Metropole Theatre, Glasgow

The Daily Record, Saturday 20 March 1915, advertised for the following week at the Metropole, Glasgow, Mrs. Frank Bateman and Company in “Between Two Men” on Monday-Wednesday and, on Thursday-Saturday, in ‘An entirely New and Original Play, “The Woman in Khaki”‘.

Will Glaze's Company often performed in two different places on the same nights. 'Received last evening with unbounded enthusiasm' (Daily Record, 6 April 1915)

The Stage, 2 December 1915, listed The Little Grey Home in the West (North Co.) as On Tour from 29 November at the Metropole, Glasgow.

‘”The Unmarried Mother” is the title of a drama staged at the Metropole. It is a story throbbing with human passion, weakness and strength, and is very capably presented by Mr. Oswald Cray’s Company. The cast includes Miss Daisy Cook as Eileen, the central character of the story. The play is most effectively staged and dressed’ (Daily Record, 28 December 1915). An advertisement in The Era, 12 January 1916, quoted Arthur Jefferson, managing director of the Metropole, Glasgow, as saying, ‘A. J. thanks Oswald Cray for bringing sauch an excellent cast and production, so materially responsible for the success achieved. The play is rebooked, as also various others which Mr. Cray intended to produce in due course’. Oswald Cray advertised in The Stage, 13 January 1916, the ‘Record breaking “The Unmarried Mother.” Just finished Two Consecutive Weeks’ Phenomenal Business at the Metropole Theatre, Glasgow. Why did the above Attraction Break all Previous Records at the Metropole Theatre, Glasgow? Because, as Shakespeare says, “The Play’s the Thing.” A Perfectly Clean Play, without a Murder, Pistol Shot, or impossible Situation. That’s why it is Praised by the Press, Public, and the Clergy'.

‘A new melodrama, “The Love Child,” is presented at the Metropole [Glasgow] by Mr. Ernest Abbott’s company. The piece is full of intensely interesting scenes, and throughout the prologue and the three acts the attention never wavers. A well-filled house accorded the play a splendid reception last night. Miss Ada Abbott takes the exacting part of Meg Huxter in which she is most successful. As Curly Saunders, Mr. John Johnston is all that can be desired, while his singing of “He’s my pal” wins keen appreciation. The piece is capitally staged’. Daily Record, 22 February 1916.

(The Stage - Thursday 27 April 1916)

‘Topical and up-to-date is the drama, The Enemy in our Midst, which is staged at the Metropole. It is from the pen of Mr. G. Carlton Wallace, and deals cleverly with the enemy alien question. It teems with dramatic situations and incidents, and includes a Zeppelin raid'. Daily Record, 22 August 1916.

When Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vaughan’s company advertised ‘Mrs. F. G. Kimberley’s Great Play’ The Little Grey Home in the West in The Stage, 7 September 1916, Ernest Vaughan’s address next week was the Metropole, Glasgow. Also: an advertisement for the theatre in The Era, 4 October 1916, mentioned The Little Grey Home in the West by Mrs. F. G. Kimberley ‘which played to close on £300 and would have gone well over if the Saturday night crowds could have been accommodated’. Also The Stage, 5 October 1916.

Performed for the week.

Advertisements in Daily Record and Mail, Lanarkshire. 9th, 11th and 13th October 1916 "Entrancing is the only possible word to apply to this delightful play" (9th) "Huge success last night" (11th) "A veritable feast of Comedy, Pathos and Thrilling Situations" (13th)

Full of thrilling, exciting, absorbing interest that will fill you with delight. Needs no superlative adjective to describe its intensity and emotion. ('Daily Record', 23 October 1916, p.2)

Advertised in the Daily Record, 6 November 1916 as ‘A delightful Domestic Drama crowded with incident, and played by a Cast of Artistes of marked ability’. Also, ‘Miss Emma Litchfield, with her own specially selected company, presents “Home Once More,” a new play from her own pen, at the Metropole Theatre, where it bids fair to achieve a notable success’ ( Daily Record, 7 November 1916). And noted in The Era, 8 November 1916.

‘An appealing story is told in the melodrama, “Somewhere a Heart is Breaking,” which drew a large house to the Metropole. It is called “the anti-depression play,” written by a soldier for the women who wait at home. The author is Private Ivan Patrick Gore, who handles the subject in good style. There are four acts and seven scenes. Miss Winifred Maude and Mr. Victor Du Cane, both well-known exponents of drama, take the leading parts, and they are well supported by a good all-round company. Comedy is cleverly interspersed throughout’ (Daily Record, 26 December 1916). ‘Miss Winifred Maude’s company provides the Christmas attraction [at the Metropole, Glasgow] with “Somewhere a Heart is Breaking.” The principal rôles are ably sustained by Miss Maude and Mr. Victor du Cane, under whose direction the play is produced’ (The Era, 27 December 1916).

