Theatre Royal, Jarrow

Proceeds went to the Ambulance Van and the War Fund. Every evening during the interval Mr Mill gave a speech listing the total figures of men who had enlisted in the Tyneside battalions, and urging young men to join the colours.

Last night was set aside as a fashionable night at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow, when the proceeds were set aside in aid of the funds of the Ambulance Van and the War Fund. The first portion of the evening was devoted to Mr.C.Watson Mill's play, "In Time of War", after which a miscellaneous programme was given by members of the company. The first item was a recitation by Mr. Thorpe-Tracey, who gave "The Relief of Lucknow," and was heartily applauded. Miss Edith Vine, the vocalist, followed with a song, which was well received. Mr.Claude Agnew's recitation, 'In the Trenches," was much appreciated. Mr.T. Clark-Lockett, the cartoonist, gave some interesting specimens of his skill by drawing several cartoons in connection with the war. Mr.C.Watson Mill received an enthusiastic encore for his recitation. Mr. Harry Scadden's story of Lissa was warmly applauded. Thanks were given to Mr.Robertson and Mr.Mill and company for their kindness in provided such an enjoyable entertainment. Mr.Mill thanked them for their reception of himself and company. He was sorry that there was not a better house, but he understood that it was due to there being fashionable nights at other places. He trusted the Ambulance Van would continue to be a success. Whenever he came North he always felt like coming home as he always got such a good reception. Miss Powell and Miss Gregory had a number of postcards which they would offer for sale amongst the audience, every penny of which would be handed over to the fund, and he would also have great pleasure in subscribing a guinea himself (Loud applause.) The concluding item upon the programme was then oven, a dramatic episode of the Crimean War, "The Last Call," in which Mr. Horace E.Whitmee and Mr.Paul Neville took part. The Mayor had to leave early owing to his having an appointment at the Empire. Jarrow Express - Friday 20 November 1914

Performers: Cecile Barclay, Rupert Lister

‘This week Mr. Arthur Rosebery’s company have been appearing at the local theatre in “Three Little Britons,” the title role being ably sustained by Miss Bessie Gordon as Kitty, Miss Madge Soutter as Jack, and Miss Doris Thompson as Tom. They fully maintain the title of the piece and sing a number of topical songs. They are responsible for a great deal of amusement. Mr. Arthur Elwyn makes an ideal soldier as Col. Robert King, a man who has served his country and King well. He is the hero marked for the enmity of the schemers, but he escapes their plans by good fortune. Miss Mamie Holland is particularly good as Rosina Woods, the colonel’s fiancee. The schemers try to separate the lovers but the plot fails. Mr. F. Roy Jackson takes the part of General Fleichman, a foreigner seeking all the information he can get. He tries to accomplish the downfall of Colonel King but fails at the last minute. Miss Constance Elgin takes the part of Isabel Fleichman, the general’s wife, with great success. She is an old sweetheart of the colonel’s and tries to win back her old sway over him, but fails in the attempt. Mr. Edmund Sydney is very good as Lieut. Victor Woods, brother of Rosina. He falls into the toils of Isabel Fleichman but is saved by his sister. The lighter part the play is in the able hands of Mr. James C. Wilton as Paddy Murphy and Miss Gertie Gascoyne as Biddy Murphy. They are the owners of a travelling show, and the three little Britons travel with them. Miss Phyllis Julian takes the part of Marie, the maid, with great success. All the parts are well taken and the scenery is very appropriate. A fine scene of the deck of battleship is seen in the thirteenth scene. The singing and dancing are very good’ (Jarrow Express, 9 April 1915).

