Great War Theatre

Address: Birkenhead, UK

Performances at this Theatre

Date Script Type
4 Jan 1915 When There Was War Professional
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‘Miss Hilda Beverley's company, at the Hippodrome, Birkenhead , this week, is sure to attract full houses The new melodrama, "When there was war," tells the story of a gang of German spies in England. Miss Beverley plays the principal part, and is ably supported by Gilbert Grenville (Captain A. Leigh), Jack Armitage (Lieut. E Freshwater), Mr. Wallace Black (Private J. Shallum), J. L. Inglis (Colonel Carruthers), Miss Nina Hardinge (Lillian Carruthers), the heroine of the play, and the rest of the company, acted commendably’. Liverpool Echo, 5 January 1915.
23 Apr 1917 The Spirit of the Empire Professional
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Performed for one week.
14 May 1917 Stop Press Professional
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‘At the Birkenhead Hippodrome, this week, Magini and Co. present “Stop Press.” It is an excellent revue, and includes plenty of songs and dances; whilst a special feature of note was the excellent humour supplied by Miss Kitty Major, who scores a great success’. Liverpool Echo, 15 May 1917.
1 Oct 1917 Opkins On Fatigue Professional
18 Mar 1918 Hotch Potch Professional
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Performers: Fred Kitchen, Nora Delany
15 Apr 1918 Peace Time Prophecies or Stories Gone Wrong Professional
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‘“I was all right in the Army, but I’m blinkin’ well C3 in Society, and I wish someone would start a nice quiet war again.” Thus Old Bill, Bairnsfather’s famous hero, when he is discharged from the Army and is being feted by duchesses and cooks. The clever skit written by J. Hastings Turner in his wittiest vein, is one the many episodes in “Bubbly,” that sparkling musical play due at Birkenhead Hippodrome next week. “ Bubbly,” which ran for 400 nights at the Comedy Theatre, is one of Mr. Clarke’s best bookings, and that is saying something when one remembers the enterprise that has been lavished on the Grange-road house’ (Liverpool Echo, 12 April 1918). ‘“Bubbly,’’ the book of which is J. Hastings Turner (of “Nothing New” fame), made its initial appearance in this district at the Birkenhead Hippodrome, and found much favour. It is full of amusing comedy, and Mr. Clarke is to be congratulated on securing such a very great attraction’ (Liverpool Echo, Tuesday 16 April 1918).
17 Jun 1918 Three Cheers Professional
19 Aug 1918 Ocean Waves Professional
9 Sep 1918 Rations Professional
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‘Both houses [at the Birkenhead Hippodrome] on Monday evening enthusiastically appreciated Fred Karno’s timely production “Rations.” The piece is styled as a revuette, and has been written by Bert Lee in collaboration with R. P. Weston. There are five scenes, the first of which is set in a park and the main business transacted is the rationing of kisses. The dialogue is amusing throughout, and the other scenes wherein we find the autocratic butcher and the queue, and dame hoarders are interestingly conceived. The last scene is something of a patriotic one and cannot be complete without a tank. One can practically say that Robb Wilton, who plays many parts is the person responsible for the volumes of laughter. He has a personality which cannot fail to evoke a smile, and his audiences were thoroughly pleased. Miss Winnie Collins has some dainty songs, and as dainty a manner as one could wish for in the parts she has given to her. The remainder of the cast who are ably assisted by a vivacious chorus are Donald Mackay, Cissie Buckland, Bernard Sydney, Florence Palmer, Fred Simpson, F. Culmer, and Sydney and Laurie. The vaudeville items which preceded “Rations” were quite entertaining' (Birkenhead News, 11 September 1918).
14 Oct 1918 A 'Change Of Tactics' Professional
14 Apr 1919 Parker’s Appeal Professional
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‘Although the day of tribunals and “calling up” is over, Charles Austin manages to keep audiences in roars of laughter with his sketch “Parker’s Appeal.” This artiste, whose popularity was again evidenced last night when he appeared at the Birkenhead Hippodrome, has a keen sense humour, and his study of the bibulous brewery worker is extremely funny. He is ably supported by a strong company’ (Liverpool Daily Post, 15 April 1919). ‘Few, if any, comedians are more popular at Birkenhead than the inimitable Charles Austin, who pays a welcome return visit to this Grange-road Theatre, during the current week. In his production “Parker’s Appeal,” which is presented in three scenes, the original “Parker” has ample scope to display his ability as a mirth-provoker. In view of the fact that the “plot” is based on the Tribunals, the production may appear somewhat out of date, but at the same time it can be safely said that the gags and witticisms are very up-to-date, as was evinced on Monday evening, when two crowded audiences were kept in a high state of merriment’ (Birkenhead News, 16 April 1919).
21 Apr 1919 Jolly Times Professional
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Noted in The Stage, 24 April 1919: ‘In “Jolly Times” Joe Alexandra (sic) works hard and with success. Jack Byrne and Glory Devon and Gilda Gordon provide the variety turns’.
21 May 1923 The Man Who Stayed At Home Professional
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Performed Whit Monday,