Advertised in the Daily Record, 15 January 1917: ‘The critics in the various cities visited have written in the highest terms of this delightful Play’. Clinton Baddeley would play The Soldier and Daisy Cook The Soldier’s Wife.

‘Pathos and comedy arc cleverly blended in the drama, “The Unmarried Mother,” at the Metropole. The story is told in four acts, and the interest never flags. The trials of Miss Kitty Darling as Eileen, the unmarried mother, appeal strongly to the audience. She portrays the part very cleverly, and others who contribute to the success of the piece include Miss Vera C. Grafton, Miss Pattie Dene, Mr. J. P- Lallen, Mr. Roland Hope, and Mr. James Astor’ (Daily Record, 23 January 1917). ‘“The Unmarried Mother,” which is on a return visit to Glasgow at the Metropole Theatre, is meeting with the same success as on former occasions. Given in three acts, comprising seven scenes, the story details a girl’s life and ultimate triumph. Miss Kitty Daring plays the title role with every acceptance, and all the other parts are capably sustained’ (Glasgow Observer and Catholic Herald, 27 January 1917).

‘A new drama, “The Black Sheep of the Family,” proved a big attraction at the Metropole. It is from the pen of Miss Gladys Hastings Walton, and abounds in interest. Mr. Arthur Hinton, the organiser of the company, takes the part of Ralph Sylvester, and Miss Ethel Monton is the leading lady, Loyale Dare’ (Daily Record, 30 January 1917). ‘“The Black Sheep of the Family” is played here by Arthur Hinton and company. Mr. Hinton, as Ralph, gives a capital performance. As Loyale Dare, Ethel Monton deserves high praise. The other members of the company give excellent support’ (The Stage, 1 February 1917). The Metropole, Glasgow, inserted an advertisement in The Era, 7 February 1917, which stated, ‘“The Black Sheep of the Family” (Arthur Hinton) closed an excellent week’s business to £106 (Sat. night). Rebooked for next year and various other dates for all the Arthur Hinton, Ltd, plays’.

Performed by Will Casey and company.

Performers: Dot Stephens Co Other acts on bill: Should They Marry On Friday 6th Dot Stephens played Jo, the crossing sweeper in "Bleak House" in a special benefit.,

An advertisement: ‘“Was the Marriage Legal?” By Arthur Jefferson. A fascinating problem which thousands will discuss and endeavour to solve’. The Stage, 6 and 13 July 1916; and The Era, 12 July 1916. An advertisement for the Metropole, Glasgow: ‘A red-letter spring holiday attraction. Return visit of the Stanley Carlton Company, featuring the two Glasgow favourites, Miss Rubie Maude as “Vera Langton”, Mr. Stanley Carlton as “Leonard Stirling”, in an entirely new play of domestic surprises, Was the Marriage Legal? by Arthur Jefferson’. Daily Record, 9 April 1917. ‘The numerous patrons of the Metropole Theatre are being regaled this week to an entirely new production entitled, "Was the Marriage Legal?" Written by Mr. Arthur Jefferson, it is a drama of rare and refreshing interest, with the human note ever predominating. The story concerns the fortunes of an heiress, sold to a gipsy band when a child, and the plot and counter-plot woven around her strange and eventful career are worked out with a fascinating fidelity to real life. There are some remarkably powerful scenes in the play, one that especially thrills the audience being that of the trapping of the hero in the strong room of a bank. Miss Rubie Maude as Vera Langton, the stolen heiress, gives a clever and charming rendering of her role, while Mr. Stanley Carlton, as the hero, Leonard Stirling, acts with fine restraint’. Daily Record, 10 April 1917. An advertisement for Was the Marriage Legal? at the Metropole, Glasgow: ‘The reception given the piece by a crowded house was most cordial, each act being accorded rounds of applause’. Daily Record, 10 April 1917. An advertisement: ‘Was the Marriage Legal? By Arthur Jefferson. Theatre rights - for the United Kingdom - secured by Miss Ruby Maude. Produced Monday last, at the Metropole Theatre, Glasgow, under the direction of Stanley Carlton, Esq. Pay-box opinion £370. Press Opinions. “A drama of rare and refreshing interest with the human note ever predominating … Plot and counter-plot worked out with a fascinating fidelity to real life.” – Record and Mail. “A story with plenty of ‘grip’ … A more enjoyable performance no one could desire.” - Evening News. “An arresting title . . . made a strong appeal.” – Citizen. “A hearty welcome from a crowded audience which followed it with keen enjoyment. The story has an appealing human interest.” – Evening Times'. The Era, 18 April 1917 and The Stage, 19 April 1917. ‘[Jefferson] claimed, optimistically, that it would be “a fascinating problem which thousands will discuss and endeavour to solve”. Alas the public did not do as he hoped although, when the play had its first airing at the Metropole in April 1917, the reviews in the local Glasgow newspaper did suggest it was favourably received’. Danny Lawrence, Arthur Jefferson: Man of the Theatre and Father of Stan Laurel (Brewin Books, Studley, Warwickshire, 2017), p. 238.

