Theatre Royal, Aston

Large audiences were reported on opening night (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 20 April 1915)

Mentioned in an advertisement in The Stage, 29 July 1915.

‘Aston Theatre Royal. Ernest R. Abbott’s company occupies the boards at the Aston Royal this week in the play “The Love Child,” which is from the pen of Miss Ada G. Abbott, a well-known artist. It is a comparatively new production, and runs through a prologue and five scenes, the interest being sustained until the end. The military man is in evidence, and the whole of the principal artists have been well chosen for their respective parts. Miss Ada Abbott, in the role of Meg Hunter, the unmarried mother, has made a careful study of the part, which she portrays admirably. Mr. John Johnston was seen to advantage as “Curly” Saunders' (Evening Despatch, 19 October 1915). ‘In a prologue and five scenes the story is told of “The Love Child,” at the Aston Theatre Royal this week, and last night it proved a big attraction. The play is written by Miss Ada Abbott, and is presented by Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company, with Miss Abbott in the principal part of Meg. There is a good spice of militarism in this production, and many exciting incidents, which appealed to the audience Mr. John Johnston as “Curly” Saunders takes the principal male part with success, and the other characters are well sustained’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 19 October 1915).

‘Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, the author of many well-known plays, and who, the way is an Astonian, presented his latest production last night at the Aston Theatre Royal. The play, which he describes as up to the moment, is entitled The Enemy in Our Midst. As the title implies, it has a military vein, but the whole of the eleven scenes are laid in this country. The company which Mr. Carlton Wallace has got together is a highly capable one ... The principals are good and the setting is very effective’. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 9 November 1915.

The Stage, 2 and 9 December 1915, listed The Little Grey Home in the West (North Co.) as On Tour from 6 December at the Royal, Aston. Also The Era, 8 December 1915.

Twice nightly and matinee on Monday

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and Co.

Performed by Leonard Mortimer (Slow), Violet Wilkinson (Gwendoline), Rupert Talbot (Geoffrey Gard), Ernest Stidwell (Noel), Henry G Gilpin (Otto Nuber), Louis Gaye (Peebles), Winifred Rees (Meegan Morgan), Ida Clifford (Blodwyn Jenkins), Whitchurch Welsh Quartette, Winifred Rees (singer), Louis Walsh (singer)

‘Arthur Hinton, Ltd., last night presented a new drama [at the Aston Royal], entitled “The Black Sheep of the Family,” by Miss Gladys Hastings Walton, and the play attracted good houses. The authoress appeared in one the principal characters, with marked success, and Mr. Arthur Hinton figured in the title role’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 13 June 1916).

‘At Aston Theatre Royal, Miss Emma Litchfield presented her own play “Home Once More” to two large houses. The drama is one of considerable interest. Miss Litchfield acted cleverly in the part of the heroine’ (Birmingham Mail, 19 September 1916). ‘“Home Once More” is the title of a new play Miss Emma Litchfield, which was presented at the Aston Royal last night, before two large audiences. There was a strong naval element in the piece. The authoress, who appeared in the principal part, was supported by a capable company, which includes Mr. T. C. Jackson, Mr. Tom H. Solly, Miss Era Stockton [sic], and Miss Lillie Livesey’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 19 September 1916).

Performed by Messrs Jazon and Montgomery Company.

‘A drama of present day life, “The Wife with Two Husbands,” by C. Vernon Proctor, is the attraction at the Aston Theatre Royal. It is a striking play, and Mr. Jerrold Heather as the Soldier and Miss Daisy Cook as the Soldier’s Wife took the chief parts, and were supported by a good company’ (Birmingham Mail, 31 October 1916). ‘The attraction at the Aston Royal this week is entitled “The Wife with Two Husbands,” and last night it strongly appealed to large audiences. It is described as a drama on present day life, and the story is well told by Mr. C. Vernon Proctor, the author. Mr. Oswald Cray’s company is responsible for the production’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 31 October 1916).

Performed by Will Casey and company.

‘At this theatre the attraction is “The Unmarried Mother,” presented by Mr. Oswald Cray. It is a problem play, and the stirring incidents which it includes evidently interested last night’s audiences. Miss Kitty Darling takes the title part with credit, and receives good support from Mr. E. Norman Edwards, Mr. Roland Hope, and Mr. J. Wilton Richards, and the other members of the company’ (Birmingham Mail, 12 December 1916). ‘The attraction at the Aston Royal this week is Mr. Oswald Cray’s company in his latest drama, entitled “The Unmarried Mother,” which was much appreciated. Miss Kitty Darling appeared with considerable success in the title role, and Mr. E. Norman Edwards was a capable exponent of the character of Private Walter Newton, the lover. The other parts are all well sustained’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 12 December 1916).

