dramatic element by no means predominates, as there are good vocalists and dancers in the cast, and Mr. H. Sullivan-Brooke, nephew of Sir Arthur Sullivan, has provided some charming musical numbers, notably “Three Merry Little Britons,” “Keep the Old Flag Flying, Boys,” and “She’s the Finest.” The Mayor and Mayoress will witness the performance of this patriotic and stirring drama on Monday’ (Hampshire Advertiser, 30 January 1915). 'This military drama has aroused keen interest at the Grand Theatre this week. It is musical as well as topical, the little trio - Kitty, Jack, and Tom - who are the central figures, having had vocal numbers specially written for them by Mr. H. Sullivan-Brooke. The romantic plot circles round the spy peril, something which existed only in imagination a few months ago, but is very real to us now. The moral of the drama shows what a fine opening exists for good little boys and girls in a patriotic life, and doing your duty for King and Country. There is an embarrassment of good things in the fine scenes as they rapidly pass by, and these are as varied as they are attractive, ranging from an exciting race on Epsom Downs to a deck of a warship, a battle field, and the ball room at a fashionable dance. Here a procession of the Allied nations takes place, for the drama is right up to date as well as being an object lesson to young and old. The three little Britons, the Misses Bessie Gordon, Madge Soutter, and Doris Thompson, are vivacious little artistes, and sing “Keep the Old Flag Flying,” “Three Marry Little Britons,” and “She’s the Fairest.” There is, of course, a hero and a villain, and all play well’ (Hampshire Advertiser, 6 February 1915).

The Stage, 16 March 1916, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Taylor Platt) as On Tour from 20 March at the Grand, Southampton. Previewed in the Hampshire Advertiser, 18 March 1916, which listed the actors; as doe The Era, 22 March 1916.

The Era, 11 and 18 April 1917, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Red) as On The Road from 16 April at the Grand, Southampton. Also The Stage, 12 and 19 April 1917. ‘lf all the men who are staying at home in Southampton did so for the same reason as the Man who Stays at Home at the Grand Theatre, this week, no one would breathe a word against them. The play deals with the burning question of foreign spies on the East Coast. The incidents are thrilling, and at the same time amusing, the actors making the most of them … The play is well worth seeing, and especially Clifford Marle, as the hero, in the thrills of the last act. They appeal to young and old, civilian and soldier, and all sorts have been thronging the Theatre this week. The company is really excellent, and each part is played very cleverly’. Hampshire Advertiser, 21 April 1917.

The Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 3 November 1917, reported, ‘Mr. Perry Hutchison’s Company in J. M. Barrie’s fairy play “A Kiss for Cinderella,” pays its first visit to the Grand Theatre next week’ and previewed the production. The Hampshire Advertiser, 10 November 1917, published a review of the production: ‘It comes to these perturbed days as a spiritual balm, notwithstanding that it has touches about the war’.

‘“Nurse Benson.”- This play at the Grand Theatre this week is highly amusing and entertaining. “Nurse Benson” is really the pretty little niece of a nobleman, who is masquerading in consequence of love affairs, and bathos and pathos are both well represented. The complications arising are great, and endless entertainment is provided by the novel situations. Miss Maud Linden appears in the role of Lady Gillian Dunsmore. The acting is undeniably excellent, and one cannot be too enthusiastic over Mr. George P. Polson’s drawing of the testy old Lord Messiger, and his version of Sergeant Hinks. As the real Nurse Benson, Miss Mary Polson is perfect, and wholly successful are Miss Mary Griffiths and Mr. Philip Fuller, as Mr. and Mrs. Tibbenham, and Mr. Eric Fane as the Hon. Brooke Stanway’. Hampshire Advertiser, 22 May 1920.

‘Oswald Cray is presenting the problem play “The Unmarried Mother” this week. Audiences are gripped by the acting of Laurie Potter, Allan Carruthers, and Stanley Marsh’. The Stage, 21 July 1921.