Grand Theatre, Doncaster

The Stage, 10 and 17 December 1914, listed When There Was War as On Tour from 14 December at the Grand, Doncaster. No evidence has been found to confirm that.

‘There is quite a variety of high-class dramatic fare announced for the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, next week, when the talented actress, Mrs. Frank Bateman, will make a welcome re-appearance. No less than three different plays are billed, and these will be presented by one of the ablest dramatic companies on tour. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights there will be submitted a new play by Gladys Hastings Walton, entitled “The Woman in Khaki,” the plot of which is based on the events leading up to the present great European upheaval. Mrs. Frank Bateman appears Madge Rawlinson (the woman in khaki), and will be supported by such favourite artistes as Miss Lillian Lovell, Miss Flora Hastings, Messrs. Fred Goddard, Valentine Henry, Harry Aynsleigh, etc. “Between Two Men” will be played on Tuesday night, and on Thursday and Saturday the favourite play, “Sapho” fills the bill’. South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough and Swinton Times, 8 May 1915.

'The popular actress, Miss Emma Litchfield, will appear at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, next week in a new play, entitled “Home Once More.” Miss Emma Lichfield is a versatile writer, as well as a talented actress, and has to her name such well-known artistic successes as “A London Actress,” “A Clever Imposter,” “His Indian Wife,” “A Man’s Best Pal,” etc-. and her productions have gained for her an enviable reputation. “Home Once More” ranks among her best efforts, and a fascinating story of the sea is charming[ly] interwoven with home scenes and everyday happenings. Indeed originality is quite a feature of the plot. The staging is exceptionally well done, while the acting is of the high standard invariably associated with Miss Litchfield’s companies. The piece will prove most acceptable to all lovers of wholesome drama’. South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 4 September 1915.

‘A very interesting and attractive booking is announced for the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, next week, when Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister will present a new play, entitled “The Day Before the Day.” The piece, which is written by Mr. C. B. Fernald, is presented by arrangement with Sir George Alexander and comes direct front the St. James’ Theatre, London, where it has scored a tremendous success. The plot deals with events that preceded the present great world upheaval, and distinctly shows the temper and purpose that has been behind the movements of certain aliens for years past. The drama is suited to the times, and will undoubtedly prove a big draw. A strong cast includes Miss Cecile Barclay as Victoria Buckingham, and Mr. Rupert Lister as Captain Guy Howison, while the staging is a notable feature’ (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 25 September 1915).

The Era, 13 October 1915, listed The Little Grey Home in the West (South) as On The Road from 11 October at the Grand, Doncaster. Also The Stage, 14 October 1915.

The Era, 3 May 1916, listed Neither Wife Nor Maid as On The Road from 1 May at the Grand, Doncaster.

Performed for the week.

The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 25 November 1916, advertised ‘Arthur Hinton, Ltd., present the New and Up-to-date Drama:- The Black Sheep of the Family’ from Monday 4 December at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster.

When Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vaughan’s company advertised ‘Mrs. F. G. Kimberley’s Great Play’ The Little Grey Home in the West in The Stage, 14 December 1916, Ernest Vaughan’s address was the Grand, Doncaster.

‘Magini and company present the revue, “Stop Press” [at the Palace, Doncaster] including the following: Kitty Major, Tom Major, Margot Myne, Charles Levy, George Brooks, Betty Kitts, Sam Shirke, Hector Bain, and Sisters Wyse; the Dental Riskits; the Four Hesseys, in scenes musical; and pictures’. The Era, 10 January 1917.

The Era, 31 January 1917, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Blue) as On The Road from 5 February at the Grand, Doncaster. Also The Stage, 8 February 1917.

The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 8 December 1917, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, on Monday 10 December ‘Emma Litchfield’s Company in an Entirely New Production – The Thrilling Domestic Drama – Always Welcome By Emma Litchfield. Conrad E. Stratford as “Philip West.” Emma Litchfield as “Emma Summers”’.

Advertised in the South Yorkshire and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 23 February 1918: ‘Mr. Will H. Glaze’s Co. (Under the direction of F. E. Chabot), Presents the most realistic Play of the times, His Last Leave By Clifford Rean’ at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster.

The Era, 15 May 1918, noted that ‘Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company present “Neither Wife Nor Maid” and “Sapho”’ at the Grand, Doncaster.

The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 20 July 1918, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, twice nightly from Monday 22 July, ‘Will H. Glaze’s Company In the New Play – A Son of the Sea By Clifford Rean’.

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.

Advertised in the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 17 August 1918: ‘Joseph Millane’s Company (under the direction of Vincent W. Carlyle), including Florence Churchill, will present Duty! And the girl? By Clifford Rean. A Story of Today. Full London Cast. New and Elaborate Scenery and Effects’.

Performed 23-28 September. ‘a manly drama founded on the war. It shows us the early days of the struggle – soldiers billeted in private houses, the always-present German spy smuggling contraband out of the country, the dashing Tommy and the simple-hearted country lass falling in love with him, till the scene changes. Then we have the novelty of an internment camp in Germany, where British soldiers, starved and beaten, suffer untold agonies at the hands of their Prussian gaolers. [...] It is all very manly, very thrilling, very real, and though melodrama pure and simple it grips the heart of all who see it. Mr. Edmonds plays with robust vigour, and Miss H. Hewitt, his leading lady, is a pathetic and sweet little figure as his trusting wife’. (Doncaster Chronicle, 27 September 1918)

Mentioned in an advertisement in The Stage, 31 October 1918.

The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, Saturday 9 November 1918, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, from Monday 11 November ‘Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company in the New Romantic Play – The Queen and the Knave, by Emma Litchfield’.

Advertised in the South Yorkshire and Mexborough & Swinton tines, 17 May 1919, to be performed by Will H. Glaze’s company.

6.50 twice nightly 9.00 Monday June 23 1919 F. G. Kimberley presents Mrs. F. G. Kimberley new Topical Drama entitled "A Soldier's Divorce." (South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough and Swinton Times - Saturday 21 June 1919)

Performed for the week.

Advertised in the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, Saturday 27 November 1920, for the following Monday-Wednesday, as ‘Arthur Rosebery’s Great Naval Attraction’. The Silent Watch would be performed on Thursday-Saturday.

‘At the Grand Theatre, Doncaster, “Mr. Tower of London” is presented, including Gracie Fields and Archie Pitt, in their original parts. The Denville Stock Company (twelfth week) present “The Black Sheep of the Family”‘ (The Era, 5 December 1923). The author of the play is not named, so there is no certainty that it was Gladys Hastings Walton, but no other play with the same title was licensed by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. However, the Denville Stock Company / Denville Players did perform Gladys Hastings Walton’s play at the Victoria Opera House, Burnley, 15-20 May 1922; the Hippodrome, Burslem, 26 June – 1 July 1922; the Hippodrome, Wallasey, 10-15 July 1922; the Hippodrome, Margate, 8-13 February 1926; and the Theatre Royal, Barry, 22-27 March 1926.