Empire Theatre, Islington

This was the first performance licensed by the Lord Chamberlain. The performance took place a few days earlier at this theatre but in fact the play had already been in performance since late December 1914.

‘The principal item in the bill at this popular hall is Mr. Frank Rubens revue, “Mind the Step” … Amongst other items in the bill is Mr. Leo Stormont’s production, “The Man Who Wouldn’t”. This is a topical playlet, from the experienced pen of Mr. J. E. MacManus, and deals vigorously with those who leave to other people the task of fighting for their country. Mr. Stormont himself is as usual most effective, Messrs. F. James and G. Goodwin being adequate in supporting parts. A special word is due to Miss P. Tandy, who gave a pointed and most admirable performance as the daughter. A contretemps with the bioscope unfortunately marred the performance, but there is no doubt but that it will be another success for this well known artiste’ (The Era, Wednesday 12 May 1915). ‘Frank Rubens’s new revue, Mind The Step! … is being played for the first time at the Islington Empire this week … Leo Stormont and Company have an important place in the rest of the bill with J . E . McManus’s sensational comedy, called The Man Who Wouldn’t which has little beyond its patriotic sentiments to recommend it as a work of art’ (The Stage, 13 May 1915).

The Era, 9 May 1917, listed Gilbert Heron & Co. in Saved by Wireless in Calls for Monday 14 May at the Islington Empire. Performance noted in The Stage, 17 May 1917.

Performed by Margot Delan (actor) and company: 'Islington audiences would appear to be mightily impressed with the fruitless efforts, and subsequent arrest, of the two enemy agents. The perfect sang froid displayed by Mlle. Delan during the bombardment on Monday is worthy of the highest praise.' (The Stage, 4 October 1917)

The Era, 2 January 1918, carried advertisements for shows at the Islington Empire and the Poplar Hippodrome in the week commencing 7 January, both including ‘Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather presents “The Johnson ‘Ole”’, with no mention of Harry Thurston.

‘E. Taylor Platt Co. in “The Man Who Stayed at Home”‘ was advertised in The Era, 20 March 1918, at the Islington Empire for the week commencing Monday 25 March. Also listed in The Stage, 28 March 1918.

Mentioned in an advertisement in The Era, 12 June 1918 (performances at 6.15 and 8.30).

The Era, 14 May 1919, advertised Harry Goodson presents Jolly Times (cast includes Madge Merle, Joe Victor and Jos. Alexandre), with Rene Ralph, at the Islington Empire in the week commencing 19 May.