Alexandra Theatre, Hull

‘A Virile Patriotic Play. The patriotic military play, “Three Little Britons,” will be presented at the Alexandra Theatre next week. To enable its presentation twice nightly at 6.50 and 9, it will be played in 15 scenes. The dramatist’s original motive was to show there was hope for every boy, however obscure his birth, in the service of his King. Every little orphan waif or stray could win promotion and honour in the service of his country ... It is only during the present war the public have realised the peril of the spies among us, and General and Madame Fleichman are typical secret service agents. Colonel King is a typical soldier of the king: foremost in sport and foremost against the foe in Britannia’s hour of danger. The play will be carefully staged, the scenes including the ball room; Epsom Downs on Derby Day, showing the race for the Derby; the Colonel’s quarters, and the Land of Battle. The company includes Arthur Elwyn as Colonel King, F. Roy Jackson as General Fleichman, Edmund Sydney as Lieutenant Woods, and James Wilton as Paddy Murphy, Olive Warne as Madame Fleichman, Julia Mortimer as Rosie Woods, Gertie Gascoyne as Biddy, and Madge Soutter (an old Hull favourite), Bessie Gordon and Doris Thompson as the Three Little Britons, who are sure to become favourites with their songs and dances' (Hull Daily Mail, 15 January 1915). ‘“Three Little Britons” is a play of the type which several years ago seemed to the supine average person a licensed freak of the melodramatist’s fancy. Time has enacted its own revenge by supporting with repeated proof every accusation it makes against the peeping and prying system with which the enemy (England has only had one enemy for 45 years!) has honeycombed our life. Therefore, the inveterate propensity to ejaculate “I told you so!” will be indulged now by the play’s admirers, the ranks of whom have evidently been considerably stiffened, if one may trust the signs at the Alexandra Theatre last night. As we say, it deals with the secret agent system which was the advance guard for the enemy in England, and with the many opportunities for the lad who joins the Army or Navy, and “goes straight,” when he gets there' (Hull Daily Mail, 19 January 1915). ‘Recently at Hull over 15,000 people paid to see “Three Little Britons”‘ (Staffordshire Sentinel, 13 March 1915).

The Era, 2 and 9 February 1916, listed The Little Grey Home In The West (North) as On The Road from 7 February at the Alex., Hull. Also The Stage, 10 February 1916. Noted separately in The Era, 9 February 1916: ‘Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vaughan’s company [are here] in “The Little Grey Home in the West"'.

‘Emma Litchfield and company are presenting an interesting play, entitled Home Once More, here [the Alexandra, Hull]. Miss Litchfield cleverly portrays the part of the wife, and Eva [sic - Ena] Newham is a creditable Stella. The humour is ably sustained by Tom H. Solly and A. B. Lyons’. The Stage, 17 February 1916.

The Era, 22 March 1916, listed The Unmarried Mother (North) as On The Road from 20 March at the Alex., Hull. Similarly The Stage, 16 and 23 March 1916. Noted in The Era, 22 March 1916.

‘Those responsible for the title of the play at the Alexandra Theatre this week christened better than they knew when they called it The Enemy our Midst. The coincidence was certainly a striking one last night, for the play was reaching the height of excitement—the naturalised Englishman, Korman [sic – Hermann] Klost, declaring that Zeppelins should bomb England and then - The remainder was inaudible, for the gallery occupants immediately shouted The Buzzers, and they were not. mistaken. Under more peaceful conditions, the play - one up to the moment, with many exciting episodes - would have attracted a good house, but the disturbing elements were against this. Mr G. Carlton Wallace, author of The Apple of Eden, has penned this melodrama in eleven scenes. Plotting for the destruction of British transports, German frightfulness by Zeppelins, and the frequent outbursts for revenge on England, are but a few of the episodes which increase the interest of the play'. Hull Daily Mail, 4 April 1916.

Twice nightly

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and Co.

Performed twice nightly. 'Eva Elwes got very close to human nature when writing this play, which is well worth seeing.' ('Hull Daily Mail', 27 June 1916, p. 4)

‘“The Wife with Two Husbands” would be in the usual rut of melodrama but for the fact that it introduces war allusions here and there'. Hull Daily Mail, 12 September 1916.

