Playhouse, Faversham

The Faversham News, 10 November 1917, advertised at the Playhouse on Monday 12 November for six nights the ‘Starring Engagement & First Appearance here of the Famous London Actor, Mr. Leonard Mortimer, And his Full No. 1 London Company in the Great During & After the War Play, Deliver The Goods Written by A Patriotic Britisher. A Story of Selfishness and Sacrifice! A sincere appeal for the future prosperity of our Empire, and a real reward for our brave who are doing the great work over there. A magnificent, patriotic, common-sense appeal for the future prosperity of Our Brave Sons when they return in their Hundreds of Thousands’ from across the seas. One great united pull together - master and man. Throw open wide the Gates of our Tens of Thousands of Great Works and - “Deliver The Goods!” The above Drama tells a true, moving story of Sacrifice and Selfishness, and appeals to All Classes - after the War is over - to Toe the Line’. Also: ‘Everyone who has visited the Playhouse this week is talking of the play “Deliver the Goods,” which is cleverly acted by Mr Leonard Mortimer and his company. The play provides a splendid lesson in patriotism and industrial unity. If you haven’t seen it, do so. There is a matinee on Saturday afternoon’ (Faversham News, 17 November 1917). And: ‘All who have not already done so should pay a visit to the Playhouse this week to see the great during and after the war play “Deliver the Goods,” which is being so excellently played by Mr. Lenard Mortimer’s company. The drama, which is written by a patriotic Britisher, teaches a powerful lesson to both employers and employed, and should also do much to counteract the mischievous talking of the pacifists until victory has been achieved ... The play was excellent mounted, and the scene depicting Mary’s vision of the Western Front was particularly effective' (Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, 17 November 1917).

‘The return visit by Mr Leonard Mortimer and his company has been welcomed this week at The Playhouse, where they had a successful run a fortnight ago in “Deliver the Goods.” By request this play was presented again last night, and will be repeated to-night (Friday). On Saturday ... the bill with which the week commenced will be resumed. This includes “The Judgment Seat” (as a curtain raiser) and “Billy Boy”’ (Faversham News, 1 December 1917). ‘Last (Thursday) evening by special request [Mr. Leonard Mortimer’s company] gave performances of “Deliver the Goods,” and will repeat it again this (Friday) evening. All who have not seen this fine patriotic play should avail themselves of this opportunity’ (Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, 1 December 1917).

The Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, Saturday 31 August 1918, advertised at The Playhouse, Faversham, ‘On September 23rd, On Leave For His Wedding, A play almost as good as “The Better ‘Ole”'.

Performed for the week.

‘Next week Mr. Will H. Gaze’s company will appear on the first three nights in the play “His Last Leave,” and at the week-end in “The Price of a good time”’. Faversham Times and Mercury and North-East Kent Journal, Saturday 8 November 1919.