Hippodrome, Aston

‘Topical, and pointing an obvious moral, “The Slacker,” the dream play given at the Aston Hippodrome last evening by Mr. Charles Kitts and Roda [sic – Rhoda] Windrum and Co., introduced the audience to the possibility of a Zeppelin raid, and sought to emphasise the oft-repeated cry, “Your King and Country Need You.” Mr. Kitts made a typical “Slacker,” the man who is inclined to let things go on as they are, and trusts to others to defend his hearth and home. Miss Windrum ably filled the role of the wife’ (Birmingham Mail, 2 March 1915). ‘“The Slacker” ... is a sketch with some possibilities about it, but its main point is to give an impetus to recruiting. The play is well enacted, and the large audiences last night heartily enjoyed it’ (Evening Despatch, 2 March 1915).

Performed by Miss Beaumont Collins.

‘"Stop Press,” described as a new burlesque revue in five columns, is the chief feature in this week’s entertainment at the Aston Hippodrome, and last night it caught on well. Comedy, song and story were all up to date, and there were many pretty dances by the Verdun Troupe. Jack Warman, Kitty and Tom Major, with George Lawrence, did well in their respective parts, and a full beauty chorus added to the tout ensemble' (Evening Despatch, 20 June 1916). ‘Revue again takes precedence at the Aston Hippodrome this week, and last night Messrs. Magini and company presented the new burlesque, “Stop Press, in Five Columns.” From start to finish the audience was kept in capital good humour by a very clever lot of artistes, who include Jack Warman, Kitty Major, Tom Major, and George Lawrence. The revue contains some pretty and effective scenes, notably country life in summer and winter' (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 20 June 1916).

The piece was top of the bill and others on the same bill included: Marcelle & Partner, Tom Burton, The Rubes, The Martinettes, Sophie Forrest, Two Vestas, Special War Films On The Hipposcope; Harry Cribben in 'Come Aboard, Sir'.

Performed likely from 26 to 29 December by Harry Buss who is 'excruciatingly funny, and he has capable support from his company, all of whom are either discharged soldiers or too old for the Army' (Birmingham Mail, 27 December 1917)

The Birmingham Daily Gazette, 4 March 1918, advertised twice nightly at the Aston Hippodrome a bill that included A Gold Stripe, a comedy in one act. The Birmingham Daily Gazette, 4 March 1918, reported that A Good [sic] Stripe was well received. The Evening Despatch, 5 March 1918, reported that A Gold Stripe ‘by a capable company of artists, found full favour’.

‘The name of the author of “Deliver the Goods,” which Mr. Leonard Mortimer stages at the Aston Hippodrome, is hidden under the nom de plume of “An Ordinary Britisher.” It is nevertheless a stirring British story of sacrifice and devotion to duty’ (Evening Despatch, 2 March 1918). ‘“Deliver the Goods” is the title of the play at Aston Theatre Royal. It a war production, and there is a big vein of truth running through the story, which strongly appealed to last night’s audiences. Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s company is responsible for the presentation of the piece, which is localised by Miss Peggy Wise, who portrays Vesta Mary Wood, from Birmingham’ (Evening Despatch, 5 March 1918). ‘Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s company in the war play, “Deliver the Goods,” is the attraction at the Aston Royal this week, and last night’s audiences showed full appreciation of the many interesting incidents which make up a moving story of selfishness and sacrifice' (Birmingham Mail, 5 March 1918).

‘The Aston Hippodrome bill is full of good bookings, the leading attraction being Miss Esme Beringer in a comedy sketch, “The Honourable Gertrude.” Miss Beringer will have the assistance of Miss Mary Brough and a company of picked artists’ (Evening Despatch, 28 September 1918). ‘In an excellently varied programme at the Aston Hippodrome one of the outstanding features was a comedy sketch entitled “The Honourable Gertrude,” in which Miss Esme Beringer and Miss Mary Brough take the principal parts’ (Birmingham Mail, 1 October 1918). ‘Miss Esme Beringer and company in a comedy sketch, “The Honourable Gertrude,” were very amusing’ at the Aston Hippodrome (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 1 October 1918).