'That a good part of this play has as its background the fighting areas of France must counted to it for merit in the eyes of those to whom it is addressed. It is melodrama, but also tonic. This is its first visit to the city, where it seems to have had a cordial welcome.' ('Hull Daily Mail', 3 October 1916, p. 3)

Jason and Montgomery Enterprises (The Stage Thursday 26 October 1916)

‘“The Unmarried Mother” is built on a case that has been disproved - the case of the war babies. It does not go very deep into this question, but it gives a number of thrills and sentiment in passing, which is perhaps all that many theatre patrons ask. There are in life some fine and pathetic instances of this condition; but the author of this play simply wallows in the pity he sees in Eileen - and puts her on an emotional throne which others more simple minded can only envy her. However, there is a saving speech in which she denounces the law that prevented her marriage with her soldier lover before he was drafted to France. The company which gives the play is a quite different one from that which was last here, and the following all do well:- Miss Lissa Young, Miss Marv Ainslie, Miss Pattie Dene, Miss Amy Wood, Mr J. Wilton Richards, Mr E. Norman Edwardes, and Mr Roland Hope’. Hull Daily Mail, 21 November 1916.

Performed by Will Casey and company.

Performed twice nightly for the week.

'There is more simplicity and less strain in the play which is at this house this week than has been usual for some time past. Moreover, there is no allusion to the war and its problems, and no really deep-dyed villainy in the domestic circle. It is an English rural story, in which figure the red coats of the hunt, the squire, the villagers, and so forth.' ('Hull Daily Mail', 20 February, 1917 p. 3).

Twice nightly. ' ... a capital healthy and stirring drama of the sea, which should attract the particular attention of the naval man on holiday and his friends. It is well written, and played with vigour and discrimination by a talented company.' ('Hull Daily Mail', 10 April 1917, p. 2)

‘The drama offered here [the Alexandra Theatre] during the current week has the title, which sufficiently indicates a good part of its story, “Neither Wife nor Maid.’’ Of its kind, it was a very good example, and the audience was by no means slow to take up the points scored, and applaud to the echo those they approved. The scenic background is London, and the social contrasts depicted are vivid. The authoress herself is in the name part, and acts with considerable feeling and skill, while as Sanderson [sic- Curly Saunders] Mr Cecil Gray missed no opportunities’. Hull Daily Mail, 13 March 1917.

Twice nightly performances

‘During Whit-week, a dip is made into the large selection of patriotic dramas, and the company at [the Alexandra Theatre] give For Motherland, with spirit. Its date is quite recent. All the scenes are laid in England, and the time - the outbreak of the present war. One sees a repetition of the activities of the German spies in the Dover and Folkestone district, and sensations are lavishly put into the happenings of the play. Among the chief of those who take part, and infuse abundant energy into their acting, are Mr W. Vane (a naval lieutenant), Miss Clara O’Sullivan, Mr. F. Hertie, and Miss Flo Norman’ (Hull Daily Mail, 29 May 1917). Noted in The Stage, 31 May 1917.

‘A typical Bank-Holiday drama was played to three typical Bank Holiday crowds at the Alexandra Theatre, George-street, Hull, yesterday, and it must have been a strain on the players, who, however, put a great deal of merit and vigour into “The Black Sheep of the Family.” Few families escape having a “black sheep,” and this fact is made into the motive of a presentable popular play, in which a young man is saddled with another’s crime of betrayal, but “makes good.” Mr Arthur Hinton acts very tactfully and naturally as the” Black Sheep,” and he is powerfully supported by Miss Ethel Mouton [sic] as Loyale Dare. Miss Winifred Savile, Mr Leslie Steward and Harry T. Wood were admirable coadjutors. The company is Arthur Hinton’s’ (Hull Daily Mail, 7 August 1917). ‘“The Black Sheep of the Family” is proving a strong play to the liking of patrons’ [at the Alexandra, Hull]’ (The Era, 8 August 1917).