‘This week Mr. Ernest R. Abbott and company, which includes Miss Ada Abbott, have been appearing with success in “The Love Child”. The prologue is dated September last year. In it the audience are introduced to the principal character. Mr. Abbott appears as Ben Huxter; Miss Annie Morgan as Emily Huxter, his wife; Mr. John Johnston as “Curly” Saunders; and Miss Ada Abbott as Meg Huxter. Ten years are supposed to elapse between the prologue and the drama. The man who betrayed Meg has not been seen and she has fallen in the social scale, becoming a victim to drink, but through it all her love for the nameless child is strong. Miss Ada Abbott’s reading of the part of Meg, the unmarried mother, is splendid. She carries the audience with her from start to finish. Miss Glory Kelland takes the part Lady Rose Kingdon, the childless wife, with great ability. She adopts Meg’s little son but does not know that her husband is his father. Meg, out of gratitude for Lady Rose’s kindness, will not tell her. Mr. Frank Kelland takes the part of Lord Kingdon. He it was who met Meg before going to the war. They meet after he is married and she exposes his wrongdoing. He makes what reparation he can. He will not part with his child, but keeps the guilty secret from his wife. Mr. Philip Layton makes a capital clergyman as the Rev. Peter Cordiner, Lord Kingdon’s uncle. He devotes his life to doing all the good he can among the poor, and it is through him that Meg’s child is adopted. Miss Agnes Kingston as the Dowager Lady Kingdon takes the part with great success. She is a lady of society and upholds its rules and decrees. Miss Nellie Crowther is particularly good as Tommy, the love child. He is devotedly attached to his mother, and will not leave her until she forces him to go. The part is acted to the life. Mr. John Johnston as “Curly” Saunders is very good. He defends Meg and in the end wins her for himself. He is warmly applauded for his song, “My Pal.” His dog is an intelligent animal and does his part with great success. Mr. W. H. Davis-Brown as Boney and Mr. Alfred Harvey as Steve, two crooks, are very good, Mr. E. R. Abbott taking the part of Ben Huxter, the nark, who gives the crooks away. A great deal of amusement is created by Miss Ethel Carthew as Marion, the housekeeper. The lady takes the part with great success, and the audience enjoy the punishment she meets out to the butler. Mr. Edwin Keene takes the part of Portal, the butler, who carries on a flirtation with the housemaid whilst courting the housekeeper. Miss Marion Holly as Eliza is very amusing. The play is beautifully staged and the artistes have been heartily applauded’. Jarrow Express, 27 August 1915.

"B" Company

‘This week Cecile Barclay and Rupert Lister have been presenting “The Day Before The Day” [at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow] ... The play is splendidly staged and all the parts are taken with success. The attendances have been very gratifying during the week’ (Jarrow Express, 26 November 1915).

The Jarrow Express, 21 January 1916, advertised that Mrs Frank Bateman & Co. were performing at the Theatre Royal, from Monday 24 January 1916, for six nights only, Somebody Knows, Somebody Cares on Monday-Wednesday and Saturday, The King and the Orange Girl and Variety Numbers on Thursday, and Sapho on Friday.

Twice nightly.

The Era, 29 March 1916, listed The Little Grey Home In The West (North) as On The Road from 27 March at the T.R., Jarrow. Also The Stage, 23 and 30 March 1916. Also: ‘Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vaughan’s company will be seen on Monday next at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow, in “The Little Grey Home in the West,” by Mrs. F. G. Kimberley. This is Mrs. F. G. Kimberley’s twenty-first play, and instead of writing herself out as many playwrights do, to judge by the great success this piece has achieved, she has written herself in. The story is a simple one of true domestic life, showing the humble home and the rich one, where mother love is just as strong in each. Two mothers and two sisters fight for their sons’ and brothers’ happiness, women as usual sacrificing all for their men folk. There is plenty of good clean comedy and brightness. The company is a strong one, headed by Miss Madge Douglas as “Peggy Bryant,” and Mr. Ernest Vaughan “Wick [sic – Dick] Bryant”’. Jarrow Express, 24 March 1916.

Noted in The Stage, 13 April 1916: ‘Two large audiences assembled on Monday evening’. ‘This week Miss Litchfield’s company have been appearing in “Home Once More.” Miss Litchfield has written a number of interesting plays, among them being “A London Actress,” “A Clever Imposter,” “A Man’s Best Pal,” etc. The play under notice deals with the Navy principally' (Jarrow Express, 14 April 1916).

