Palace Theatre, Hull

‘A striking sketch, suggested by the war, takes the leading place at the Hull Palace this week. It is entitled "Naturalised," and is presented by Mr Horace Hunter and his company. Mr Hunter takes the leading role of the spy, in which his ability as an actor comes to the front, and the cast includes Miss Lily Hammersley. Mr Hunter is the author of the sketch, which holds attention all the more because its plot comes well within the realms of possibility. Under the guise of private secretary the spy, though naturalised, is found in an important office plotting against Great Britain. The telephone plays an important part, and there are several tense moments in which revolvers are produced - but not used. Incidentally there is a scene which a father denounces his son for not enlisting, but this son defeats the workings of the arch spy and his co-workers, and makes further amends and also a record by marrying in the morning and enlisting in the afternoon’. Hull Daily Mail, 9 February 1915.

Hull Daily Mail Friday 2 July 1915: at The Palace, Hull, turns next week will include ‘Shirley and Ransome, presenting a Cockney episode, entitled “One of Kitchener’s”.

Performed for the week by George Hestor (actor), Dorothy Frostick (actress), Ethel Arden (actress), Joan Hestor (actress), Marie Ellis (actress), Norman Carn (actor), Charles Hammel (actor), Nat Lewis (actor). ‘Laughter should reign at the Palace next week when Fred Karno’s latest joy-compeller, Nosey Knows, occupies the stage. Fred is very insistent upon the point that it is not a revue, but a farcical musical sketch’. (Hull Daily Mail, 25 January 1918)

‘“Rations,” the revue at the Palace this week, is full of natural humour, the force of which can be appreciated by everybody. There are many whimsical skits on everyday food matters, and fun is fortunately not controlled. Robb Wilton is a spontaneous humorist, and is especially funny as the discoverer of Lady Hoardley’s secret, in the British workmen scene on Tank day, and as the butcher having a harassing time with his customers. As Kiss Controller he is unque [sic – unique?]. Winnie Collins is a dainty comedienne, who has many opportunities and is particularly successful in the song “Wear Less Clothes,” in which she comes on in a charmingly cool dress of heliotrope-coloured paper, which Robb Wilton has to test by tearing. Jack Mann helps the humour in the dinner scene, and F. St. Clair also assists the chief comedian. Maisie Danvers sings in good style, especially as the British officer'. Hull Daily Mail, 28 May 1918.

‘Charles Austin is a great favourite at the Palace. This week he is as funny as ever in “Parker’s Appeal,” which is one of those series of humorous sketches which gives him plenty of scope. His experiences before the tribunal are funnier than most applicants find them’. Hull Daily Mail, 18 June 1918.

Performers: Fred Kitchen, Nora Delany

Performed by: Mary Mayfren

‘The Palace is likely to be filled all this week, for Hull people will be anxious to have more of Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather’s humour and see the presentation of the famous London Hippodrome comedian, Mr Harry Thurston, as Old Bill in “The Johnson Ole.” An episode in Plug-street Trench is depicted, and the time is about Christmas, 1914. There is a blending of humour and pathos in the little sketch, which makes a direct appeal, and amongst other witty tit bits is the information by “Our ‘Arry,” who tells his comrades-in-arms that he had heard the General say the war would be over in a fortnight. Old Bill is out of luck this time, for his leave is not due till three weeks’. Hull Daily Mail, Tuesday 15 October 1918.

Performer: Fred Kitchen Review: "a splendid tonic for after-the-war nerves" Hull Daily Mail