Performers: Dot Stephens Company

The Daily Record, 30 April 1917, advertised the second and last week of 'Ernest R. Abbott’s well-known and old-established Company, including the Charming Actress, Miss Ada Abbott, in an entirely New and Original Play, in a Prologue and 3 Acts, “Neither Wife Nor Maid”’.

The Girl and the Blackguard is the drama which drew a large audience to the Metropole. It is the story of an English girl's experience with the Huns, and the scenes are laid in Germany and London. The drama is presented by a capable company, with Miss Grace Emery, and Mr Victor Rae in the leading parts. (Daily Record - Tuesday 08 May 1917)

'It is a new play dealing with country life, from the pen of Miss Eva Elwes, who also heads the list of players. The piece is one of a specially attractive nature, and among the scenes that of the Hunt Wedding affords good opportunity for spectacular effect. The interest never lags, and the story is cleverly presented.' ('Daily Record', 21 August, 1917)

Performed by Frank Bateman and company.

Advertised in the Daily Record, 7 January 1918, as ‘ the greatest problem play of the age … the play which caused such a sensation on its previous visit, and smashed all Met. Pay-box records, scoring an unparalleled triumph. Was she married? This Splendid Play for Adults only’. Also: ‘Mr. Oswald Cray presents the problem play, “The Unmarried Mother,” at the Metropole. The piece last night proved a strong attraction. The company is a capable one, while the stage effects and scenery are up-to-date. The story is cleverly told, and grips from start to finish’ (Daily Record, 8 January 1918). Advertised in the Daily Record, 14 January 1918: ‘Owing to the huge success of this remarkable play, and at the request of many who were unable to obtain admission last week, The Unmarried Mother will be continued for one week longer in place of “The Man Who Made Good,” postponed until Monday next’. Also: 'The fine drama, “The Unmarried Mother,” remains at the Metropole for another week. It has had remarkable success, and the extension of the engagement is in response to the desire of the patrons. The story is cleverly portrayed by an all-round company of capable artistes’. Daily Record, 15 January 1918.

The Era, 23 January 1918, reviewed The Man Who Made Good, ‘Drama, in three acts, founded on facts, by C. Vernon Proctor, Produced for the first time at the Metropole Theatre, Glasgow, on Monday, Jan. 21, 1918’. The cast was: General John Sheldrake, Conrad Clerke; Harry Sheldrake, Frank V. Fenn; Vernon Sheldrake, Cyril Grier; Betty Sheldrake, Florrie MacInnes; Alice Sheldrake, Edna Lester; Esther Bastion, Laurie Adair; Bartlett, Archie Grant; Rose Giller, Dora Weber; Mark Tapley Topper, Allan Carruthers; Martha Topper, Amy Wood. Also reviewed in The Stage, 24 January 1918: ‘Mr. Oswald Cray’s latest production is an up-to-date version of a very old theme. It is a capital melodrama, with situations of telling dramatic effect, which are worked up to an interesting and absorbing climax. It received a most enthusiastic send-off on Monday'. Allso: ‘The final week of Mr Oswald Cray’s stay at the Metropole is being filled in with the presentation of an entirely new play, by name, “The Man Who Made Good.” The story has its foundation on facts, and is admirably written by Mr C. Vernon Proctor. All week large audiences have patronised the play, which is intensely interesting from start to finish' (Glasgow Observer and Catholic Herald, 26 January 1918).