‘This week Mr, Fred J. Little’s company have been appearing [at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow] with success in “The Slacker.” The title role is ably filled by Mr. E. Warden as Phil Murket, a man who has a decided objection fighting. Murket succeeds very well for a time in deceiving people to his real character and marries his friend’s wife when the husband is reported killed. Mr. Dennis Leslie takes the part of Ned Marsden, a man who does his duty. He leaves his wife and child in the care of those at home. Mr. Leslie gives a fine rendering of the part and is cordially greeted each evening. Miss Margaret Frame takes the part of Nell Marsden, Ned’s wife, with success. She is very fond of her husband, but when news comes of his death she listens to Murket’s proposal, more so as he promises to look after her father and mother. Having got married he behaves badly to the aged couple. Retribution overtakes him, for Ned comes back again. Mr. Albert Carlton takes the part of Red Horrocks, a friend of Murket’s, with success. He helps the Slacker in his early plans, but when he descends to the bottom of the ladder Horrocks tells the truth and exposes the schemer in his true colours. Miss Flo Bevan as Eva Steele takes the part with complete success. She is a victim of the Slacker, who casts her off. She exposes his villainy when he comes from the church after marrying her sister. She leaves her home but is brought back again by the kindly efforts of a local minister. It is a part to which the lady does full justice and she carries the audience with her from start to finish. Mr. John Cullen is very good as Dave Steele, and Miss Maude Elliott takes the part of Nora Steele. The old people are very happy with their family until news comes that their son-in-law is killed. Mr. Fenton Wingate makes a capable clergyman as the Rev. Dennis Bond. He is in love with Eva and proves a true friend to her. The lighter side of the play is in the able hands of Mr. Clarence Rayner as Steve Ingersoll and Miss Pollie Denville as Mattie Steele. They are responsible for a great deal of amusement. Mattie does not care for the Slacker and lets him know it. Other parts are Mr. Dick Danvers as Inspector James and Mr. Alfred Stone as William. The piece is well staged and has been greatly enjoyed each evening. Jarrow Express, 30 June 1916.

Performed by Leonard Mortimer's Company.

The Jarrow Express, 17 November 1916, advertised from Monday 20 November at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow, the ‘Important Engagement of Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s well-known and old-established company’ in Neither Wife Nor Maid (Mon-wed and Sat, 20-22 and 25 November) and Sapho (Thurs-Fri, 23 and 24 November). ‘This week Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company have been appearing with success in two plays at the Theatre. For the first three nights “Neither Wife nor Maid” was played. The prologue is placed in 1914 and the subsequent play ten years later. Miss Ada Abbott takes the part of Meg Huxter, the deserted woman. She has two sweethearts. One leaves her but the other remains true to her through all her trials. In the drama she is seen as a lost woman with only one thought, and that the welfare of her little son. Mr. Herbert Barrs appears as Steve Warden, a burglar, who has Meg in his power. He ill-treats her, but her old sweetheart comes on the scene and protects her. The man who deserted her also appears on the scene. Mr. Cecil Gray as Curly Saunders is very good. He is the one true friend that Meg has in her trouble, and when she is freed from Huxter’s [sic] power Curly makes her his wife. Mr. Edward Fryer as the Rev. Peter Cordiner is particularly good. It is through his instrumentality that Meg’s child finds a good home, and also brings him face to face with the man who deserted her, although the good friend did not know anything about it. Mr. Nero Nickola takes the part of Lord Kingdon, the man who deserted Meg. He goes to the war and gets wounded, and tells Meg afterwards he could not find her. Curly is his servant and saves his life on two occasions. Miss Agnes Kingston takes the part of the Dowager Lady Kingdon, whose son is the man that has caused Meg all her trouble. Miss Glory Kelland is particularly good as Lady Rose Kingdon. the childless wife. She it is who takes Meg’s child, little Tommy, to bring up as her own. She does not know that her husband is the boy’s father, and she is never told. Her sympathy for Meg in her trouble causes the secret to be withheld. Miss Nellie Crowther takes the part of Tommy with success. The lighter side of the play is in the able hands of Miss Isabel Singleton as Manx, the housekeeper; Miss Marion Holly as Eliza, the housemaid; and Mr. Edwin Keene as Postal, the butler. Last night “Sapho” was played. This piece will be given again to-night, and to-morrow night (Saturday) “Neither Wife nor Maid” will be presented’. Jarrow Express, 24 November 1916.