Performed by Will Casey and company.

Miss Eva Elwes has written a number of good plays and one of the best is "Honour the Man You Wed" which was produced at the Aston Theatre Royal last night before two large audiences. ('Birmingham Mail', 24 April 1917, p. 5)

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and Co. Other acts on bill: Daddy's Girl

‘The Aston Theatre Royal is to stage [next week] a new domestic drama, “Always Welcome,” by Emma Litchfield. It has seven scenes, all of which give promise of tense situations’ (Birmingham Mail, 6 July 1917). ‘[At] Aston Theatre Royal “Always Welcome,” by Miss Emma Litchfield, is the attraction this week. The play contains an exciting plot, which presents many thrills, all of which appealed strongly to the large houses last night. The company is a strong one, and includes Miss Emma Litchfield (the authoress)’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 10 July 1917).

‘“His Last Leave,” which is described as a realistic play of the times, is to be presented at the Aston Theatre Royal [next week]. It is a military production, and some of the stirring scenes are laid in trenches and dug-outs “Somewhere in France”’ (Birmingham Mail, 14 September 1917). ‘Mr. Will Glaze’s company in “His Last Leave,” is the attraction this week [at the Aston Theatre Royal]. The play is an excellent story of love and military life' (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 18 September 1917). ‘There were large audiences last night at the Aston Theatre Royal to witness the very realistic play “His Last Leave,” which was presented by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s very capable company ... Bright comedy relieves the heavier situations. A capital representation of a dug-out in France is a feature of the setting’ (Birmingham Mail, 18 September 1917). ‘“His Last Leave,” a well-written and interesting drama, with an attractive alloy of military glamour in its composition, wins the sympathy of large audiences [at the Aston Royal] this week’ (The Stage, 20 September 1917).

‘“The Black Sheep of the Family,” a new and up-to-date drama by Miss Gladys Hastings Walton, occupies the stage at the Aston Royal this week, and last night it was witnessed by large audiences. The cast is a strong one, including Miss Peggy Courtney, who gave a successful representation of Loyale Dare. Mr. Arthur Hinton, who presents the play, appeared in the title role, and was cordially received for a very fine performance of this part. The staging of the piece was a feature of the production’ (Birmingham Mail, 30 October 1917). ‘An up-to-date drama, entitled “The Black Sheep of the Family,” by Miss Gladys Hastings Walton, received a cordial welcome at the Aston Theatre Royal last night. It was admirably presented by Mr. Arthur Hinton’s company’ (The Birmingham Daily Gazette and the Evening Despatch, 30 October 1917). ‘“The Black Sheep of the Family” is the attraction here [the Royal Aston], and large audiences are appreciating very thoroughly the efforts of Arthur Hinton’s well-balanced company’ (The Stage, 1 November 1917).

‘“The Voice on the ‘Phone,” which Mr. Will Glaze’s company is to present at the Aston Theatre Royal, is a stirring American melodrama of the Broadway type’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 19 January 1918). ‘Presented for the first time at Aston, “The Voice on the Phone” had a hearty reception from the two large audiences last night at the Theatre Royal. Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company is a good one. In the various incidents of the new drama Messrs. Victor Gardam and Geof. [sic] Chate perform excellently in the chief parts, being ably supported by Miss Eva Alliston and Miss Renee Bevan (The play is well staged, and altogether well produced’. Birmingham Mail, 22 January 1918). “The Voice on the ‘Phone,” the attraction at the Aston Theatre Royal this week, is a new play by Clifford Rean. In tabloid form it is crisp, with frequent exciting situations and comedy judiciously blended. Mr Will H. Glaze’s company were well received last night, the success of the performances being shared by each member of a strong cast’ (Evening Despatch, 22 January 1918).

‘“The Man Who Made Good” is the title of an up-to-date drama at the Aston Theatre Royal this week. It is by Mr. G. [sic – C.] Vernon Proctor, and presented last night to well-filled houses the play was well received. The principal parts are well portrayed by Messrs. Frank V. Fenn, Cyril Grier, and the Misses Laurie Adair, Dora Weber, and Florrie Maclnnes’ (Birmingham Mail, 26 March 1918). Also noted in The Stage, 28 March 1918, as ‘a strong attraction’.

‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company’s “A Son of the Sea” is the attraction this week [at the Aston Royal]. It contains an interesting plot with some exciting incidents’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 7 May 1918). ‘The new play, “A Son of the Sea,” is presented by Hr. Will H. George’s [sic] company at the Aston Theatre Royal. This charming story is well sustained. The acting of Miss Dorothy Kirk and Mr. Clifford Rean, in the title role, was quite effective’ (Birmingham Mail, 7 May 1918). ‘“A Son of the Sea,” a new nautical play, is being produced at the Aston Theatre Royal by Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company. The piece contains a pretty plot, in which naval incidents are introduced. The cast includes Miss Dorothy Kirk, Miss Maud Steeples, Miss Maudie Ryder, Miss Clara Spillwood [sic – Spillard?], and Messrs. Clifford Rean, John Worth, Edmund O’Grady, Charles Leverton, Arthur Gilroy, and George Gormley’ (Evening Despatch, 7 May 1918).

' ... a drama presenting many interesting incidents. Mr Will Casey, the well known comedian, and Mrs Casey are responsible for much of the success of the piece.' (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 4 June 1918, p. 3)

Performers: Harry Foxwell (Company), Lilian Maitland (actress), Roy Selfridge (actor) Reviews: "attractive production" "by Miss Sheila Walsh, author of "Keep the Home Fires Burning", Birmingham Mail

This performance (theatre and start date) is included in a list of forthcoming performances of “Married on Leave” in The Stage of Thursday 1 August 1918. The Birmingham Mail of Friday 2 August 1918 noted that in the following week ‘“Married on Leave”, a powerful and topical military drama Dorothy Mullard [sic], will be the attraction at the Aston Theatre Royal’. The Evening Despatch of Monday 5 August carried an advertisement for “Married on Leave” at the Theatre Royal, Aston Cross: twice nightly with a matinée on Monday. The Birmingham Daily Gazette of Tuesday 6 August 1918 reported that at the Aston Royal, ‘“Married on Leave” has an interesting plot with exciting situations. The company includes the authoress, Miss Dorothy Mullord as Mary Graham’. The Birmingham Mail of Tuesday 6 August 1918 reported, ‘For the first time at Aston Lew Lake’s company appeared in “Married on Leave” at the Theatre Royal. It is a striking play by Dorothy Mullard sic], who takes the chief part, supported by David Erlston and Herbert Pearson. The topical and dramatic situations in the play, which deals with the career of a soldier temporarily blinded in action, appealed strongly to last night’s large holiday audiences’.

‘Drama is replaced at the Aston Theatre Royal by a topical skit revue, “How Do You Like It?” written by Mrs. Kimberley. It is a bright production, including good fun, music, and dancing, all the company performing with spirit. The artistes include Miss Ruby Kimberley, Tom H. Solly, George Millard, and the Five Weetmans. The revue was enjoyed by large audiences last night’. Birmingham Mail, 24 September 1918.

‘A naval play, “For Sweethearts and Wives,” by Arthur Rosebery, proved an attraction to the Aston Theatre Royal last night. It is a stirring drama, with several striking naval scenes, including a tableau, “The Triumph of the British Fleet,” and the author’s own company is a capable one’ (Birmingham Mail, 1 October 1918). ‘“For Sweethearts and Wives” is the title of a naval play presented last by Mr. Arthur Roseberry’s [sic] London company. The piece, which has a capital setting, was well received by the large audience, the cast being an all-round excellent one’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 1 October 1918).

‘Full houses were the order last night [at Aston Theatre Royal] when Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company presented “His Last Leave.” The piece, which is most realistic, was ably portrayed with Miss Lilian Flinn [sic – Fenn] and Mr. H. Wright-Scaddan in two of the principal parts’. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 12 November 1918.

‘Aston Theatre Royal.- “Real Sports” is the title of a very smart revue presented by Arthur Rosebery, and last night proved highly popular to the large audiences. The principals, together with a full London company, do excellent in providing fun, good music, and dancing and an abundance of light comedy’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 19 November 1918). ‘Revue is again seen at the Aston Theatre Royal, and “Real Sports,” by Arthur Rosebery, is a bright and well-presented production, with good comedy work and excellent music and dancing. It was heartily received by yesterday’s large audiences, and Miss Hettie Gale, Messrs. Dave O’Toole, Will Priestley, and Fred Ellis in particular were warmly applauded’ (Birmingham Mail, 19 November 1918).

‘Messrs, Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge’s company in their latest and greatest play, “The Girl who Changed her Mind,’ presented [at the Aston Theatre Royal] last night gave a fine portrayal of the drama. The two principal artistes, Mr Wilson Benge and Miss Sadie Smith, were supported by a capable cast’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 26 November 1918). ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind,” a play by Clifford Rean, is the attraction at the Aston Theatre Royal, and last night it was well received. The action of the play is in 1914, and contains patriotic and stirring scenes, the chief parts being taken by Miss Sadie Smith and Mr. Wilson Benge’ (Birmingham Mail, 26 November 1918).

Performed by the Aston Players