Prince's Theatre, Portsmouth

Three Companies of Equal Strength "A" Company Including Miss Henrietta Schrier, Frederick W. Freeman, and J.W. Wilkinson "B" Company Including Miss Florrie Kelsey, Walter Clarke, and Norman A. Overton "C" Company in process of formation

‘A very powerful and appropriate attraction has been secured for the Prince’s Theatre next week, in “When There Was War.” The play is ... a new and original romance based on actual incidents of the great European conflict. One of its features is an exposure of the peril of the German spy system as practised in England' (Hampshire Telegraph, 16 April 1915). ‘“When There Was War,” a new and original romantic play, founded upon incidents of the present European conflict, will be presented at the Prince’s Theatre next week ... [It] is a thrilling story of love and war in Belgium and England ... It shows that brave men and courageous women are still the back bone of old England, and makes an irresistible appeal to one’s patriotism’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 17 April 1915). ‘A thrilling drama founded upon incidents of the present European war, entitled “When There Was War,” is being presented at the Princes Theatre, and last night the audience was most appreciative and enthusiastic. The story is cleverly woven, and the play makes an irresistible appeal to the patriotism of the audience' (Portsmouth Evening News, 20 April 1915). Noted in The Stage, 22 April 1915.

Played here for 3 weeks

The Era, 24 November and 1 December 1915, listed The Little Grey Home in the West (South) as On The Road from 29 November at the Princes, Portsmouth. Also The Stage, 2 December 1915. Also noted separately in The Stage, 2 December 1915.

Twice nightly at 7 and 9

The Era, 2 February 1916, listed The Unmarried Mother (South) as On The Road from 31 January at the Princes, Portsmouth. Similarly The Stage, 27 January and 3 February 1916. Oswald Cray advertised in The Stage, 10 February 1916, that ‘14,573 people paid for admission at the Prince’s Theatre, Portsmouth, last week to see “The Unmarried Mother"'.

'It is a strong and intensely dramatic "problem" story, from which a good moral can be drawn, and riveted the attention of the audience throughout. The company is a very capable one. The plot is unfolded in seven scenes.' ('Portsmouth Evening News', 30 May 1916, p. 4)

‘“Neither Wife Nor Maid,” an entirely new and original play, presented by Mr. Ernest R. Abbott, drew crowded houses to the Prince’s Theatre, Lake-road, last night. The story is told in five beautiful scenes. Miss Ada Abbott, as “Meg,” the poor little mother, was very fine, as also was Mr. Frank Kelland as Lord Kingdon’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 20 June 1916). ‘Crowded houses are being attracted here [Prince’s, Portsmouth] by Neither Wife nor Maid, presented by Ernest R. Abbott. Ada Abbott, the authoress, as Meg, is very fine, acting with much skill and feeling. Frank Kelland wins much applause for his Lord Kingdon. All the other parts are well sustained’ (The Stage, 22 June 1916). ‘“Neither Wife Nor Maid” … has proved a strong attraction this week’ ( Hampshire Telegraph, 23 June 1916).

‘“Somewhere Heart is Breaking,” which is the drama at the Prince’s Theatre, Lake-road, by Miss Winifred Maude’s Company (under the direction of Mr. Victor Cane), is from the pen of Private Ivan Patrick Gore. It has a plot of deep interest, much of which relates to incidents connected with the war. Misses Winifred Maude, Winnie Crichton, and L. Townrow, and Messrs. C. Vivian Charles, and F. G. Ingeleby ably sustain the principal parts’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 29 August 1916). ‘The dramas at the Prince’s Theatre are always full of interest, but the play for this week, “Somewhere a Heart is Breaking,” will be specially remembered by reason of its particularly attractive human touch. The popular theatre has been doing very good business, and large houses are expected for the week-end’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 2 September 1916).