6.50 & 9pm (Jarrow Express Friday 2 February 1917)

‘This week Mr. Arthur Hinton, Ltd., has been presenting a new and up-to-date drama, “The Black Sheep of the Family,” in which Mr. Arthur Hinton appears in the title role. The gentleman’s rendition of the part is splendid. In the various phases of a chequered career he appears with a naturalness that leaves nothing to be desired. The part could not be in better hands. Miss Ethel Monton as Loyale Dare makes a charming heroine and adds greatly to the success of the piece. She proves the guiding star that points out the way for the Black Sheep to go to retrieve his good name and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellow men. The lady’s rendition of the part is exceptionally well given and brings well won applause. The heavy part is in the capable hands of Mr. Terry Davies as Lionel Sylvester, the Black Sheep’s younger brother. He is supposed to be an exceedingly good young man and spares no effort to ruin the chances of his brother. He succeeds very well until Miss Dare comes on the scene, when she sets herself the task of thwarting his schemes and exposing him in his true colours. Miss Nina Mallam takes the part of Blanche Maitland with success. She is a mercenary woman who cares nothing for anyone except they can supply her with money. She is engaged to the Black Sheep but all the time carrying on an intrigue with his brother. They are caught embracing each other and a quarrel ensues. She marries the younger one but leaves him at the last when the game is up. Mr. Roland Willis takes the part of Tough McCoy, a New York rough, in a very able manner, as also does Mr. Geo. Willing as Bud Rawson, his confederate. Mr. J. C. Ward makes a capital Lord Arlingham, the stern old aristocrat, whose family pride is wounded because of his elder son’s follies. He lives long enough to learn the truth and be reconciled to his eldest son. Miss Peggie Courtney takes the part of Mary Leigh, a maid at the hall, who is victimised by Lionel, who kills the girl and sets the blame upon his brother. The lighter side of the piece is in the able hands of Mr. Louis Weston as Jobson, the butler, and Miss Beatrice Annersley as Mammy Dinkie. All the parts are well taken and the play is excellently well staged’. Jarrow Express, 2 March 1917.

Twice nightly

Performed as 'The Middy V.C. Comes Home'

Performers: Dot Stephens Co

‘This week Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company have been appearing with success in “Always Welcome,” Miss Litchfield herself taking the part of Emma Summers, the mother of the heroine. Her daughter is infatuated with a man she has met and goes away with him, despite her mother’s protest. Miss Litchfield’s presentation of the part is exceedingly good and she has been heartily applauded each evening. Mr. Conrad E. Stratford takes the heavy part of Philip Webster, alias West, with great ability; he is particularly good in the third scene where he admits that he has committed bigamy. Miss Lillie Livesey makes a charming heroine as Rosie Summers. Influenced by Webster she leaves her mother, but quickly finds out that he was under the impression that she had money. She does not like to return home, but friends bring about a meeting between Rosie and Mrs. Summers, and the former finds that there is always a welcome for her at home. Miss Winifred Rutland is very good as Mabel Webster. She is the legal wife of Webster, who has deserted her. She finds out that he has contracted bigamous marriage with Rosie and tells the latter’s mother. Mr. Tom H. Solly takes the part of Ned Forde, brother of Mrs. Summers, with success. Mr. William Barrett is an excellent comedian, and as Mickey O’Connor creates a great deal of amusement. He works very hard and contributes in no small degree to the success of the play. He is ably supported by Miss Annie Laurie as Doris Delamere; and Miss Claire Elkington as Tiny Little; they create a good deal of merriment as Ned Forde’s Pierrot Party. The play is well staged and the costumes very pretty. The attendance each evening has been very satisfactory’. Jarrow Express, 17 August 1917.

Twice nightly.

