Great War Theatre

Performances at this Theatre

Date Script Type
7 Oct 1916 Beauchamp And Beecham Professional
9 Jun 1919 Five Days Leave, Somewhere In France Professional
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The Opera House, Londonderry advertised for the week commencing Monday 9 June 1919 a show comprising ‘George Rhodes & Co. in Old Bill’s Five Days’ Leave. The big London success’ and other variety acts (Madge Clifton, Eileen Muraghan, Beaudyn & Brett, Dainty Caprice, Fred Downs). Derry Journal, 6 and 9 June 1919; Donegal Independent, 7 June 1919; Londonderry Sentinel, 7 and 10 June 1919. ‘“Five Days’ Leave”, a clever skit on how leave was granted to a soldier, was very cleverly presented by George Rhodes & Co., the humour of the piece being revealed by the fact that the leave had been fully expired before “Old Bill” got his pass completed’. Londonderry Sentinel, 10 June 1919. ‘The Rhodes Company, in “Five Days’ Leave,” knocked ‘em stiff. “Ole Bill” is a gem and he can do the Bairnsfather stunt to the life. It was most enjoyable and a pleasing change’. Donegal Independent, 14 June 1919. The last part of the notice in the Londonderry Sentinel confirms that this was the sketch by George A Street; there is no evidence, however, that it had been performed in London. The names of the other performers on the bill are those of actors who were members of Street's company when he produced his play 'The Cattle Thief' in Belfast the following week. Moreover, he and Madge Clifton (under the name Harriet) were living together at the time of the 1911 census and they were to marry later in 1919. Is it possible that, for some reason, 'George Rhodes' masks the identity of 'George Street'?