‘“Home Once More,” a splendid patriotic drama, will be the attraction at the Prince’s Theatre. It deals with the war, and has some strong and very human situations. Staged by an excellent company, “Home Once More” promises to draw large audiences nightly’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 7 October 1916). Noted in The Era, 11 October 1916: ‘The company includes Conrad E. Stratford, Geoffrey Chate, Lionel Balmont, Tom H. Solly, A. B. Lyons, Chas Edwards, Miss Edith Giddings, Miss Lily Livesey, Miss Emma Litchfield’. Also, 'At the Prince’s Theatre, Lake-road, Miss Emma Litchfield and company have scored a big success in “Home Once More,” a new play with a strong service interest which has directly appealed to local audiences’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 13 October 1916).

Performed by Messrs Jazon and Montgomery Company

The Era, 1 and 8 November 1916, listed The Unmarried Mother as On The Road from 6 November at the Prince’s, Portsmouth. Similarly The Stage, 2 and 9 November 1916.

Drama with plenty of comedy (Portsmouth Evening News, 5 December 1916, p.4)

6.40 & 9pm A Drama of Action and Incident. (Portsmouth Evening News Saturday 16 December 1916)

The Portsmouth Evening News, 18 December 1916, advertised Mrs Frank Bateman & Co in Somebody Knows, Somebody Cares that week at the Prince’s Theatre.

‘“The Wife With Two Husbands” was played at the Prince’s Theatre to large audiences last night ... it is a drama of present day life, dealing with the domestic affairs of a soldier, who goes to the front and is reported as dead. His wife, for the sake of her child, marries again, and on her wedding-day her real husband returns. The complications which arise afford scope for some fine acting’. Portsmouth Evening News, 27 December 1916.

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and Co.

‘The domestic interest is well sustained in “The Black Sheep of the Family,” which comes to the Prince’s Theatre next week … There are some particularly dramatic situations in this new play, for the presentation of which Mr. Arthur Hilton’s company will be responsible’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 25 May 1917). ‘“The Black Sheep of the Family,” a drama of strong domestic interest, was played to a crowded house [at the Prince’s, Portsmouth] on Monday by Arthur Hinton’s excellent company, with Harry T. Wood playing the principal part’ (The Stage, 31 May 1917).

The Hampshire Telegraph, 22 June 1917, reported that Ernest R. Abbott’s company would perform Neither Wife Nor Maid at the Prince’s Theatre next week.

‘“His Last Leave,” a drama with a war theme, is played by the excellent company gathered under the direction of Mr. Chalet [sic - Chabot]’ (The Stage, 30 August 1917). ‘“His Last Leave” has proved an irresistible attraction at the Prince’s Theatre this week. As its name denotes, it is a play of a Military character, the scene being laid first in an English village and later in the trenches “somewhere in France”’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 31 August 1917).

‘“For Sweethearts and Wives” is a story of thrilling interest, and to do with a gang of clever German spies; and because of the drama of naval life with which it is interwoven it seems to possess exactly that interest which appeals so strongly to a Portsmouth audience. Well presented and excellently acted, it receives applause at each performance. The setting of the drama is very fine, and it receives justice from the admirable company responsible for its production’ (The Stage, 8 November 1917).

Twice nightly

The Hampshire Telegraph, 15 March 1918, advertised at the Prince’s Theatre, Portsmouth, ‘Next week:- P. T. Selbit presents an entirely novel and original up-to-the-moment Drama, calling the public’s attention to the “Perils of the London streets,” entitled “Love and the Law” by Charles Darrell’.

Reported as 'next week' in the 'Hampshire Telegraph' on Friday 7 June 1918.

Performed here between 17 and 22 June.

This performance (theatre and start date) is included in a list of previous performances of “Married on Leave” in The Stage of Thursday 1 August 1918. The Hampshire Telegraph of Friday 14 June 1918 carried an advertisement for the Prince’s Theatre, Portsmouth announcing that the following week Lew Lake would present “Married on Leave” by Dorothy Mullord. The newspaper also reported, ‘Patrons of the Prince’s Theatre will find something eminently suited to their tastes in Dorothy Mullard and Company s latest success, “Married on Leave”. Mr. Royce Carleton plays the part of Captain Philip Marlowe, and Dorothy Mullard that of Mary Graham. The drama is produced by Mr. W. J. Mackay’. The Hampshire Telegraph of Friday 21 June 1918 carried an advertisement for the Prince’s Theatre, Portsmouth announcing that that week Lew Lake was presenting ‘Dorothy Mullord & Co. in her latest success “Married on Leave” by Dorothy Mullord’.