The Jarrow Express, 12 October 1917, advertised Mrs Frank Bateman & Co in the great domestic drama Somebody Knows, Somebody Cares for six nights from Monday 15 October at the Theatre Royal. ‘Mrs. Frank Bateman and Company have been presenting the domestic drama “Somebody Knows Somebody Cares,” to large and appreciative audiences this week. The lady has been accorded a warm welcome each evening, and on Monday she thanked the audience for the kind manner in which they had supported her and the company, at the same time mentioning that for two nights next week “East Lynne” would be played in response to a request from numerous friends. She was always pleased to come to Jarrow, as it was like coming home. Mrs. Bateman gives a fine reading of the part of Nell, a waif of the sea. for which she has been heartily applauded. Mr. Fred Goddard is particularly good as Lieut. Richard Alverstone. He is Nell’s lover, but seeing her with a man called Steve Penrith, he believes that Nell is false and leaves her. The heavy part is ably sustained by Miss Flora Hastings as Hilda Markham, a woman with a past and Mr. Harry P. Loydall as Hans Hertzog, a German agent. They enlist the services of two fishermen, Dave Penrith and his son Steve, who is the lighthouse keeper. Mr. John S. Jones’ presentation of the part of old Dave is excellent, whilst Mr. D. F. Russell is to be congratulated upon the able manner in which he takes the part of Steve. Miss Marion Vyner as Lily takes the part with great ability.. The lighter side of the play is ably undertaken Mr. Charles Adeson as Joe, the assistant lighthouse keeper, and Miss Lily Sweeney as Jenny Briggs. They create a great deal of amusement each evening. Mr. Ted Brickell is very good as Captain Fitz Davies of the Royal Mercantile Navy. Next week, the last of the present visit, Mrs. Bateman will present “Sapho” the first three nights; “East Lynne” Thursday and Friday; and on Saturday “The Light that leads me Home”’. Jarrow Express, 19 October 1917.

‘This week Mr. Will H. Glaze’s company have been appearing before full houses in “His Last Leave.” Mr. H. Wright Soaddam [sic -Scaddan] takes the part of Richard Maxwell in a very able manner. Miss Lilian Fenn takes the part of the heroine in a very graceful manner. Discord is sown between husband and wife by means of a forged letter which is given to the husband. He returns to his duties and soon after hears a conversation which opens his eyes to the trick that has been played to separate him from his wife. He is wounded in an engagement and loses his memory, but meeting some old friends they are able to rouse his dormant brain and he remembers things. He is just in time to prevent his wife going through the marriage ceremony with the man who had caused all the trouble. Mr. A. Caron makes a capital villain as Captain the Hon. Robert Saltire. It is by his clever scheming, aided by a jealous woman, that Richard Maxwell and his wife are parted. Miss Millie Philips takes the part of Dora Wendover with success. She is a discarded sweetheart of Capt. Saltire and schemes with him against Maxwell because the latter would have nothing to do with her. Mr. Jack Evelyn is very good as the Rev. James Maxwell, a village clergyman. He is the father of Richard and when the latter quarrels with his wife her father-in-law stands her friend. The lighter side of the play is contributed to by Mr. Joss Hart as Corporal Tim Trimfoot, Mr. J. May as Private ‘Erb, who creates much amusement by relating his matrimonial experiences; Mr. Geo. Smith as Old Jawkins; and Miss Lena Brand as Selina Kettle. Mr. Fred E. Chabot takes the part of Dr. Walton with success. The piece is splendidly staged and has been well received during the week’. Jarrow Express 11 January 1918.

In the story there is interwoven the brusque candour of the city toiler, the scheming intrigue of the unscrupulous scoundrel, and behind all, the susceptible influence of genuine love. These three phases of life are so cleverly entwined around the "plot" that each climax is reached only to be followed by further surprises and justice only comes at the fall of the curtain. ('Jarrow Express', 22 March 1918, p. 2)

Performed as 'The Middy V.C. Comes Home' on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday

‘Next week [at the Theatre Royal] Miss Litchfield will present two plays: For the first three nights “The Rival Mothers,” and the latter part of the week “Home Once More”‘ (Jarrow Express, 24 May 1918). ‘This week Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company have given two plays [at the Theatre Royal]. For the first three nights “The Rival Mothers” … Last night “Home Once More” was staged with Mr. Stratford as Eric Lorraine and Miss Litchfield as Mary Lorraine’ (Jarrow Express, Friday 31 May 1918).

