New Theatre Royal, Castleford

'new domestic and military drama [...] The authors have given us a play which decidedly calls for favourable criticism. It is well written and ably constructed, and has been staged by Mr. Lodge-Percy with most praiseworthy care, liberality, and attention to detail. The authors having selected the subject, have treated it with considerable skill, firmness, and resource. While not relying upon any ultra-sensationalisms for its attractions, It's a Long Way to Tipperary holds its own by a well-sustained movement, capable characterisation, and its fairly strong central theme, which is adhered to throughout with admirable concentration of purpose. There is abundance of comedy, and the dialogue is good, while the incidents contain plenty of opportunities for forcible and effective acting. Aided as it is by good staging, capital printing, and a strong company, whom, we understand, Miss Schrier and Mr. Lodge-Percy have succeeded in retaining, the play ought to have a successful career before it. The incidental music has been composed and arranged by R.S. James and Feldman and Co. The scenery is by James Cooke. [...]The parts are brightly acted all round. A dainty Hatty is Miss Henrietta Schrier, who makes a most amusing and charming American girl. The Hugh of Mr. Lodge-Percy is a distinctly funny performance. Under the tutelage of Mr. Fred W. Freeman Dollman loses none of his execrable traits. In Lieut. Dennis Mr. Harold Dayne has a part to which he is well adapted. Cynthia is represented efficiently by Miss Claire Huntley, and Miss Molly Hayden works with much zeal as Cerise McLeod. Mr. J. E. Wildash's portrayal of the Rev. Patrick O'Brian is excellent. Miss Mabel Hall sings charmingly and plays prettily as Lavender. Mr. J. E. Wilkinson causes much laughter as Sergy. Wilks. Tom Tressider as in the careful hands of Mr. Timon Massey, and Mr. Wm. Hayward makes a capital spy. The remaining parts are in good hands.' (The Stage - Thursday 31 December 1914)

When Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vaughan’s company advertised The Little Grey Home in the West in The Stage, 2 September 1915, Ernest Vaughan’s address next week was the Theatre Royal, Castleford. And The Era, 8 September 1915, listed The Little Grey Home in the West as On The Road from 6 September at Castleford.

The Stage, 14 October 1915, listed The Day Before the Day as On Tour from 11 October at the New Royal, Castleford.

‘Castleford – New Royal … On Monday Chas. Locke and company opened here with For Motherland. C. Elton Morgan ably depicts Sir John Merton. William Vane’s impersonation of Lieut. Allen Rivers receives well-merited attention. Chas. Locke makes an excellent and indefatigable Lieut. Fitzroy. F. L. Arthur works hard and effectively as Beaumstein (sic). Leslie Lingham is good as Von Roon. Clara O’Sullivan gains her share of the general approval as Cynthia Merton. Florence Hayward is good as the Hon. Peggy. Lillian Iris is much appreciated as Richards. Lady Merton’s love for mischief is admirably depicted by Flo Norman. Frank Preston does well as P.C. Belton’ (The Stage, March 1917).

Performers: Dot Stephens Co

‘Ernest E. Norris and company are here for a second week, playing “Mrs. Pretty and the Premier” … “The Live Wire” is also being played during the week’. The Stage, 1 May 1919. Also The Era, 30 April 1919.