Grand Theatre, Stockton

‘Large audiences assembled last evening [at the Grand Theatre, Stockton] to witness a grand war drama entitled, “When there was War.” It is founded upon events in the present conflict, and one of the scenes is laid in the woods near Marne, and another at the military station at Harwich. The play is typically realistic and is presented by a strong company, including Miss Hilda Beverley, the producer, as “Gretchen Gesner,” a German spy; Mr. S. J. Andrews, as “Captain Leigh”; and Mr Wallace Black, as “Private Shallum”’. Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 23 March 1915.

‘In addition to being the authoress of that interesting new drama, “Home Once More,” the versatile Miss Emma Litchfield also takes the leading part, and at this theatre [the Grand Theatre. Stockton] last evening she charmed her audiences with her exposition of the role of “Mary Lorraine” in the breezy play, which has a strong flavour of naval matters. Mr S. P. Goodyer-Kettley ably supported her as “Capt. Forrester,” whilst Mr C. E. Stratford appeared with success as “Lieut. Lorraine,” Mr L. Balmont as “Lieut. Neilson,” and Miss Lillie Livesey as “Yvette D’Arville.” Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 17 August 1915.

Performed for the week with Valerie Russell and Stanley Ravenscroft.

Twice nightly

Twice nightly. A great domestic drama. (Daily Gazette, Middlesborough, 31st May, 1916).

‘“Home Once More,” which is to be produced at this theatre [the Grand Theatre, Stockton] next week by Miss Emma Litchfield, is from the pen of that popular authoress. It is a fine war story in Miss Litchfield’s best style, and she herself will appear as “Mary Lorraine,” supported by Messrs S. P. Goodyer-Kettley, O. E. Stratford [sic], and L. Balmont. An interesting feature will be the appearance of Trooper Heads, of the 9th Lancers, wounded five times, who will give his experiences in song and story’ (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 1 July 1916). The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 3 July 1916, advertised twice nightly at the Grand Theatre, Stockton, ‘Welcome Return Visits of Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company in “Home Once More.” Trooper Heads (9th Lancers), one of the Heroes of Mons, wounded five times, the man the Germans could not kill, will tell his experiences on Song and Story, illustrated by slides’. Also, ‘A capital patriotic play entitled “Home Once More” was presented [at the Grand Theatre, Stockton] last evening. There was any amount of strong drama with a full war flavour in the piece, and the talented actress-authoress, Miss Emma Litchfield, appeared as “Mary Lorraine.” Messrs. S. P. Goodyer-Kettley, C. E. Stratford, L. Balmont, and T. H. Solby [sic - Solly] were also in the caste. Trooper Heads, in song and story, gave his interesting war experiences’ (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 4 July 1916).

Noted in The Stage, 17 August 1916.

Performed twice nightly.

A one-off performance by special request with Stanley Ravenscroft performing.

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

The Daily Gazette For Middlesbrough, 20 August 1917, advertised at the Grand Theatre, Stockton, ‘Miss Emma Litchfield’s company in an Entirely New Production The Thrilling Domestic Drama: “Always Welcome,” By Emma Litchfield’.

Performed in repertoire alongside 'The Girl from America'

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

Advertisement for the Grand Theatre, Stockton: ‘Twice Nightly. Mr. Will H. Glaze presents the Great Moral Lesson Play, entitled “Home From The Trenches”. (By Arthur Jefferson)’. N.B. no definite performance date(s) mentioned. (North-Eastern) Daily Gazette (for Middlesbrough), 13 and 16 November 1918.