Empire Theatre, Longton

‘The Unmarried Mother, as presented by Oswald Cray’s company, is proving an attraction here. A capable cast includes Hugh Wallace, Roland Hope, J. Cook Hinton, Conrad Clarke [sic – Clerke], Ella Sennett, Pattie Dene, Amy Wood, Sammy Johns, Archie Grant, and Laurie Adair’. The Stage, 25 November 1915.

‘Emma Litchfield’s latest piece, Home Once More, is being presented here [the Empire, Longton], and capital houses were the rule on Monday. Miss Litchfield gives a pleasing portrayal of the heroine. She is ably supported by S. P. Goodyer-Kettley as Capt. Forrester, and Ena Newham as the adventuress; while others who add to the play’s success are Conrad Stratford, Lionel Belmont [sic - Balmont], Tom H. Solly, Larry Clements, Chas. Edwards, and Lillie Livesey’. The Stage, 9 December 1915.

The Stage, 19 April 1917, noted that at the Longton Empire 'A popular attraction is provided by Chas. Locke and company in For Motherland, which is well played’.

‘The enterprising management of the Empire Theatre, Longton, have secured for this week another splendid attraction by the Universal Productions Company. It is a musical comedy revue, in four scenes, entitled “Somewhere in Somerset.” The piece is well conceived, admirably presented, and contains all the elements that go to make for success. The comedy and music are good, the artists are a talented combination, the soloists possess excellent voices, the chorus singing is very tuneful, and there is plenty of skilful dancing. Pretty dresses are worn, and the scenery is attractive. Unlike the majority of such productions, there is also a fascinating story. An American millionaire is to be the husband of the lady who wins a certain prize bond, the alternative being penury. In order to ascertain whether she has any real affection for him, he changes places with his valet. The couple are thrown much together in a voyage from America to this country, and the trip results in a declaration of love by both parties. The young lady, who, like the young man, was averse to being mated by lottery, is naturally charmed when she discovers that not only has she won her love prize but also her money prize … Several interesting patriotic touches are introduced’. The cast included Dorothy Vere, Leonard Palmer, Miss Georgie Vokes, Albert Bruno, and Fred Harris. Staffordshire Sentinel, 30 April 1918.

Advertised in the Staffordshire Sentinel, 30 November 1918, as ‘the cheery and cheerful patriotic revue’; the cast would comprise a full London company of artists, including Hettie Gale, Dave O’Toole, Will Priestley, and Fred Ellis.

‘The management of the Longton Empire continue to warrant strong support because of their enterprise. This week drama is the attraction, and it is an interesting change after a run of pantomime and revue. The production is entitled “On Leave for his Wedding,” and, as the title implies, it has a military flavour and a magnetic effect. The producer is Mr. Edward F. Furneau, who personally figures in the cast, and the members of which are to be complimented on the way the way they discharge their respective parts. The piece has been played to 500,000 people to date, 30,000, including 700 wounded Tommies, seeing it at Birmingham. The production, which is said to eclipse the former successes of Mr. Furneau, contains scenes reminiscent of the doings at the front, and the most prominent of these is the one depicting the method of German vandalism, when they wantonly destroyed churches. The story of the piece is well connected, and is interpreted in such a manner by Mr. Furneau’s company as to keep the attention of the audience concentrated upon it to the excellent finale’. Staffordshire Sentinel, 11 February 1919.

Performed 7-12 April 1919.

‘Mr. Joseph Millane’s company is this week presenting two plays by Mr. Vincent W. Carlyle – “Love, Honour, and the Woman,” until Wednesday, and “The Man, the Woman, and —?” from Thursday to Saturday, at the Empire Theatre, Longton. The former was witnessed by two crowded audiences on Monday night, and was enthusiastically received'. Staffordshire Sentinel, 29 April 1919.

The Staffordshire Sentinel, 26 May 1919, advertised at the Empire Theatre, Longton, ‘Wilson Benge and his Famous Dramatic Repertoire Co. will present’ on Monday-Wednesday and Saturday Safe Home Again, and on Thursday and Friday only The Girl Who Changed Her Mind.