The nation, in face of the daily waste of human life, has been forced to reconsider the question of the girl mother and her child. ('Hampshire Telegraph', 9 August 1918, p. 2)

‘“Love and the Law,” which is something in the nature of a problem play, has been greatly appreciated by well-filled houses this week at the Prince’s Theatre, where Mr. Stanley Carlton’s Company has given it a very fine presentation’. Hampshire Telegraph, 14 February 1919.

Twice nightly ('Hampshire Telegraph', 7 March 1919, p. 1)

The Stage, 13 and 20 March 1919, listed The Girl Who Changed Her Mind as On Tour from 17 March at the P.’s, Portsmouth. ‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is being presented [at the Prince’s, Portsmouth] by a capable company, the principal parts being played by Sadie Smith, Wilson Benge and E. H. [i.e. Howell] Webb’ ( The Stage, 20 March 1919).

Advertised in the Hampshire Telegraph, 25 April 1919.

‘Mr. Peter Davey announces a return visit to the Prince’s Theatre, next week, of the original London company in Arthur Rosebery’s popular Naval drama “For Sweethearts and Wives.” The piece met with a most flattering reception on its previous visit in November, 1917, and it has been continually touring since that time ... As the drama is built around the men build and man our battleships, it will especially appeal to Portsmouth playgoers’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 2 May 1919). ‘“For Sweethearts and Wives” is on a return visit [to the Prince’s, Portsmouth], and the flattering reception it is receiving shows that it has still all the popularity which it gained on its first visit in November, 1917. Nor is this to be wondered at with a Portsmouth audience, seeing that the plot is built round the men who build and man our battleships' (The Stage, 8 May 1919).

Performed for the week.

Twice nightly 6.15 & 8.30 This week "A Soldier's Divorce" (Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 31 October 1919)

This week. Twice nightly 6.15, & 8.30. Consequence of its great success, The Female Hun will remain one week longer (Good Friday excepted.) (Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 27 March, 1920).

Performed on Friday 29 and Saturday 30th April.

The Portsmouth Evening News, 2 June 1920, advertised at the Prince’s Theatre that week The Silent Watch with, on Friday 4 June, ‘By Special Desire, the ever popular naval drama of to-day’ For Sweethearts and Wives with the full original cast.

Advertised in the Portsmouth Evening News, 1 October 1920, performed by the W. H. Glaze Repertory Company.

W.H. Glaze Repertory Company. The piece for tonight is "John Raymond's Daughter," and "The Girl who Didn't Care" will be staged on Saturday. ('Hampshire Telegraph', 1 October 1920, p. 2)

Performed on 16 October only by E. Vivian Edmonds' company: ‘Four separate dramas will be presented at the Prince's Theatre during next week by E. Vivian Edmond’s [sic] company. The week will open with The Third Man, to be played on Monday and Tuesday, followed on the next two days with The Daughter of a Thief, and on Friday and Saturday with Maid of the Mill and Coming Home respectively’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 8 October 1920)

‘Yet another Service drama is presented at the Prince’s Theatre this week by Arthur Rosebery and Gerald F. Buckle’s talented company in “For Sweethearts and Wives,” a spectacular production, and of the many scenes, that in the control chamber of a German submarine takes pride of place' (Portsmouth Evening News, 9 November 1920).

‘Mr. Fred Granville, who has scored such signal success with the great propaganda play, “Ignorance,” at the Prince’s Theatre this week, will present another of his popular dramas, “The Black Sheep of the Family,” next week. The play is one of absorbing interest, and should prove a great attraction to lovers of drama’ (Hampshire Telegraph, 4 February 1921). 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.

