Palace Theatre, Derby

Advertised in the Derbyshire Advertiser, as "Twice nightly" performances, "7 & 9". Derbyshire Advertiser, 1 October 1915.

‘Problem plays have created many huge sensations in the past, and a play that has created one of the biggest sensations of all is the “Unmarried Mother,” a thrilling pathetic drama from the pen of C. Vernon Proctor. This astounding play will be produced at the popular Palace Theatre during next week by Mr. Oswald Cray. The authorities tell us there are thousands of war babies expected in the United Kingdom. What is to be done with them? This vital problem of the moment is dealt with in a sympathetic, comprehensive manner in “The Unmarried Mother" ... Apart from the vital problem with which it deals, the play is a thrilling and interesting one, and can hardly fail to attract large houses’ (Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 29 October 1915). ‘Big houses assembled on Monday night to witness the production, at the Palace Theatre, of Mr. Oswald Cray’s latest drama, entitled “The Unmarried Mother,” a piece which has met with very great success wherever it has been seen' (Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 5 November 1915).

Performed for the week.

'greatest Rosary play ever staged', (Derbyshire Advertiser, 31 December 1915)

‘This week, Miss Emma Litchfield’s Company is appearing the Palace Theatre in “Home Once More,” a patriotic play from Miss Litchfield’s own pen. The story unfolded is full of human interest ... There is a happy conclusion to the story, Capt. Forrester and Mary being again united in the bonds of home and love. Miss Emma Litchfield as Mary Lorraine is extremely good, whilst Miss Ena Newham as Stella Richmond acts her part well. Miss Lillie Livesey as Yvette D’Arville, a French actress, is very pleasing, and adds much to the success of the production. Mr. S. P. Goodyer-Kettley is seen at his best as Capt. Geoffrey Forrester, R.N., and Mr. Conrad E. Stratford assumes the rôle of Lieut. Eric Lorraine. Mr. Lionel Balmont takes the part of Lieut. Aubrey Neilson, whilst much genuine fun is introduced into the production by Mr. Tom H. Solly as Jack Anderson, A.B., and Mr. Larry Clements as Barney McChree. The part of Detective Kirley [sic - Kirby] is played by Mr. Charles Edwards’. Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 8 January 1916.

‘Next week lovers of wholesome drama will experience a treat from the visit, after some ten years’ absence, of Mr. Ernest R. Abbott’s well-known company, who will present their latest success, “Neither Wife nor Maid,” for three nights, Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, and the play “Sapho” on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. “Neither Wife nor Maid” is a strong emotional drama, with some real good comedy’ (Derby Daily Telegraph, 16 June 1917). Neither Wife Nor Maid ‘was played with great success on Monday night. It is a thrilling emotional piece, and will please all regular visitors of the Palace, while the touch of comedy which is introduced makes a splendid background for throwing up the main theme. The story is rather intricate, but is splendidly worked out, and the finish is a very satisfactory one, while the mother’s love for her fine son cannot fail to make strong appeal’ (Derby Daily Telegraph, 19 June 1917).