‘A few words about the new military to be produced at the Hull Alexandra Theatre next week by C Watson Mill and his players will be of interest. It is by Clifford Rean. It is not an ordinary war drama, but a domestic play dealing with village life, and the present war times. It is full of real and “live” characters. Take for instance, the old village sexton, now the only grave digger left. He seems have buried everybody in the village - at least he is always telling you so. Then the dear old village parson - we all know him. Another old “character” is an old soldier who, by some means, managed to enlist. As for the younger generation, there is the parson’s son, home on his last leave, who comes to spend a few days and say farewell to his wife and baby. He has as a friend a bright young soldier, not in the same sphere of life. They go to the front together - their trials can be seen in the play. We cannot do without the “Naughty Major” and his “lady friend.” The early scenes deal with domestic life in the village. Then we have a real “dug out,” a scene in “No Man’s Land,” a Hospital Dressing Station, and a home coming - quite an interesting play, but not too emotional. It has only been produced a few weeks, but has made such success that, next week, it will be played in *five different towns’ (Hull Daily Mail, 31 August 1917; * only Coventry and Hull have been identified). Advertised in the Hull Daily Mail, 3 September 1917: ‘C. Watson Mill and his Company in the most realistic Military Play of the time, “His Last Leave.” Sc.1: The Village of Roedale. Sc. 2: The same (Evening). Sc. 3: A Dug-Out Somewhere in France. Sc. 4: No Man’s Land. Sc. 5: A Dressing Station Behind the Trenches. Sc. 6: The Vicarage, Roedale. Sc. 7: Tom Trimfoot’s Coffee Tavern. Sc. 8: Lane in Roedale. Sc. 9: The Village of Roedale’. Also: ‘The reputation of C. Watson Mill’s Co. at the Alexandra will be increased this week by their rendering of an up-to-date play of the military order, “His Last Leave.” A very painful story of villainous deception is skilfully interwoven with the war ... there is plenty of comic relief ... All comes right on the very moment of the curtain falling, and the interest is well sustained throughout. It is a powerful, wholesome, and attractive play, capably acted, and advancing in interest as it proceeds. The Alexandra will be crowded this week’ (Hull Daily Mail 4 September 1917).

Performers: Dot Stephens Co

'The play is a very popular one, and Mr C. Watson Mill should do good business this week. Refinement rather than sensation is the keynote.' ('Hull Daily Mail', 19 February 1918, p. 3)

Presented by the Watson Mill Stock Company

‘C. Watson Mill’s Company at the Alexandra Theatre are, this week, in a thoroughly congenial play, which has been seen here before. “His Last Leave” is described as “the most realistic military play of the times.” Mr Harry Tresham is the soldier son of the Rev James Maxwell, whose part is taken by Mr John J. Hooker. The villain, the Hon. Robert Saltire, is Mr Charles Yorke, and Mr Will E. Moss is the spruce and sprightly Corpl. Tim Trimfoot, who has for his wife Selina Kettle (Miss A Warde). Miss Dora Marriott, in the pleasant part of Dick’s wife, is a charming creation, and the baby, which was twice bought on, proved a great attraction. Private Erb, Mr Harry Harrop, was the trigamist soldier, and Mr Arthur Bell, as the bright and breezy Dr Walton, of the R.A.M.C., was a vivacious and manly doctor. Mr. F. Thorpe Tracey, as Old Jawkins, added another to the many old man parts he has played, and Miss Edith Gregory acted ably as the villain’s accomplice, Dora Wendover. The play is well compacted together, and goes with a good swing. The comic relief afforded by the scenes the trenches and the coffee shop, where Corporal Trimfoot and his bright and clever wife preside, are good. All the details are in the right focus, and the atmosphere of the piece is bright and wholesome’. Hull Daily Mail, 11 June 1918.

Performed by Harry Tresham (John Hope), John Hooker (Robert Charlton), F Thorpe Tracey (Simon Keen), Will E Moss (Tom Tough), Charles Yorke (Otto Brandt), Arthur Bell (Capt. Johnson),Harry Harrop (Dr Stanton), Nancy Mitchell (Winnie Wilson), Miss Bell (Mrs Brandt), May Payne (Isobelle Brandt), Dora Marriott (Elsie Maynard).

