Great War Theatre

Performances at this Theatre

Date Script Type
19 Apr 1915 The Mystery Gun Professional
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The bill for next week contains the names of Esa Jap Trio, marvellous equilibrists, jugglers, and top spinners; Crossman and Winters in mirth and melody; Herbert Darnley, who presents his company of London comedians including Percy Boucher in "Private Potts" a farcical comedy; Fredy Clayden, who presents the mystery gun, an illusionary sketch introducing Miss Erica O'Foyle, who performs the sensational feat of being fired through a steel target in full view of the audience. There is also May Deuva, comedienne; Warner, violinist, and Alec Lawson, comedian and eccentric dancer; with Pathe Frere's animated gazette. (Gloucester Journal - Saturday 17 April 1915) "The Mystery Gun partakes of the sensational too, but with a generous bias on the funny side. The illusion consists of the lady being apparently fired from a gun at a steel screen, and who comes out smiling the other side. The deception is completely mystifying. (Gloucester Journal - Saturday 24 April 1915)
7 Feb 1916 The Frenchwoman Professional
14 Feb 1916 A Slight Misunderstanding [The Wrong James] Unknown
15 Jan 1917 Stop Press Professional
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‘The following is the programme for next week [at the Hippodrome]:- Special and expensive engagement of Magini and Co., presenting their latest London successful revue – “Stop Press.” The artistes are: Kitty Major, Tom Major, George Brooks, Sisters Wyse, Charles Levy, Hector Bain, Margot Myne, Sam Shirke, Betty Kitts. Verdun Troupe of Dancers. London Beauty Chorus’ (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 13 January 1917). ‘A distinct change in the usual variety programme of the Hippodrome is obtained by the revue “Stop Press,” written by James and Robert Hargreaves, and presented by Magini and Company. Though as is usual, the plot is flimsy; there is bright music, sparkling humour and any amount of work for the principals. Smart topical allusions are skilfully interwoven, high prices and taxation are touched upon, and there is also an exceedingly funny representation of a military tribunal ... Charles Levy gives an acceptable monologue during an interval from the conductor’s chair, entitled “His Brother on the Clyde.” The whole company work together with excellent results, and “Stop Press” has enjoyed a marked measure of popularity’ (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 20 January 1917). ‘Revue holds sway at the Hippodrome twice nightly throughout the week. The good qualities of Magini and Co.’s “Stop Press” are that it is well presented that the principal business is generously distributed amongst a number of competent people, that it makes effort to be neither sensational or shocking, and that it is sufficiently endowed with songs and ragtime music to be throughout a tuneful and attractive affair. Attention has been paid to the necessity of revue humour being within reasonable latitude, up to date ... The revue is nothing if not topical, and there are references to the Kaiser of course, the present high prices and taxation, and the military tribunal ... During an interval Charles Levy gives an effective rendering from the conductor’s chair of a monologue entitled “His Brother on the Clyde"' (Gloucester Journal, 20 January 1917).
21 May 1917 Opkins On Fatigue Professional
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"The outstanding events the the Hippodrome this week is the sketch '''Opkins on Fatigue," described as the funniest episode of the war. It is presented by Billy Danvers, the original Bairnfather "Alf" from the Comedy Theatre, London, who is supported by Winnifred Roma and Co. As to its being funny there can be no two opinions, for the whole is conceived on the lines of broad farce, and there is a real Bairnsfather touch about it. 'Opkins might have stepped forth from one of the inimitable and familiar postcards. The sketch is well acted and catches on at once with the skit on camp life on Salisbury Plain." Gloucester Journal, 26 May 1917.
5 Nov 1917 Simple Simon Unknown
19 Aug 1918 A Wife's Dilemma Professional
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‘Quite another tip-top programme is provided for patrons of the Hippodrome this week. Out of a list of several “star” turns it is almost invidious to make a first selection, but early mention must he made of Constance Drever and Co. in “A Wife’s Dilemma,” an original sketch by Dion Titheradge. It is a tense, dramatic little playlet, in which Miss Constance Drever appears in the principal part to full advantage. The story tells of the midnight adventures of a wife whose husband is suddenly called away; during his absence she receives a visit from an escaped convict, who turns out to be a rejected lover. The denouement, though not unexpected is admirably done. The other three parts are taken with conspicuous ability. An opportunity is given to Miss Drever in the sketch for the display of her wonderful gifts as a singer, her vocal contributions securing for her nightly encores’. Gloucestershire Chronicle, 24 August 1918.
17 Mar 1919 Settling Day Professional
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‘The Hippodrome programme this week is a bright and thoroughly popular one ... “Settling Day” is a playlet, by Duncan and Brasque, and very nearly misses being a tragedy. It is smartly done, and keenly followed by the audience ' (Gloucester Journal, Saturday 22 March 1919). Similarly the Gloucestershire Chronicle, 22 March 1919, which refers to ‘A Settling Day’ as ‘a dramatic episode depicting the unexpected return of a soldier to his home, where his suspicions are aroused his wife’s queer behaviour and doubtful welcome’.
6 Jun 1927 The Man Who Stayed At Home Professional
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Performed for the week by the Denville Players
2 Aug 1928 Seven Days Leave Professional
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Performed Thursday-Saturday by the Denville Players.
12 Aug 1929 Parker’s Appeal Professional
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‘If you want a couple of hours real hearty laughter go to the Hippodrome this week. Charles Austin, London’s famous comedian, occupies the stage practically the whole of this time at each house and there is not a dull second. Last night indeed he kept the audience in a continuous titter and whatever the attraction there can be no question that Charles Austin stands in a class exclusively his own. There are three short acts in which Austin appears first as a bridegroom, secondly at the recruiting office, and lastly, in his well-known role of P.C. Parker. His humour is clean and decidedly original and anyone in search of two hours rollicking merriment should visit the Hippodrome. He is supported by a good company, the ladies in particular being excellent’. Gloucester Citizen, 13 August 1929.