"The Girl and the Blackguard" is the title of the drama to be presented at The Palace next week, and as it deals with facts culled from the life of "The Clown Prince" it should prove an unquestionable draw. It will be fresh in the memory of most of our readers that an English lady who had held the post of governess in a certain noble Prussian family, on making her escape from Germany to England, made an exposure of many incidents which came under her personal view in the German capital. It is from this material that the author has written his play. "The Girl and the Blackguard" so that apart from actual amusement to be found at the Palace next week there will be the added piquancy of witnessing actual history. The management have shown enterprise in producing the presentation of this drama, which will have a strong cast including the well-known Adelphi actor Mr. Royce Carleton, and perhaps the highest paid comedian out of London Mr. Leo Rose. The play affords great scope for display, and this has been taken full advantage of by Messrs. Baugh and Carleton, responsible for staging of this production in Derby. (Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 07 July 1917) "The Girl and the Blackguard" should draw large audiences to the Palace all through this week, not only on account of its special interest in these times relating as it does episodes from the life of the "Crown Prince" but also because of the original and business like way in which it is presented. Not a second is wasted, and as the American would say, "they do hustle some." Messrs. Baugh and Royce Carleton are responsible for its presentation, the latter taking the part of Lord Ewart of Glenmore, Attache to the Court, while Miss Margaret Hobart appears as Helen Maynard a young English girl. The plot is founded on the revelations made by an English lady who had held her post as a governess in a noble Prussian family and made her escape to England where she exposed many infamous incidents, which came under her notice. While some startling revelations are made, there is nothing in the play to offend, but on the contrary, there is much to provide a hearty laugh. The story proceeds, and shows the Prince enjoying himself with the French wines, and concludes with peace being declared and the boys coming home. Other characters introduced include the Prince Royal, who is being brought up by Hunnish methods and is brutally treated; Sir Evelyn Bond, the British Ambassador, and Nobby Clarke, Lord Ewart's soldier servant. The character of the Kaiser is well brought out, and the cowardice of the Crown Prince is another striking feature. (Derby Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 10 July 1917)

Twice nightly. ... the beautiful and pathetic drama... ('Derby Daily Telegraph', 25 August 1917, p. 1)

‘Next week the Palace management will again present two plays, “The Coward Who Made Good” holding the bill every evening except Friday, when “The Mormon and the Maid” will be substituted. The company is that of Miss Winifred Maude, and is under the direction of Mr. Victor Du Cane. It includes Miss Carrie Ellis, Miss Winnie Crichton, Mr. Victor Du Cane, and Miss Winifred Maude herself. An exceptionally fine plant of scenery is carried. “The Coward Who Made Good” is a powerful drama by Private Ivan Patrick Gore, and is described as a play “written by a soldier for the women who wait at home.” Friday’s selection, “The Mormon and the Maid,” deals with Mormonism” and the “white slave” traffic’ (Derby Daily Telegraph, 1 December 1917). ‘“The Coward Who Made Good,” a clever comedy-drama, which is being presented the Palace this week by Miss Winifred Maude’s Company, under the direction of Mr. Victor Du Cane, concerns a young subaltern who is branded as a coward, and is dismissed from the army. Determined to redeem his character, he again enlists, goes to France, wins the V.C, and returns a hero. He marries his father’s ward, Ruth Stanley [sic], who, with the assistance of some faithful friends, overcomes the foul machinations of Gaynor Carton, who is out to ruin both her and her husband. The author of the play is Pte. Ivan Patrick Gore, at present fighting in France, and it is in eight scenes. The staging is adequate, and the acting is all that could be desired. There are any number of exciting episodes, and some delightful comedy situations. Miss Winifred Maude acts with much charm and emotion as the heroine, and Mr. Arthur Vivian is a capable Dick Moore. Miss Winnie Crichton is a capital humorist, and Mr. Victor Du Cane is a comedian of no mean quality. On Friday evening “The Mormon and the Maid,” which deals with Mormonism and the white slave traffic, will be given' (Derby Daily Telegraph, 4 December 1917).

Performed by Will Casey's No. 1 company. 'A Mother's Sacrifice' performed during the second half of the week. Play described as an "up-to-the-moment" drama. ('Derby Daily Telegraph', 11 June 1918, p. 2)

‘The many patrons of Palace appreciate a good strong drama, and they expressed their approval in no half-hearted manner of the problem play “The Unmarried Mother” when it was presented at the opening of the week’s performances on Monday night. C. Vernon Proctor is the author, and for its presentation Mr. Oswald Cray has secured a strong cast, the members of which bring out to the full extent the powerful drama and the great pathos of the play ... The play is in six scenes, full of incident and interest, and it all ends on the right note’. Derby Daily Telegraph, 2 July 1918.

‘Mr. Ernest D. Abbott’s dramatic presentation at [the Palace] theatre on Monday night found great favour with the patrons [the play was The Passions] … On Thursday and Friday “Sapho” will replace “The Passions,” while on Saturday “Neither Wife nor Maid” will be shown’. Derby Daily Telegraph, 30 November 1920.