The Portsmouth Evening News, 19 October 1922, advertised at the Prince’s Theatre, Portsmouth, for the following week, ‘The Prince’s Popular Company, under the direction of Fred Granville … 96th Week: An entirely new up-to-the-moment Drama, “Love and The Law”’. Also, ‘In celebration of the 96th week of their stay, the Prince’s popular stock company, under the direction of Mr. Fred Granville, present “Love and the Law.” The story, which strikes a note of warning, is an engrossing one, and is pleasingly relieved by humorous situations. It tells in a very realistic manner the torture of an innocent girl who is betrayed by a close friend. She is sent to a reformatory, where her life is one of misery. But her true lover eventually seeks her out, and, after some amusing scenes, is responsible for the appearance in Court of her betrayer. Conflicting scenes hold the attention until the unhappy girl is once more set at liberty. The production, which gives full scope to the talented all-star cost, was accorded a rousing reception last night’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 24 October 1922). The Stage, 26 October 1922, noted, ‘Fred Granville’s stock company present “Love and the Law,” and were accorded a rousing reception at both houses on Monday’.

Performed by the Prince's Popular Stock Company in the 97th week of their stay ('Portsmouth Evening News', 28 October 1922, p.4)

‘Strong programmes are being presented at the Prince’s Theatre this week by Ernest R. Abbott’s well-known drama company. For the first two days “Neither Wife Nor Maid” is the subject … composed by Ada Abbott, [it] is a powerful production, full of human interest. A novel feature of the play is the acting of a bull terrier, under the supervision of John Johnston, who plays the part of the hero. The sagacity of the animal is marvellous, and last night’s audience showed its appreciation in no uncertain manner’. Woman And Her Master would be played on Wednesday and Thursday and The Passions on Friday and Saturday (Portsmouth Evening News, 6 February 1923). The Stage, 8 February 1923, noted the visit, with Ada Abbott playing Meg and John Johnston playing Curly Saunders in Neither Wife Nor Maid.

‘Mr. Vernon Proctor is next week reviving at the Prince’s Theatre one of his biggest successes, “The Unmarried Mother.” It has not been played in Portsmouth for many years, though it has been touring the provinces ever since its production in 1915. It is a very human drama, telling the story of human frailty in a very human way, and with Ethel Bracewell in the title role, the play is sure of an enthusiastic reception’ (Portsmouth Evening News, 29 December 1923). Advertised in the Portsmouth Evening News, 29 December 1923: 'Great Success of the C. Vernon \Proctor Season. By Special Request. “The Unmarried Mother.” The Drama that for Five Years Broke all Records. A Human Play of Human Frailty’.

‘Next week, Monday, May 5th, and during the week. Twice nightly, 6.30 and 8.45. Andrew Melville presents The Great Princes Theatre, London, Military Play “For England, Home, and Beauty”. Written by Andrew Emm. Full Company of Talented Artistes, including Walter Hilliard as Capt. Leyton, Rose Ralph as Lucy Rayne, *Frank E. Petley as Richard Elton, Andrew Emm as Teddy Bush, and numerous others’. Portsmouth Evening News, 29 April 1924. [* An advertisement in the Portsmouth Evening News, 5 May 1924 for the play, billed as a ‘true-to-life melodrama’, says that Frank E. Petley will play Maurice Latimer and that the play has ten scenes.] ‘Andrew Melville will present the great Prince’s Theatre, London, success, “For England, Home and Beauty” at the Prince’s Theatre, Lake Road. next week. One of the many exciting scenes shows an attack by Germans on a British hospital in the absence of the military. There is also the great wireless scene where Captain Leyton, seriously wounded, endeavours to send a message through on German instruments’. Hampshire Telegraph, 2 May 1924. ‘The undoubted merit of Andrew Melville’s London company, which is appearing at the Prince’s Theatre, has been realised, if the crowds attending are any criterion. This talented group of artists excelled previous efforts in “For England, Home, and Beauty,” which is being presented this week, and interest is sustained throughout. The appearance of each artist was greeted with applause, particularly when Frank E. Petley commenced his part of villain, and Andrew Emm was as funny as ever, and to such extent did he provoke laughter that when he became serious there was no checking the hilarity of the audience. Rose Ralph was equally successful in the role of a wronged woman’. Portsmouth Evening News, 6 May 1924.