Hippodrome, Birmingham

'emphasising the coarseness, brutality, and inhumanity of the German in dealing with women and aged folk, against which, by way of contrast, there is set the indomitable pluck of the Belgian peasantry and invincible hope and assurance of liberation from their present bondage. The opportunities for a forceful and dramatic presentation are taken full advantage of, and the spirited [?] of the Belgian woman who fearlessly denounced the Kaiser and finally shoots one of his officers, wins a ready approbation form the audience.' (Birmingham Daily Post, 19 June 1917)

Performed twice nightly that week with matinees Monday and Thursday.

"The Mystery Gun," a unique illusion act, forms a leading feature of a good programme. Rowland Hill is a comedian with a style all his own, and he won well-merited applause, and Rowland and Rolyat provide a delightful musical melange. (Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 17 July 1917)

Performed by Gilbert Heron and company.

Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Others on the same bill: Mareski (the crazy fiddler), Elroy (the armless wonder), Effie Mann (the Famous Musical Comedy star), the Myra Forbes Trio (refined musical and dancing act), Lois Barker and Percy Tarling as the Grumblers, Pathe Gazette.

The cast were: Margot Delan (actor), Frederick Stevens (actor), Charles Leslie (actor), H Bryant (actor). ''The Silent Service' ... may be primarily designed to illustrate the alertness and astuteness of the Allied secret police, but beyond this and the opportunity which is afforded to Mlle Margot Delan for some clever acting, little can be claimed. Mlle Delan has a naturally vivacious manner, which is exhibited to the best advantage' (Birmingham Daily Post, 23 April 1918)

‘“A Cushy Job,” a burlesque on recruiting methods, will be presented by Captain Baker and Company at the Hippodrome [next week]. Captain Baker, who has written the sketch from actual experience as a recruiting officer, is 6ft. 4in. in height, and he will provide most of the fun as Little Willie, the prospective recruit’ (Birmingham Mail, 9 August 1918). ‘“A Cushy Job,” which Captain Baker and Co. present at the Birmingham Hippodrome, is an amusing recruiting episode' (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 10 August 1918). ‘“A Cushy Job,” at the Hippodrome, is a brisk burlesque of a recruiting office. It is not without its funny episodes, though the humour is at times a trifle forced' (Birmingham Mail, 13 August 1918).

‘The outstanding feature [of the programme] is a new one-act playlet with the title of “The Pacifist.” As presented by George Pickett and Co., with himself and Miss Dorothy Wilmer in the leading part, it proved to have a very large measure of dramatic interest. How a man posing as a pacifist was discovered to be playing the part of an enemy to his country and gets checkmated in time makes a story with the requisite number of thrills to keep interest at a high pitch’. Birmingham Daily Post, 26 November 1918.