Advertised in the Daily Record, 26 January 1918: ‘A play you must see. Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company, under the direction of F. E. Chabot, presents the most realistic play of the time, “His Last Leave.” An exceptionally strong drama which is sure to appeal to the Met. Patrons … A splendid play, skilfully enacted by a talented company’. Also: ‘A drama, with a domestic story, that appeals to all classes, was staged at the Metropole last night. The play is entitled His Last Leave,” and is skilfully presented by the talented company of Mr. Will H. Glaze, which includes Misses Lena Brand, Millie Phillips and Lilian Fenn, and Messrs. Jack Evelyn, George Smith, Albert Caron, H. Wright Soaddam [sic -Scaddan], Joss Hart, Fred E. Chabot and J. May’ (Daily Record, 29 January 1918).

An advertisement in the Daily Record, 18 February 1918, called the play ‘A Great Human Play … A Strong Drama, with a charming story, and plenty of interesting characters and incident’, naming cast members Ethel Monton as Loyale Dare and Arthur Hinton as Ralph Sylvester, (the Black Sheep). ‘There are many scenes and incidents of intense human appeal in the Metropole production, “The Black Sheep of the Family,” and the story holds the attention throughout’ (Daily Record, 19 February 1918). An advertisement for the play inserted by Arthur Hinton in The Stage, 7 March 1918, noted, ‘Overwhelming success at Metropole Theatre, Glasgow. Money turned away nightly’. The Daily Record, 23 February 1918, advertised for that night the ‘last night of Arthur Hinton’s up-to-date success, “The Black Sheep of the Family”‘. The following week, beginning 25 February, ‘Arthur Hinton’s new and original drama, entitled – “A Broken Doll”‘ would be played. Arthur Hinton’s company continued at the Metropole, Glasgow, until 16 March, presumably performing other plays.

Will Glaze's Company

Venue and dates mentioned in an advertisement in The Era, 18 September 1918. It is The Broken Trail that is listed as on tour at the Met., Glasgow from 23 September in the Stage, 19 and 26 September 1918.

‘Splendid Holiday Attraction. Mr. Will H. Glaze Presents the Great Moral Lesson Play, entitled “Home From The trenches”. By Arthur Jefferson. A Play dealing with the present-day Social Problem, exposing, frankly and fearlessly, the social dangers besetting innocent girls and young married women, which everyone interested, both in their own welfare and the moral teaching and guidance of our future motherhood, should see’. Daily Record, 30 September 1918. ‘Mr. Arthur Jefferson’s play, “Home from the Trenches,” which occupies the stage at the Metropole, deals frankly with the Social Problem in a telling and yet delicate manner. The story is one of great interest and power, and presents a great moral lesson for all. Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company has been admirably chosen, all interpreting their parts with talent and discrimination’. Daily Record, 1 October 1918. Several managers thanked for (re)booking the play, including at the Met. Glasgow ‘where last visit we played to well over £600’. The Stage, 16 January 1919.

Performers: Harry Foxwell (Company), Lilian Maitland (actress), Roy Selfridge (actor) Review: "new play", "is an interesting story with many tense moments pleasantly varied by interludes of pathos and humour", Daily Record

‘A large audience was attracted to the Metropole, where “Sapho” is performed by a capable company. The title-role is well filled by Miss Ada Abbott … On Friday night only, a problem play, “Neither Wife Nor Maid,” will be given. Daily Record, Tuesday 29 October 1918. The Daily Record, 31 October and 1 November 1918, advertised Neither Wife Nor Maid as ‘for adults only’.

The Daily Record, 25 November 1918, advertised at the Metropole, Glasgow, ‘Will H. Glaze’s Latest Successful Production, “A Son of the Sea,” A Story of our Island and Home. By Clifford Rean’. Also: ‘Will H. Glaze’s company are playing A Son of the Sea [at the Metropole, Glasgow]. The author, Clifford Rean, as Paul plays admirably. Dorothy Kirk is a sympathetic Poppy. J. Fulton Millar does fine work as Richard. Hetty Fergerson scores a success as Edith. Humorous business is furnished in happy fashion by Arthur Gilroy as Jacob, and Maudie Ryder as Jane’ (The Stage, 28 November 1918).

The Metropole, Glasgow, advertised in The Stage, 9 January 1919, ‘December 30, January 6 and 13. Mr. Oswald Cray’s season. First week: The Plaything Of An Hour. Breaking all the New Year records by a significant amount. This week: The Unmarried Mother, which on its last visit (two weeks, same period) played to well over £1,000’. The Metropole, Glasgow, advertised in The Stage, 23 January 1919, ‘Saturday last, termination of Mr. Oswald Cray’s New Year season. (Three weeks)-- The Plaything of An Hour, Unmarried Mother, and Mormon and His Wives. “Smashed all previous records by a substantial amount’. So it appears that The Unmarried Mother was played in the middle week of a three week season, beginning 6 January.