This was the last week of a three-week season at this theatre. ‘On the first three nights this week, Miss. E. Litchfield’s Company appeared in “Queen of the Redskins” before full houses … Last night (Thursday) “Always Welcome” was presented, Miss Litchfield appearing as Emma Summers, which she presented in a very able manner. Miss Gertie Moody is very good as Rosie Summers, the daughter. The heavy part is taken with success by Mr. C. E. Stratford, as Philip Webster, alias West. Mr. L. M. Tierney presents the part of Lieut. Harry Clinton in a very able manner. The lighter side is in the hands of Mr S. Bryant as Ned Forde, and Miss C. Elkington as Tiny Little. Miss Winifred Rutland takes the part of Mabel Webster with success. Miss Rose Carr appears as Doris Delamere. All the parts are well taken and the members of the company have been accorded a hearty reception each evening’ (Jarrow Express, 7 June 1918).

'Mr. W. H. Glaze’s Company have been delighting large audiences each evening this week [at the Theatre Royal], with the new play “A Son of the Sea.” The play opens in a fishing village on the Cornish coast. Mr. Clifford Rean takes the part of Paul Tregarron, a fisherman. He is disappointed in love, The girl whom he hoped to make his wife refuses him for his cousin, who is in the hands of an unscrupulous woman ... The piece is nicely staged and well dressed. The lighthouse scene being particularly good’. Jarrow Express, 21 June 1918.

‘For next week Mr. Arthur Hinton’s Company are announced in “The Black Sheep of the Family”’. Jarrow Express, 21 June 1918. The Jarrow Express, 21 June 1918, advertised Arthur Hinton’s company at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow from Monday 24 June for six nights in ‘a New and Up-to-Date Drama, entitled – The Black Sheep of the Family’. ‘This week Mr. Arthur Hinton’s Company have been appearing in “The Black Sheep of the Family,” Mr. Harry T. Wood appearing in the title role as the Hon. Ralph Sylvester, the eldest son of a peer who is in the habit of imbibing not wisely but too well, and also indulges in betting on the racecourse. Despite his faults the man has his good qualities and in all his dealings acts honourably. His brother is held up, as a model, but in reality is the very opposite. He proves. himself a blackguard and a scoundrel. The part of the “black sheep” is presented in a way that nothing to be desired. The heavy part is in the hands of Mr. R. Powell James, as Lionel Sylvester, the younger brother; and Miss Alice Greenwood, as Blanche Maitland. They scheme to get Ralph turned out of the house so that they may secure the money for themselves. They succeed in getting Ralph turned out of his home, but he comes into his own at the end. Miss Peggy Courtenay makes a charming Loyale Dare. She takes an interest in Ralph and guided by her he begins a new life. She proves a powerful friend and helps to dispel the cloud which has, overshadowed Ralph’s life. The lighter side of the piece is in the capable hands of Mr. A. Trail, as Jebson [sic], the butler, and Miss Laura Wright, as Mammy Dinkin. Mr. H. Ward takes the part Lord Arlingham with success. Mr. Leslie Steward gives a capable representation of a New York criminal as Tough McCoy. Miss Madge Turner takes the part of Mary Leigh with success. The play has been much appreciated' (Jarrow Express, 28 June 1918). Arthur Hinton's company remained at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow, for another week performing A Man's Best Pal (Jarrow Express, 28 June 1918).

‘On Monday evening, Mr. T. Major presented his new production, “Special Edition,” for the first time to the public at the local theatre. It is full of songs, and fun. An interesting feature being that several of the lady members are the wives of soldiers or sailors,, and one is the wife of a prisoner of war. These ladies had all retired from the stage when they married, but on the outbreak of war they returned to the business ... An interesting monologue is given by Mrs. Major, its rendering on Monday being much appreciated'. Jarrow Express, 26 July 1918.

Twice nightly

The Jarrow Express, 4 October 1918, advertised from Monday 7 October at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow, the ‘Important Engagement of Ernest R. Abbott’s well-known and old-established Co’ in The Sins Of The Rich (Monday-Wednesday), Neither Wife Nor Maid (Thursday and Saturday) and Sapho (Friday only). ‘This week Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s Company have been appearing in a repertoire of plays … Last night “Neither Wife nor Maid” was staged, with Miss Abbott as Meg Huxter and Mr. Abbott as Curly Saunders. The piece will be performed again to-morrow night (Saturday)’ (Jarrow Express, 11 October 1918).

