Theatre Royal, St Helens

‘Mr. W. A. Tremayne’s new play, “The Alien,” which was only produced at Warrington last week [sic], was presented at the Theatre on Monday, and was accorded a reception which justifies the belief that it will prove a great success. The story has originality and power to interest, the dialogue is quite distinctive, and the characters, a dozen in number, are all types of real flesh and blood. Briefly, “The Alien” introduces us to one John Hartman, who poses as a wealthy Belgian banker and financier, living in London, but who in reality is a German spy, working for the Fatherland. He works shrewdly and cleverly, but in the end he is suspected, and his villainy is unmasked in an ingenious way. There are four acts, and the fourth is full of dramatic surprise. The company presenting the piece is good in every respect. At its head is Mr. W. S. Hartford, an accomplished actor, who achieves the utmost effect with a minimum of effort. He lives rather than acts his part. He is most ably supported by Miss Ida Stratham, whose acting possesses charm and distinction. Mr. Ronald Bayne plays the role of the spy admirably; there is, it is to be said to his credit, very little of the conventional stage villain about him. He is quiet and unobtrusive, yet nevertheless effective. We like, too, the presentation of a young British officer, with its suggestion of sangfroid, by Mr. Edward Neason, who makes love in frank, unaffected fashion. The role of a young American with more dollars than pedigree is ably assumed by Mr Bert J. Wilson; and the Hon. Percy Harwood is well played by Mr. Sydney Burt. Of the others, Miss Denny Fitzherbert presents a faithful picture of the landlady of a London boarding-house; and Miss Theresa Osborne, as Mary Carson, as the maid with a history, fills her part most satisfactorily. “The Alien” is nicely mounted, and should with ordinary luck have a successful run’. St Helens Newspaper & Advertiser, 29 November 1918.

‘Rex Gerrard [sic] and his talented company are paying a visit this week, presenting two interesting plays. “The K.C.,” by Dion Titheradge, was submitted before a good and appreciative audience. Mr. Gerrard [sic] gave a masterly performance of the K.C., Sir Benjamin, and able support was rendered by Cecil Langham as Arthur Dawson. Calvert J. Henson as David Hyslop, Fred Owen as Beagle, Alec Forbes as Inspector Hitchen, Christine Waycher as Dorothea Oddington, and Mary Marvin as Lilian Alvin. The other attraction during the week will be Cyril Harcourt’s play, “In the Night”’. The Stage, 20 July 1922.

‘Rex Gerard’s company are paying a visit in “Called Back,” “Cupid in Hospital,” “The K.C.,” “Cook,” and “David Garrick”’. The company include Rex Gerard, Herbert Fabri, Alec Forbes, Wilton Rees, Margot Gwynn-Griffith, Christine Waycher, and Mary Marvin’. The Stage, 7 September 1922.