Pavilion, Northwich

Twelve performances were given, twice nightly from Monday 25 February to Saturday 2 March 1918 (newspaper reports do not mention matinées). All proceeds were donated to the Victoria Infirmary, Northwich. The Northwich Guardian reported, ‘Northwich is to have a revue entirely on its own, thanks to the fertile brain of a member of the theatrical profession who is at present engaged on clerical work at a munition factory in the Cheshire area. [...] The author is Mr. W. E. Graham [sic], who is personally supervising the rehearsals. There will be over 40 performers – all local artists, including a number of munition girls. The revue is being given under the auspices of the Patriotic Committee. [...] It is referred to as a “screamingly funny production”. When at Lancaster some time ago Mr. Graham was responsible for raising about £300 for the Lancaster Infirmary by a similar effort’ (15 February 1918) On 22 February 1918 the same paper reported, ‘Everybody is talking about the attraction at Northwich Pavilion next week. The production of a local effort is no mean event in a comparatively small town, and, hence, the extraordinary interest in the revue [...] those who witnessed a recent rehearsal describe it as a really fine production, brimming over with rollicking fun. Before taking up clerical work in a munition factory, Mr. Graham, who has long been connected with the theatrical profession, had considerable experience in the writing of revues. The play deals with Northwich and the immediate locality, and some of the scenes are associated with the everyday life of the munition workers. The proceeds of next week’s performances will be devoted to the Victoria Infirmary, the needs of which are more urgent to-day than at any time since it was established’. On 23 February 1918 the Northwich Chronicle reported, ‘Those who have not already booked their seats for the revue “Cheerio, Northwich” [...] are likely to experience grievous disappointment, for there has been a great rush for tickets. Local gossip has it that the revue will be great fun. It is topical and typical. Considering that it emanates from the Lostock and Plumbley Works, it is fitting that it should deal with munition making, and it abounds, we believe, in witticisms regarding the works and the district. One of the scenes is laid at Pickmere, and some good healthy fun should be looked for’. The Northwich Guardian (26 February 1918) reported, ‘Amongst the musical items “Cheerio, Northwich”, “Percy from Pickmere”, and “When We’re Dead and Gone” may be described as the tit-bits, and the concluding chorus, “The Allies’ Alphabet”, is remarkably good. The leading characters are capably portrayed, and there is a chorus of about 40 “munitioneers”. The Pavilion was crowded to its utmost capacity at each performance last night, and the bookings show that there will be packed “houses” during the remainder of the week.' The Northwich Guardian on 1 March carried reported, ‘“Cheerio, Northwich!” is proving a tremendous draw at the Pavilion [...]To imagine Northwich as a city, with tramcars running down Witton-street, and the houses all standing upright, is too funny for words. But, then, this wonderful transformation is not expected until “we’re dead and gone”!’. In a longer article it commented that 'The revue is exceedingly well written, and being distinctly local in its application, with special reference to those engaged on munitions, it has naturally proved a big attraction. This is shown by the fact that at each performance there has been a crowded audience, even with two houses nightly, and the bookings for the two remaining nights suggest that the accommodation of the Pavilion will be taxed to its utmost capacity. [...] Mrs. Grahame, too, is deserving of praise for her assistance in the training of the chorus, and in the general production. The “show” does great credit to the munition workers, and speaks volumes for the latent talent which is to be found in the immediate neighbourhood of Northwich. Miss Eileen Jones gives evidence of remarkable vocal attainments, and plays with marked success the part of Grace Lovell, a waif. Mr. J. McClive is exceptionally good in the role of Jack Bond, and displays a fine tenor voice. As Lady Lovell Miss Ethel Boon has a pleasing part, and in her acting and singing leaves nothing to be desired. Others who merit special note are Mr. C. Kelly as Clarence Gordon, Mr. E. Booth as Pepkins, a comedian of undoubted ability; Mr. C. Murfin as John Simkins, a typical “man in blue”; and Mr. Meakin as Tanner Bond. Mr. H. Newsome makes an ideal dude as “Percy from Pickmere”. [...] A feature of the performance is a clever speciality dance by Garry Turner and Florrie May.' The Northwich Chronicle on 2 March 1918 contained a lengthy review of the production: ‘there was some sweet and enjoyable singing combined with much admirable fooling which filled the audience with delight’. Considering that ‘all the performers are amateurs and munition workers at that, and that not one of them had ever appeared on a stage before, the result was wonderful’. The audience got ‘some reasonably good rhythm understandable of the people, with some catchy music, any amount of comedy and patter, wholesome dancing, lots of local hits and burlesques, one really pretty sylvan scene, and, throughout, a goodly setting’.