Opera House, Wakefield

The Era, 28 and 4 November October 1914, advertised both When There Was War and The White Girl Slave as On The Road from 2 November at the O.H., Wakefield. No evidence has been found to confirm that. The Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 3 November 1914, advertised The White Girl Slave at the Opera House ‘to-night (Tuesday), And during the Week’.

‘The revue “Stop Press,” featuring Mr. Tom Major and Miss Kitty Major, is here [the Opera House, Wakefield], supported by Magini, violinist’. The Era, 19 April 1916.

The Stage, 27 April 1916, listed The Little Grey Home in the West as On Tour from 24 April at the O.H., Wakefield.

Fred Little's company

The Stage, 31 August 1916, noted that Somewhere A Heart Is Breaking was On Tour from 4 September at the O.H., Wakefield. The Era, 6 September 1916, noted, ‘Miss Winifred Maude presents, twice nightly, the play, “Somewhere a Heart is Breaking”‘ at the Opera House, Wakefield.

The Era, 27 September and 4 October 1916, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Red) as On The Road from 2 October at the O.H., Wakefield.

‘At the Opera House business is resumed after being closed for a week’s cleaning, with Mr Arthur Hinton and Company in an entirely new and original play, “The black sheep of the family.” Mr Hinton ... has the happy gift of hitting the popular taste with his works and writing just the play which appeals quite distinct from the stereotyped forms of art. His latest production [sic!] is also one of his best, and played as it is by a capital company, including the author himself, has made a success with the play-loving patrons of the Opera House, which must be gratifying both to the management and all concerned’. Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 28 December 1916.

‘Another great attraction is provided by the Messrs Sherwood at the Opera House this week in the production of the great interest drama, “The unmarried mother,” a fine play dealing with an admittedly difficult social problem, but in such a tactful and sympathetic manner as to be absolutely void of offence, and withal of a high educational value. The author is Mr Vernon Proctor, and the production is in the experienced and capable hands of Mr Oswald Craig [sic – Cray], who brings a very fine and specially selected company. The cast includes Miss Vera Grafton, one of the most talented dramatic actresses of the day, and she is supported by a company of artistes of exceptional merit. Bookings have been heavy, and all wishing to see this fine play will be well advised to secure their seats early’. Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 20 February 1917.

Performed by Will Casey and company.

Performed by Will Casey and company.

Advertised in the Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 24 April 1917, as ‘The Play of the Year’. Also: ‘A play which is certain to draw a continuance of crowded houses is staged this week at the Opera House, where Mr G. Carlton Wallace presents the startling and up-to-date drama, The enemy in our midst. As indicated by its title the play deals with present-day war conditions, and in one great scene a marvellously clever and realistic representation of a Zeppelin raid is given, in which a conflict between British guns and a biplane on the one hand and a Zeppelin on the other is vividly depicted. It is in eleven elaborate scenes, and as may be imagined the vast amount of scenery and effects carried with the company necessitates a powerful staff to manipulate' (Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 24 April 1917).

‘A very fine military drama “His Last Leave" is presented this week at the Opera House by Mr. Will H. Glaze, who it may be mentioned is serving in His Majesty’s Forces. Mr. Glaze has introduced many fine plays to Wakefield audiences but we question if he has ever staged a better one than “His Last Leave," produced since he joined the Colours It is thoroughly up-to-date presenting scenes of “a dug-out somewhere in France,” “no man’s land” and a “dressing station” behind the lines. A perfect presentation is ensured, the whole of the scenery, properties and effects being carried with the company, and the play has already in its *sixteen weeks career broken all records in the theatres visited. There are two performances nightly’. Wakefield Advertiser & Gazette, 14 August 1917. [* actually this is the fifteenth week since Monday 7 May 1917.]

Twice nightly.

Twice nightly.

Twice nightly.

‘Wakefield playgoers have pleasant recollections of the productions of Messrs. Will H. Glaze and Wilson Benge, who recently scored a great success with “His last leave.” This week their specially selected company are playing their latest and greatest venture, “The Girl who changed her mind,” a powerful play full of life and vigour. The splendid new scenery and effects are toured complete, and the company includes Mr. Wilson Benge. Mr. Will H. Glaze himself is now playing a man’s part in His Majesty’s service. We predict a great success for this fine play’. Wakefield Advertiser and Gazette, 4 June 1918.