Royal Court Theatre, Wigan

The Stage, 15 April 1915, listed The Man Who Stayed at Home (Taylor Platt) as On Tour from 19 April at the Court, Wigan. ‘“The Man Who Stayed at Home” will be found an ingenious play, at once exciting and humorous. Some might describe it as a play with a purpose, its intention being to open our eyes to the deep seated purpose, and co-ordination and ramification, of the German spy system. The events of the last eight months have taught us that the German spy peril has been a very real thing; and therefore this story of how an almost unimaginable tragedy was averted in a boarding-house on the East Coast may not only be looked upon as a mere dramatic venture, but as something based on probability strengthened by suspicion and even knowledge. Therefore, it is quite a play of the moment, and one can readily understand the vogue it has obtained in all the places visited. With the military section of the community it enjoys remarkable favour for the technical points involved apart from the dramatic evolution of the story, and the light and interesting manner of its treatment. The audience were thoroughly held and swayed on Monday. It was not a large gathering, but the impression created was such that no doubt need to exist as to the ultimate success of the engagement …’ (Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 20 April 1915).

Advertised in the Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 4 December 1915.

The Era, 29 March 1916, listed The Unmarried Mother (North) as On The Road from 27 March at the Court, Wigan. Similarly The Stage, 23 and 30 March 1916.

‘“The Bing Boys Are Here.” Attraction at the Royal Court Theatre. Musical plays and comedies and revues are all interesting in turn, and assist in the passing of many pleasant evenings. But one confesses to a feeling that so many are built upon the same plan that the pleasure is somewhat marred by the sure knowledge of what is going to happen in a certain set of circumstances. The leading characters are often taken from a similar mould. But we can assure our readers that “The Bing Boys Are Here” provides a most refreshing change, and something quite novel and unlooked for may be seen. A combination between musical comedy and revue has been struck, bright and new ideas have been introduced, and the work of the ladies of the chorus has been raised to a point where it differs very little in importance from that of many of the principals'. Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 20 March 1917.

Advertised in the Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 14 December 1918 as ‘The most Realistic Play of the Times’, without naming the company.

A Soldier's Divorce a new or in the topical style of Mrs. F. G. Kimberley has proved very popular at the Royal Court Theatre this week. The story is one dealing with the inequality and unfairness of the law for men and women, and on many occasions some members of the audience expressed their agreement with the sentiments expressed, by a decided if rather amusing vehemence. Miss Una Steel took the part of the unhappy wife, and Miss Enid Edoni that of the scheming villainess. Mr. C. H. Astley as the villain, had but a small part. Mr. Paul Beckett appeared as the hero, and Mr. Percy Morton Wright as the bad-natured husband. Miss May Harrop acted well in the part of a loving son, and a refreshing amount of humour was introduced by Mr. Harry Harrop as "Billy." Miss Jennie Hayden as one of the WAAL's and Miss Ethel Masterton as 'Nurse Alice.' (Widnes Examiner Saturday 5 April 1919)

The Stage, 12 May 1921, listed The K.C. as On Tour from 9 May at the Court, Wigan.