New Theatre Royal, Birkenhead

Performers: Cecile Barclay, Rupert Lister

‘A new play, described as “a drama dealing with the burning question of the day,” is to be presented for the first time on Merseyside at the New Theatre Royal, Birkenhead, next week. Coupled with the above-mentioned description, its title, “The Unmarried Mother,” may be said to speak for itself. There is a heroine in a lamentable plight, and a soldier-lover' (Birkenhead News, 21 August 1915). ‘What is described as Mr. Oswald Cray’s “latest drama on the burning question of the day” is being presented at the New Theatre Royal this week. It is entitled “The Unmarried Mother,” and is from the pen of C. Vernon Proctor. The play revives, in a very definite and unqualified way, the “war baby” question, which gave rise to considerable controversy a few months ago. Generally speaking, the author had no lack of dramatic precedents for dealing with the social and moral position of the young unmarried mother. Some of the more conspicuous examples of plays of this type will readily be called to mind. In the play under notice, however, Mr. Proctor has taken the “war” aspect of the subject. It is to be regretted that he has so openly exalted what he calls “the law of love” over the law of morality, and has thought fit to preach the doctrine that a girls [sic] commits no wrong if she brings on motherhood, so. long as her soldier sweetheart conies bask and marries her later on. He had good dramatic material without, for the play works up to denouements of considerable force and pathos. The story concerns a girl who is in the position of a servant in the house of a man of good social. standing. There is a secret, however, which, when revealed, shows a prior moral fall very much like her own, except that there was affection in one case, and villainy in the other' (Birkenhead News, 25 August 1915).

‘Once nightly is the rule at the New Theatre Royal this week, when Mr. E. T. Platt presents “The Man Who Stayed at Home.” The play is well known, and has had a long run in London. Mr. Charles Froode [sic – Troode], whose clever portrayal of the difficult role of Christopher Brint [sic – Brent] was greatly appreciated, was ably assisted by Miss Evelyn Walsh Hall as Miriam Lee [sic – Leigh], Miss Mary Lincoln as Molly Preston, Messrs. Goodwin Nock as Carl Sadderson [sic – Sanderson], Graham Harrington [ sic - Herington], Russell Bendle, and Misses Ethel Russell, Dorothy Hall (as Fraulein Schroeder) and Edith Cuthbert’ (Liverpool Echo, 14 September 1915). Also noted in The Stage, 16 September 1915.

‘On Monday night the [New Theatre Royal] was filled with a thoroughly appreciative audience to witness a new play of thrilling and stirring interest. “His Last Leave” is a drama fully up-to-date which appeals to all at this time. It depicts incidents of love and truthfulness, as also the temptations that come across the lives of many young people at the present day. The company is a first-class one. Mr. James Hart as Richard Maxwell gives the audience a through idea of what may happen to many of our brave lads who are doing duty for their King and country. Miss Lilian Fenn as Rose Maxwell (Dick’s wife) pourtrays well the temptations and trials that come across the lives of many women. Mr. Edwin Davies as Captain Saltaire is first-class, and he is ably assisted by Miss Gwynne Warren. Comic relief to the serious side of the play is afforded by Mr. J. Mailey as Corporal Tim Trimfoot. There should be big houses at the New Theatre Royal throughout the week’ (Birkenhead News, 13 June 1917). ‘Some 1,200 wounded soldiers were present at Mr. W. W. Kelly's usual matinee at the New Theatre Royal on Wednesday, and it should go without saying that they “enjoyed the show,” seeing that the play of the week is a military romance – “His Last Leave.” Mr. W. H. Glaze's company rose to the occasion, and gave the soldiers a very good presentation of the play. Mr. Kelly delivered a brief cheery speech, heartily welcoming “the boys” as usual. He alluded to the news of the air raid on London then coming through, and said he was sure that when any of those before him went back to the trenches, they would endeavour to avenge these outrages on civilians - a sentiment promptly responded to. Mr. Chabot, manager of the company, and Miss Lilian Fenn, who plays the heroine in the piece, also spoke, and Sergt. Hales responded’ (Birkenhead News, 16 June 1917).

‘“For Sweethearts and Wives” is presented this week at the Birkenhead Theatre Royal by Arthur Roseberry’s [sic] company. Melodrama pure and unadulterated, “For Sweethearts and Wives” holds the interest of the audience by a series of sensational episodes and by its strong patriotic and naval atmosphere. The play is creditably acted’ (Liverpool Daily Post, 30 April 1918). ‘At the New Theatre Royal this week Mr. Arthur Rosebery with a first-class company presents the great Naval drama of to-day, entitled “Sweethearts and Wives.” The house was a packed one, and the audience most appreciative and enthusiastic. The drama is a most thrilling one, abounding with unexpected incidents throughout, the scenery being a great asset (Birkenhead News, 1 May 1918).

Mr. Arthur Denville's Famous Stock Company will present an absolutely new Play entitled: A Broken Doll . A Play that will appeal to all classes. (Birkenhead News Saturday 14 June 1919)

‘Large audiences witnessed on Monday night at the New Theatre Royal, Argyle-street, Birkenhead, the presentation by Mr. Alfred Denville’s capable stock company of Clifford Rean’s drama, “The Girl who changed her mind.” Whilst there is plenty of “work” in the piece of the dramatic order, it also contains an element of comedy to a considerable extent. Miss Kate Saville very successfully plays the part of Ruth Vallender, the daughter of Sir William Vallender, Squire of Rathmore, whose racing ventures have brought him down in the world. The latter character is well impersonated by Mr. R Seath Innes. As the villain of the play, Capt. Frank Cave to wit, Mr. Beckett Bould gives a capital impersonation, and Dennis Royston, a gentleman farmer, who may be designated the hero of the play, is excellently pourtrayed by Mr. Jack McCaig. The other artistes supporting these principals lend excellent aid to the effective rendition of the drama’. Birkenhead News, 2 July 1919.

Presented by Thomas C. Dagnall's company. Cast included: Lawrence Anderson (actor), Alfred Harding (actor), Vincent Holman (actor), Dorothy Clifton (actress), Nancy Imlach (actress), Wilson Blake (stage manager). "suits the taste of local playgoers. The crisp dialogue and stirring situations of the play were keenly enjoyed" (Stage, 25 September 1919)

Not performed by E. Vivian Edmonds' company. Notice for the New Royal Theatre, Birkenhead, ‘The Denville-Kelly stock season continues to be successful. The fourth week’s attraction is Coming Home, and the company do justice to the play. A twice-nightly programme, without early doors or booking fees, is proving popular with playgoers’. ( Stage, 17 June 1920)