Empire, Swindon

The Era, 7 March 1917, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Blue) as On The Road from 5 March at the Empire, Swindon. Previewed in the North Wilts Herald, 2 March 1917: ‘The strong cast includes George Howard, Howard Brenan, Besley Beltram, Owen Cassidy, Herbert Rouen, George Percy, Nora Kingsley, Agnes Thornton, Barbara Hall, Agnes Lowson, Lilian St. Maur and Duff Earle-Howard. The piece will be presented twice nightly’.

The North Wilts Herald, 7 December 1917, advertised ‘Mr. Robert Brasher presents Mr. H. B. Irving’s great London success: “Searchlights,” A Comedy Domestic Drama, from the Savoy Theatre, London’, twice nightly from Monday 10 December at the Empire Theatre, Swindon.

‘Next week a thrilling drama illustrative of the splendid heroism of the engineers on our warships is told in the naval story, “For Sweethearts and Wives.” A young engineer discovers a new motive power for increasing the speed of ships, which is as good as doubling or trebling their tonnage, and incurs the enmity of unskilled labour by his progressive methods. He is beset with spies watching their opportunity to steal his secrets for the enemy. He is under-rated by his master, whose daughter he loves, but love for his sweetheart and determination to win her carry him through all difficulties to triumph in the service of his King. The strong patriotic interpretation of the play will no doubt evoke an enthusiastic response from Swindon audiences. The play will he presented twice nightly - at 6.45 and 9 o’clock’. North Wilts Herald, 1 February 1918.

The Stage, 10 and 17 October 1918, listed Real Sports as On Tour from 14 October at the E., Swindon.

‘Mr. Alfred Manners starts a short twice-nightly season next week at 6.40 and 9 o’clock with a return visit of the popular naval play, “Sweethearts and Wives”. It is a strong and powerful story of the doings of the British Navy, with plenty of good comedy. The usual twice-nightly prices of admission will be charged’. North Wilts Herald, 31 January 1919.

The Stage, 6 March 1919, mentioned that Bubbly would be performed in the following week at the Empire, Swindon.