Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen

An attractive programme is again submitted by Con Conrad's Novelty Minstrels are a mirth and musical combination of versatile art who appear in fantastical costumes, and perform effectively of the visible feelings of the audience. Francis and Alfred are skilful jugglers who score a success. The Sisters Mestrys Belgian acrobats are heartily applauded for clever revolving trapeze work. How Mac Joined the Sodgers, a Scotch composition with a patriotic flavour is well received. Olga Sloan comedienne is popular. The Gann Graphic is a pleasing feature of the programme. (The Stage - Thursday 4 March 1915)

‘There is a super-abundance of talent the Tivoli this week … The concluding item is a dream play entitled “The Slacker,” in which the man who stayed behind is made to realise that he owes a duty to his King and country. The scene is laid in the drawing-room of a suburban villa where two Tommies have been billeted overnight by the lady of the house unknown to her husband, a gentleman of the “knutty” persuasion. He dreams of Zeppelin raids, his home in danger, and his wife wounded. All this, coupled with the persuasive appeal by the senior Tommy, has the desired effect. He enlists as a private. Mr Gilbert Heron as “ The Slacker” and Jessie Danvers as his wife are the outstanding characters in the play’. Aberdeen Evening Express, 22 February 1916.

Performed by Miss Beaumont Collins.

Performed for the week by Harry Buss. Other acts on the same bill: Nella Webb (singer, accompanied by Mr Elven Hedges (ragtime pianist), the Bradshaws (acrobats), Hall and Turn (hand and foot balancing), Miss Amy Bryce (singer), Mr. Shepherd and his orchestra accompaniments. 'The playlet is well stage-set, and Mr. Harry Buss keeps the rolling-ball of fun perpetually on the move. His song, which is going to catch on, is "In an Old French Trench"... "In The Trenches" goes well ' (Aberdeen Daily Journal, 13 March 1917)

‘After the spring and summer recess, the Tivoli will open for the autumn and winter season on Monday next week … The first attraction is a masterpiece sketch by Sir J. M. Barrie, a playlet that will be presented for the first time to an Aberdeen audience. The sketch, which is entitled, “The New Word,” is said to be written in Barrie’s best vein, and is produced by Miss Helen Haye and her London company’. Aberdeen Evening Express, Saturday 18 August 1917. ‘The playlet, “The New Word”, by J. M. Barrie, is excellently played by Helen Haye and company’ at the Tivoli, Aberdeen. The Stage, 23 August 1917.

The 'Aberdeen Press and Journal' praised the production as "unquestionably the best revue that has ever been presented in Aberdeen" (12 March 1918)

‘Revue again holds the boards at the Tivoli, and there was but one opinion of the light, and airy “Rations” presented by Fred Karno’s capable company last night to crowded and delighted houses. With the thinnest texture of a story the revue runs pleasantly through five scenes, and the droll situations and amusing skit on the humorous side of rationing perplexities were provocative of the heartiest laughter. In the parts of Kiss Controller, the Butcher, and Bill, Fred Sinclair is a comedian of versatility, and his points never failed to score, his personations in the park, the butcher’s shop, Lady Hoardley’s secret, and Tank Day creating much merriment. He was ably supported by Donald Mackay, whose catchy song, “Peace Time in Piccadilly,” was topically appropriate. Of the ladies, Winnie Collins has the largest share of the work, and she does it uncommonly well and with captivating artistry. She sings three capital songs – “Keep it Dark,” “Wear less Clothes,” and “The Wallpaper Parade.” The other outstanding members of the company are Fred Simpson, Bernard Sydney, F. Slater, Mildred Darrell, and Florence Palmer. For “beauty” and singing ability, the chorus reaches a high standard, and altogether “Rations” may be accepted as a delightful contribution to the pleasures of “peace” evenings'. Aberdeen Evening Express, 12 November 1918.

The Stage, 30 January and 6 February 1919, listed the revue Good Old Times as On Tour from 3 February at the Tiv., Aberdeen. . The Aberdeen Press and Journal, 3 February 1919, advertised at the Tivoli ‘Special Attraction. The Provincial Revue Syndicate presents “Good Old Times,” a Musical Comedy Revue in Three Scenes. All-Star Cast, including George Lawrence, George S. Young, Peggy Macintosh, The Mons Star Troupe of Dancers. Full Chorus of English and French Beauties’.