Great War Theatre

Address: Folkestone, UK

Performances at this Theatre

Date Script Type
11 Sep 1916 A Kiss For Cinderella Professional
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The Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser, 19 August 1916, reported that Barrie’s ‘fantasy’ A Kiss for Cinderella was coming to the Pleasure Gardens Theatre, Folkestone on 11 September. The Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, 9 September 1916, published a preview of the production. The Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser, 16 September 1916, published a review of the production.
26 Dec 1916 The Bing Boys Are Here Professional
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‘It was a decidedly good stroke of business to secure the great Alhambra success as the Christmas week attraction at the Pleasure Gardens Theatre. It is precisely the kind of production that is most popular at this season of the year - bright, breezy, and exhilarating, with an abundance of good music and catchy songs, interspersed with some clever dances. We not want to be bothered with problem plays at Yuletide - some do not care for them at any time - and even a serious drama is rather heavy fare. The average playgoer, having put his gastronomical system to a pretty severe test, does not wish to tax his brain too severely, preferring some such light relaxation as that provided by Messrs. George Grossmith and Edward Laurillard’s revue as an antidote to the strain upon his digestive organs ... The first performance of the visit was given on Boxing Day afternoon, when there was a big “house,” but the audience in the evening was one of the overflowing variety. Every reserved seat was booked beforehand, and many were unable to gain admission at all. (By the way, there was a similar experience on Saturday night, when the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company concluded its engagement with a repetition of “The Mikado”). The production is full to the brim of good songs and fun'. Folkestone, Hyde, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, 30 December 1916.
9 Aug 1917 Inside the Lines Professional
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Last 3 days of the week after Hastings.
1 Oct 1917 Inside the Lines Professional
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3 nights only
3 Jun 1918 Inside the Lines Professional
1 Jul 1918 Ocean Waves Professional
4 Oct 1918 The Luck Of The Navy Professional
11 Nov 1918 The Live Wire Professional
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‘“The Live Wire,” a vibrant spy play, opened a week’s engagement at the Pleasure Gardens Theatre on Monday. The ban, so far as the military was concerned, had been lifted, and it was peace night (or as good as peace night) and - well, there’s not much need to say there was almost a crowded house, and that many bright sparks gave vent to the joyousness of the occasion. “Be little gentlemen” was the motto of the hour, and it must be confessed that the manager handled the situation with discrimination and tact. A play, to be successful on an occasion like this, needs to be strong in interest. “The Live Wire” is that, sure. It held the house, in spite of such diversions as we have suggested., and one was thrilled as the story developed (Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser, 16 November 1918). ‘A large audience assembled at the Pleasure Gardens Theatre on Monday night to enjoy the performance of “The Live Wire,” a spy play by Sydney Blow and Douglas Hoare, presented by Andre Charlot. In consequence of the news of the cessation of hostilities the “house” was in a particularly happy mood, and the younger military officers gave “side shows” in the intervals' (Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, 16 November 1918). ‘At the Pleasure Gardens Theatre on Monday night between the acts of “The Live Wire,” officers of the Royal Air Force gave impromptu turns in front of the curtain, much to the amusement of the audience. At the Leas Pavilion a similar unrehearsed performance was given, but here again, the best of good humour prevailed’ (Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, 16 November 1918).
7 Jul 1919 Tails Up Professional
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Reviewed in the Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, 12 July 1919 (‘The War Office and the nouveaux riches are mercilessly satisfied [sic – surely satirised]’); and in the Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser, 12 July 1919.
8 Nov 1920 The Amorist Professional