Performers: Watson Mill Stock Repertory Company

Advertised in the Hull Daily Mail, 16 September 1918, as part of the Watson Mill Stock Repertory Season. ‘Mr Clifford Rean seems to specialise in up-to-date military plays, and there were many features about “On Leave for His Wedding,” at the Hull Alexandra Theatre last evening, which appealed uncommonly well to a large audience. There is an excellent “Better ‘Ole” scene in the trenches, and the temporarily blinded hero is rescued from a shattered French cathedral by a timely advance by the British troops. There is much soldier humour, and a strong “plot" ... Miss Edith Gregory has never done better work than the part of Angela, who is the mainspring of the play. She was truly excellent. Miss Mysie Monte was a very sweet Mavis, and played with great sympathy. Mr Harry Treeham was everything that was gallant as Captain Derrick, and he had an admirable foil in Mr Charles Yorke, as the scheming Captain Dalpre [sic]. One of the most interesting parts he has ever assumed was that of the worthless clergyman, depicted by Mr Arthur Bell. The agony of the struggle between temptation and better self was splendidly shown by this sterling actor. Mr Fred L. Arthur was one of the most normal Scotland Yard men seen on the popular stage. On the lighter side, Mr Thorpe-Tracey had a big part in the rascal tramp who is “roped in” as a recruit, whose glibness and whimsicalities do not desert him in the trenches. Mr Will E. Moss and Miss Allie Ward were thoroughly at home as the Sergeant and his sweetheart, and their broad comedy was greatly appreciated’ (Hull Daily Mail, 17 September 1918).

The Hull Daily Mail, 4 November 1918, advertised at the Alexandra Theatre the ‘C. Watson Mill Stock Repertory Company, in the Powerful Play, by Emma Litchfield, “Home Once More”‘.

Performed here between 18 and 23 November with a cast including Harry Tresham (actor), John Hooker (actor), and Miss Marrott (actress). The 'Hull Daily Mail' reviewed the play on 19 November 1918 and wrote: 'The play selected this week by the Watson Mill Company is not, as some might be led to believe, a play written round the victory of the Allies. It is, however, a military play and is on the same lines as 'His Last Leave'. Clifford Rean, the author, has a thorough grasp of the emotions of the melodramatic audiences of the present day, and creates some strong character drawing. The story deals with the remarkable resemblance of two men entirely unknown to each other. No wonder that the old father was taken in by the impersonator of his soldier son. All ends well, for the real son of the Squire of Hindmarsh eventually returns from the war and is reunited to his family once more. Mr Harry Tresham fills the two roles - one Sidney Wildmarsh, son of the Squire of Staplemoor, and the other a jewel thief named Ned Henderson. The former has been married secretly to the niece of the village parson. After his return to the front the “double” presents himself, and complications ensue. Eventually, both the parson and his young niece are driven from the village in disgrace. In the last scene the young squire, who had lost his memory through shell shock, returns in time to claim Myrtle as his wife. Mr John Hooker as the Squire, Miss Marrott as Myrtle, and the rest of the company gave of their best, the piece “going” with a smoothness we are now accustomed to from this company’.

Twice nightly

Mentioned under the title Home From The Trenches in advertisements in the Hull Daily Mail, 9-13 December 1918.

Arthur Hardy (producer), C. Haviland Burke (actor), Bertram Marsh-Dunn (actor), Baliol Holloway (actor), Garrett Hollick (actor), Charles Poulton (actor), Tommie Butler (actress), Queenie Finnis (actress) 'Four years of warfare have provided ample material for spy plays..Arthur Hardy's capable company present it with a full sense of the responsibility that a spy plot in the Air Service entails.' (Hull Daily Mail, 2 March 1920)

At the Alexandra, Hull, ‘The first visit of “Bubbly” is proving a capital attraction. Edward Steadman’s portrayal of Old Bill is very amusing. Elsie Stevens is vivacious and possesses a sweet voice. Phyllis Whitney and Vyvian Pedlar are also to the fore. Features are the graceful dancing and the attractive dressing’. The Stage, 22 April 1920.