Theatre Royal, Jarrow 9-14 December 1918 Advertised in the Jarrow Express, 6 and 13 December 1918 as ‘the great spy play’, playing for six nights at 6.40 and 8.40 with no mention of The Broken Trail. ‘This week Miss Warburton and Company have been paying a visit to Jarrow in “Back from Overseas.” Miss Warburton is a great favourite with Jarrow audiences and always receives a warm welcome. She had [sic] been appearing as Bessie Gray, and has been ably supported by the other members of the Company. W. Howard (Tom Brown), Roland Willis (Carl Meyer), Frank Lorraine (Joseph Myer [sic]), H. Colbeck (Mr. Jobbins), Nina Mallam (Bessie Brandon), Cissie Lorraine (Selina), and Clara Winter (Mrs. Grey)’. Jarrow Express, 13 December 1918.

‘For next week Messrs. Glaze and Benge’s Company are announced in “The Girl who changed her Mind”’ (Jarrow Express, 27 December 1918). Reviewed in the Jarrow Express, 3 January 1919; cast members mentioned were Wilson Benge, Jerrold Ord, Sadie Smith, Frank Radcliffe, Ernest Vasey, Amy Corallie [sic – Coralli?] and Lizzie Lennon: ‘The play has been greatly appreciated, the artistes being warmly applauded each evening’.

Performed as Back to Wife and Home. Mentioned in advertisements The Stage, 28 November and 5 December 1918 and 9 January 1919; and in the Jarrow Express, 24 January 1919. The 28 November and 5 December 1918 advertisements in The Stage, and the 24 January 1919 advertisement in the Jarrow Express, use the title Back to Wife and Home. ‘This week Mr. W. H. Glaze has been presenting “Back to Wife and Home" to large audiences'. Jarrow Express, 31 January 1919.

‘This week Mr. E. F. Furneau’s Company have been appearing before large audiences in “On Leave for his Wedding.” The title role has been ably filled by Mr. Edward Conway as Captain Derrick Tressillan [sic], a soldier who distinguishes himself in the war. He is ably supported by Miss Carrie Godfrey as Mavis Hope, his sweetheart. The lady takes the part with success. The heavy part is ably sustained by Mr. Walter Humphries as Captain George Delpre and Miss Stella Cedron as Angela Hope, a woman of the world, who lives for pleasure only. Mr. J. P. Allen [sic - Lallen?] is particularly good as the Rev. N. Wheeler, a dissolute minister, who is the tool of Angela and Captain Delpre. The lighter side of the play is in the able hands of Mr. J. H. Knowles, as Reuben Egg, a tramp: Mr. F. Hulme, as Sergt. Barneycroft [sic]; and Miss Daisy Spalding, as Peggy Dimple. The bombardment of the cathedral is very realistic’ (Jarrow Express, 7 March 1919). Edward F Furneau’s companies advertised Clifford Rean’s On Leave For His Wedding in The Stage, 13 March 1919: ‘Still Breaking Records. Refer this week Radcliffe. In spite of not opening First House Monday at Jarrow through railway losing truck, did a record week. How’s this for War Drama?'.

For six nights only at 6.50 & 8.50. F. G. Kimberley presents Mrs. F. G. Kimberley new Topical Drama "A Soldier's Divorce." Special notice - owing to the Entertainment Duty the Prices of Admission (which includes the Tax) will be as follows: Gallery 3d, Pit 5d, Side Circle and Stalls 9d, Centre Circle 1/3 (Jarrow Express - Friday 14 March 1919)