When James Hart and Lena Brand inserted a theatrical card in The Stage, 23 January 1919 (‘L.B., 88th week orig. part His Last Leave, and 3rd year Will H. Glaze’s Cos. J.H., awaiting demobilisation), the address was the Metropole, Glasgow. Also: ‘Will H. Glaze’s company appear [at the Metropole, Glasgow] in His Last Leave to good houses’. The Stage, 23 January 1919.

The Stage of Thursday 27 February and 6 March 1919 listed “Married on Leave” as on tour at the Metropole, Glasgow from 3 March.

‘During the week A Broken Doll and The Black Sheep of the Family are played to crowded houses [at the Metropole, Glasgow]. Arthur Hinton and Ethel Martin [sic] take the leading rôles’. The Stage, 13 March 1919. Arthur Hinton's company remained at the Metropole, Glasgow, until 29 March. In the week beginning 24 March it performed Betrayed.

The Stage, 28 August 1919, listed For Sweethearts and Wives as On Tour from 1 September at the Met., Glasgow.

‘“The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” is presented here [the Metropole, Glasgow], with a cast including Wilson Benge as Dennis Royston and Sadie Smith as Ruth Vallender’. The Stage, 11 December 1919.

‘This week the Metropole features a problem play entitled “The Unmarried Mother,” another of C. Vernon Proctor’s dramas. Laurie Potter is the leading lady’. The Stage, 15 January 1920.

The Stage, Thursday 25 March 1920 has an advertisement for the Metropole, Glasgow, ‘Coming Home, E. Vivian Edmonds, registered this season’s record Saturday, following an excellent five nights. Congratulations. Last week, well over £400’.

‘“Drifting Apart,” a drama by Gladys Hastings-Walton, with Wilson Benge, the organiser of the company, as David Foster and Sadie Smith as his wife, is the attraction at the Metropole. This evening (Friday), “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” will be staged, with Mr. Benge as Dennis Royston and Miss Smith as Ruth Vallender’. The Stage, 24 June 1920.

Performed by Vivian Edmonds' company in the first of a two-week period at the theatre.

‘The Arthur Hinton repertoire company produce three plays during this week. “Temptation” was the attraction for the first two nights. “The Scandalmongers” was chosen for Wednesday, and “The Black Sheep of the Family” will be performed on Friday’. The Stage, 20 October 1921.

‘Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company are presenting the stirring drama “The Passions” [at the Metropole, Glasgow] … On Friday the company are playing “Neither Wife Nor Maid,” which will prove a popular draw’. The Era, 9 November 1921. Also The Stage, 10 November 1921.

‘The Denville Players present this week [at the Metropole, Glasgow] “The Black Sheep of the Family.” They achieve their usual success’. The Stage, 19 October 1933. 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. However, the Denville Stock Company / Denville Players did perform Gladys Hastings Walton’s play at the Victoria Opera House, Burnley, 15-20 May 1922; the Hippodrome, Burslem, 26 June – 1 July 1922; the Hippodrome, Wallasey, 10-15 July 1922; the Hippodrome, Margate, 8-13 February 1926; and the Theatre Royal, Barry, 22-27 March 1926.

‘The Denville Players present this week [at the Metropole, Glasgow] “The Black Sheep of the Family.” They achieve their usual success’. The Stage, 19 October 1933. 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. However, the Denville Stock Company / Denville Players did perform Gladys Hastings Walton’s play at the Victoria Opera House, Burnley, 15-20 May 1922; the Hippodrome, Burslem, 26 June – 1 July 1922; the Hippodrome, Wallasey, 10-15 July 1922; the Hippodrome, Margate, 8-13 February 1926; and the Theatre Royal, Barry, 22-27 March 1926.

The Daily Record, Monday 13 May 1940, advertised at the Metropole ‘Cissie Langley presents Nurse Cavell, Martyr. Also All-Star Variety Co’. Also: ‘Drama as well as comedy is on the strong bill at the Glasgow Metropole this week. A thrilling scene from the famous “Nurse Edith Cavell” epic is presented by Cissie Langley. Donoghue and Ramsay do much to keep the fun flying, as do Ellis Drake and Jack Fraser. Roy Hilton is able comedy dancer’. Daily Record, Tuesday 14 May 1940.