Hippodrome, Bristol

'Variety Gossip' noted on 24 September 1914 that 200 men from the Gloucester regiment viewed the performance, whilst the 'Western Daily Press' noted that the National Anthem of the Allies was played before each performance and that there was a large number of teritorials in uniform present.

Kultur played her for 3 weeks until 1st March 1915. Cast: Georgina Milne (Annette Bovis), J B Butler (Monsieur Bovis), Marie Kildare (Helene Schwartz), Cecil du Gue (Otto Schwartz), Oliver Rogers (The Burgomaster), Herbert Brooklyn (General Bisfurth), Ellis Holland (Dudley Howard), Unity Webb (English Officer), F G Carrilo (Uhlan Officer), E Chester (Belgian Priest), T E Buxton (Belgian Priest), E Lawson (German Officer), E Austin (French Officer), Dick Harcourt (France), Hyam Fay (actor), C Eugud (actor).

Performed by Norman McKinnel and Lilian Braithwaite. The Clifton Society noted that the play "is no 'hymn of hate'. Passion burns in it indeed, but it is passion for right and justice' (18 March 1915). Other acts in the same bill were Tom Foy & Co, Pasquali Bros, the Harlequinaders, Helen Charles, Alice Craven, Lancashire, Topliss Green.

‘A programme of exceptional brilliance is presented at the Bristol Hippodrome this week. Sir J. M. Barrie’s playlet “The New Word,” forms an attractive feature. In it we are introduced into a home, where the son has donned khaki to the demonstrative pride and joy of the womanfolk, pater-familias concealing his satisfaction as becomes a true, solid Briton. But in a heart-to-heart talk with his boy the old gentleman unbends, and the son’s British buckram is not proof against the father’s new-found cordiality. The New Word is ‘“Second-Lieutenant.” Helen Haye, O. B. Clarence, Geoffrey Wilmer and Ethel Wellesley are the actors concerned’. Clifton Society, 2 September 1915.

Performed by Sarah Bernhardt.

Performed by Mabel Knowles. Other acts on the same bill were: G. H. Elliott, Chris Van Bern (magician), The Keystone Troupe, Hunter and Bob, Zara Wolinski, the Sisters Aberdarc, and Gillie Potter. Described as 'Screamingly funny throughout' (Western Daily Press, 19 February 1916)

'A very delightful sketch was presented Alfred Sutro, in which C. V. France, Helen Haye, Norman Forbes, Norman Page, and Athene Seyler appeared. was entitled The Great Redding Street Burglary," and it was full of human, interest, and had good moral pointing in the direction of helping the war loan'. (Western Daily Press, 22 August 1916)

Performed by Miss Beaumont Collins.

‘“Look Who’s Here” is the title of the revue at the Hippodrome this week. It a merry, bright, rollicking combination, beautifully staged, and abounding in charming features. The humour all through centres round the work of Mr James Learmouth and Mr Billy Caryll. These two clever artists will add very considerably to their local popularity by the big part they are taking in the success of this revue. Miss Dorothy Grey also stood out for her dainty acting and her sweet voice; and Miss Jennie Hartley in the character of a high-born dame contributed several popular songs and charming dances to the wealth of good entertainment the revue provides. Mi- Arthur Roberts fills a position in the cast, and his appearance on the stage was the signal for a very hearty welcome. The revue was received with favour by so large an audience that only standing room was available. It should have a particularly successful run during the week. The other features of the programme were Scotch songs by Miss Pearse, and clever comedian business by Hal Bert. Western Daily Press, 7 November 1916.

Others on the same bill were: Charles Hawtrey & Co in 'Elegant Edward', Elsa Cameron Er, Mey & Rey, Olga Verney, Gaby Revette, Dalmere's Circus, Lupino Lane.

Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss, and Mick Webber. 'All the artists appearing in this sketch have served with H. M. Forces, or are over military age' (Western Daily Press, 7 July 1917)

Western Mail, Monday 31 December 1917, advertised ‘Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather Presents Harry Thurston as “Old Bill” in the “Johnson ‘Ole”’ at the Bristol Hippodrome. ‘The Bairnsfather type on the halls is no longer a novelty, but amongst the earliest to introduce “Old Bill” to the halls was Mr Harry Thurston. He is the [Bristol] Hippodrome this week in a trench scene and it is noteworthy that the comedy of the act does not begin and end with the “make-up” of “The Walrus.” There is good, broad comedy from the start, and, happily, no departure into pathos. The programme, throughout is of exceptional strength …’. Western Daily Press, 1 January 1918.

The Woman Who Can Tell You Anything Zomah. Come and test Zomah for yourself. Rich Castaldini, Rich Hayes, Kenna Bros, Royal Bartle Quartette, Rosie Lloyd, Duncan and Godfrey in "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (Western Mail Monday 21 January 1918)

Performed for the week by cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Marcelle & partner (comedy jugglers), the cleverest performing Sea Lion in the World, Tom E. Hood, Rosa Dallow, Torino, Ida Long.

‘Charles Austin, in his new production, “Parker’s Appeal,” made visitors to the Bristol Hippodrome fairly rock with laughing, last night. The part of a tribunal applicant gave him unlimited scope for his rare gift of humour, and he made the full use it, and with his excellent company produced twenty minutes or so of unrestrained hilarity’. Western Daily Press, 19 November 1918.

Performed for the week by a cast including Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Dan Rolyat (musical comedy star), The Diving Belles (skilful and graceful feats in water), Nora Blaney and Gwen Farrar (ragtime burlesque), Fred Milner (entertainer), W. V. Robinson (Canadian entertainer), Joe and Willy (Spanish equilibrists and comedians), up-to-date pictures. 'Thoroughly enjoyed by large audiences last night...Harry Buss displays great resourcefulness in keeping the sketch going merrily..' (Western Daily Press, 31 December 1918)

‘A well-written sketch entitled “The Boy Comes Home,” presented by Mr Godfrey Tearle and company is a welcome acquisition to the bill of fare The little play unfolds the moral that many a youngster who has gone through four years of active foreign service returns home not the boy he was on going out, but a man able to decide for himself and to take responsibility. Mr Godfrey Tearle takes the leading rôle, and he is excellently supported by Arthur Bawtree, Amy Coleridge, Maud Scott, and Helen Hardy An enthusiastic curtain recall was given’. Bristol Times and Mirror, 29 April 1919.

‘At the Bristol Hippodrome this week a delightful little farcical sketch is provided in “Parker’s Appeal.” The principal part is taken by Charles Austin, of “Parker, P.C.” fame, who keeps the audience in a state of laughter from beginning to end, and he is ably supported by the other members of the cast. The sketch is founded on a Military Tribunal incident, “Parker” receiving his papers to report at the tribunal at seven o’clock in the evening. The situations in his home leading up to this critical moment, the scenes outside the Town Hall and within, appeal to all members of the audience, and the cheery humour of the chief character combined with his desire to remain at home are highly entertaining’. Western Daily Press, 16 December 1919.

‘Bernard Shaw’s “The Shewing Up of. Blanco Posnet “ is the star attraction at the Hippodrome this week, and theatre-goers will be well-advised not to miss this ripe piece of Shavian fruit, more especially as the title role is played Philip Yale Drew (Young Buffalo). As the pivot of the play the part of Blanco Posnet makes exacting calls on the energy and artistic resources of the actor. Mr Drew - who, by the way, is not quite a stranger to Bristol - has the right temperament, and his performance last night was a highly accomplished piece of acting. The piece is described as a sermon in crude melodrama, and as Mr. Shaw’s originality in the matter of free speech is pretty generally apprehended, it may be imagined that the “sermon” is well pointed and barbed. Mr Frank Lindo’s rendering of Elder Daniels was a very creditable piece of work’. Western Daily Press, 4 December 1923.