Empire, Garston

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and Co.

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and Co.

‘Dramatic fare new to Garston will be the Empire’s delight next week. The South-end will witness Miss Emma Litchfield’s new play, “Home Once More.” Miss Litchfield (authoress of many good plays and a talented actress) is assured [of] a hearty welcome on her first appearance at this theatre’ (Liverpool Echo, 7 July 1916). ‘Miss Emma Litchfield scores a decided success in “Home Once More,” a strong production dealing with sea life and British naval heroism. The authoress takes the part of Mary Lorraine, and is well supported’ (Liverpool Echo, 11 July 1916).

"John Raymond's Daughter", a problem play, dealing with the stubbornness of the father, who, in his wrong interpretation of a "just man", brings nothing but trouble to all concerned, is admirably played. ('Liverpool Echo', 18 July 1916, p.4)

‘Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company present “Neither Wife nor Maid,” a drama which cannot fail to secure attention. It was well received last night [at the Garston Empire]. Miss Ada Abbott and Mr. John Johnston are the leading performers. To-morrow (Wednesday), and two successive nights, “Sapho” will be produced’ (Liverpool Echo, 25 July 1916). At the Garston Empire ‘we are having a visit from Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s company, who are giving twice nightly “Neither Wife, Nor Maid” and “ Sapho.” Among the exponents are Miss Ada Abbott (as Meg and Sapho), and Messrs. John Johnston, Herbert Barrs, Chas. M. Julian, Edwin Keene, Edward Fryer, and Henry Philips’ (The Era, 26 July 1916).

‘The drama “Her Mother’s Crucifix” is a big attraction at the Garston Empire. It is very well acted ... This well-balanced company will present “Remember Belgium” on Thursday and Friday nights’. Liverpool Echo, 22 August 1916. Noted in The Era, 23 August 1916.

Twice nightly

These performances might not have gone ahead. Two actors in Somewhere A Heart Is Breaking, John Cook Hogg (who, ironically, played the 'villain' in the play) and Charles Horridge, were arrested for avoiding military service, taken before the Nottingham magistrates on 27 March, fined and handed over to the military. Both Hogg and the actress Charlotte Edith Mellor, who was living with him, were also fined under the Aliens Restriction Order for registering at their accommodation under Hogg's stage name (variously reported in the newspapers as Hinton, Linton and Lynmore) rather than his real one. The case was reported in the Nottingham Evening Post, 27 March 1917; the Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 28 March 1917; the Liverpool Daily Post, 28 March 1917; and The People, 1 April 1917. The Nottingham Evening Post, 27 March 1917, reported that Hogg and Mellor 'were due to open in Liverpool yesterday, and it was probable that the company would have to be broken up, for it was obvious that a play like “Somewhere a heart is breaking” could not get on without a villain. (Laughter.)’. The Liverpool Daily Post, 28 March 1917, reported that Hogg and Mellor 'were principals in the company which was due to open at Liverpool at the Garston Empire. The company had had to be broken up because they, with a second man, Charles Horridge, were detained in the raid and handed over to the military. They could not now go forward’. The People, 1 April 1917, reported, 'It was stated that the company had been unable to appear at Liverpool because of the arrests’.

(The Stage - Thursday 3 May 1917)

Performed for one week.

Performers: Matthew H Glenville and C Other acts on bill: Daddy's Girl

The Liverpool Echo, 16 November 1917, listed the Stop Press revue, including Tubby Turner, at the Garston Empire and commented, ‘“Stop Press,” the revue due at Garston Empire, has an alias, “Special Edition.” We have often thought of writing one – but second thoughts cropped up. Tubby Turner is the extra special in “Stop Press”’.

‘A successful initial presentation at Garston Empire of the new musical comedy, “Rosy Island,” ought to make good. An adaptable plot, several bright scenes, and much scope for specialities offer fruitful ground for Kitty Major, Lily Ennis, and James M’Kay’ (Liverpool Echo, 4 June 1918). The Era, 5 June 1918, reviewed ‘“Rosy Island.” Musical Comedy in our Scenes, Produced at the Garston Empire, Liverpool, on Monday, June 3’. The cast was: Rose Dawn … Miss Kitty Major Sadie Dollars … Miss Lily Ennis Margot May … Miss Rhoda Ring Iris Thyme … Miss Lillian Ravenscroft Ruby Love … Miss May Florence Marie Pearl … Miss May Holt Bill Adams … Mr. Jay Junior John Rocker [or Rochet or Rocket] … Mr. Arthur Emmet Lord Langer … Mr. James McKay Jacob Jones … Mr. Harry Holt. The review continued: ‘Mr. Tom Major, who is responsible for presenting this new work, is to be congratulated upon possessing a pretty little show, full of brightness and marked by some degree of originality. In many respects it avoids the beaten track and possesses merit of its own, which tends towards winning appreciation. There is just a insufficiency of humour, but that can easily be remedied; while the chorus of the girls, although well harmonised and excellent, might be strengthened by the addition of male voices. The story is somewhat new, and tells how a number of girls, whilst on a pleasure cruise, become wrecked on an island, where they are called upon to provide for themselves until rescued. There is a love interest hidden away beneath a vein of intrigue, which adds much to the attractiveness of the plot. Introduced into the work are several entirely new and pleasing choruses, while the individual numbers are quite acceptable. Miss Kitty Major, as a supposed fisher girl bent upon doing good, was especially good, and found favour, among her numbers being “Grandma’s Advice,” which was warmly appreciated. Miss Lily Ennis, as the Revue Queen, pleased everybody, and had a capital song and chorus, “A Dip in the Briny.” Possessed of a tuneful voice, Miss May Florence rendered “The Kiss that Made You Mine” in effective manner. Mr. James McKay had a popular number, “Lovely Girls You Will Find in Other Climes(?)”; and Mr. Harry Holt proved an exceedingly funny and resourceful comedian. The comedy was perfectly staged, with entirely new scenery, and the dresses somewhat above the average’.