The Jarrow Express of Friday 2 May 1919 carried an advertisement for ‘the play of the moment’ “Married on Leave” at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow the following week, twice nightly with no mention of matinées. An article in the newspaper also noted, ‘For next week Miss Mullord will present “Married on Leave”’. The Stage of Thursday 8 May 1919 also briefly noted the production. The Jarrow Express of Friday 9 May 1919 reported, ‘This week Miss Dorothy Mullord’s play, “Married on Leave” has been presented to full houses [at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow]. Mr. A. Alexander taking the part of Captain Marlow, an airman, with success. He has been supported by Miss Alice Dawkins, as Maude a young woman who made a very great sacrifice for the airman when he was blind. The lady gives a fine reading of the part. Mr. A. Gillette fills the heavy role as Raymond Vernon, a naturalised alien, who proves to be a spy. He is helped in his nefarious schemes by Kitty Graham, a woman who deserts her husband when all his money is gone. The guilty pair reap a just reward. Mr. F. E. Coulton takes the part of Harry Lightfoot and Mr. Mortimer Wall that of Harley. Mr. E. J. Lestere appears as Marmaduke Montmerency and Miss Mary Mayne as Daisy Diamond. Mr. W. J. Mackey is very amusing as the Dutchman Milchime. The air-raid proves a great success, the enemy machines are seen coming to earth in flames’.

‘This week Mr. Benge’s Company have been presenting “The Girl Who Changed Her Mind” with Miss Pauline Nanton in the title role, as Ruth Vallender. Mr. Benge takes the part of Royston, a young gentleman farmer, with success. The heavy part was ably sustained by Mr. E. Howell Webb as Captain Frank Cave, a man who proved a coward in a critical moment. Mr. Richard Webb makes a capital Sir William Vallender, the squire, who loses money on the turf and has to borrow. By this means he gets into the power of Captain Cave, who does not hesitate to use it. The lighter side of the play is in the capable hands of Miss Lizzie Lennon as the cook; Miss Betty Booth as Molly; Mr Chas. Digby as Tony Blizzard, and Mr. Charles H. Gallier as P.C. Hogg. Mr. Eric Willington is very good as Van Ick, a Belgian farmer, who assists the prisoners to escape. Miss Maggie Massey takes the part of Madame Van Ick with success. The stage effects are very realistic, the audience being given some idea of what it was like during a bombardment prior to an attack'. Jarrow Express, 11 July 1919.

‘Another military drama has been presented this week by Mr. Glaze’s Company, entitled, “His Last Leave.” The title role has been ably sustained by Mr. Norton Shields as Sergeant Richard Maxwell, and he has been ably supported by Miss Dorothie A. Kirke as Rose Maxwell, his wife. The heavy role has been ably taken by Mr. James Hart as Captain the Hon. Robert Saltaire. He has a grudge against the Sergeant for marrying Rose and schemes to separate them. He is helped in his plans by a woman named Dora Wendover, who wanted the Sergeant to marry her. The part is taken with great ability by Miss Millie Phillips. Their rascally plans are frustrated at the last moment. The lighter side of the play is in the capable of Mr. F. Luard as Corporal Tim Trimfoot, Miss Lena Brand as Selina Kettle, and Mr. James May as Private ‘Erb. The latter keeping the audience in a continual state of laughter. Mr. J. W. Evelyn makes a capital clergyman as the Rev. James Maxwell, father of Sergt. Maxwell. Other parts are taken by Mr. J. Dobson Clyde as Dr. Walton (R.A.M.C.) and Mr. George Smith as Old Jawkins. The piece is well staged and the artistes have been heartily applauded each evening’. Jarrow Express, 1 August 1919.

Performed on Monday-Wednesday this week by Emma Litchfield's company who were at the theatre two weeks and presented the play in their second week of the visit along with 'A Clever Imposter' on the remaining nights. Emma Litchfield performed alongside Mr T. C. Jackson, Miss Claire Elkington, Miss Winifred Rutland, Mr Tony Snape, Mr Percy J. Barnett, Mr J. C. Cooper, Mr Frank Rothwell and Miss Rose Carr.

Performed Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sat. On Friday 'Trilby' was performed. ('Jarrow Express', 12 September 1919, p. 1)

‘Mr. Ernest R. Abbot’s company are appearing [at the Royal, Jarrow] in a number of plays. For the first three nights “Passions” was staged. To-night (Thursday) “Sapho” will be performed; on Friday “Carmen”; and Saturday “Neither Wife Nor Maid”’. The Era, 20 July 1921.