Borough Theatre, Stratford

‘Variety will take the place of drama at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, next week, and the change ought to suit the present temper of our people. The spirit of war pervades the programme. George Barnes will present his Australian Naval Scouts; Arthur Page and Mildred Sylvestre will present “The Spy”; and Miss Ellen Nelson will produce a thrilling dramatic episode, “War Declared”’ (East London Observer, 10 October 1914). The Stage, 15 October 1914, reviewed the sketch: ‘On Monday, at the Borough, Stratford, Miss Ellen Nelson produced a dramatic episode, in one act, by Percy Ford, entitled:- War’s Declared’. The cast was: Colonel Maynard, Alfred Goddard; Mrs. Maynard, Ellen Nelson; Lieut. Cathcart, J. R. Tozer; Maisie Burton, Maude McCullock; Footman, William Flude; Count von Hammerstein, Fernley Bisshopp. The review continued: ‘The scene is laid at the house of Colonel Maynard, whose brother-in-law, Lieut. Cathcart, had some time previously forged Maynard’s name to a cheque. To save exposure Cathcart seeks the assistance of Count von Hammerstein, a foreign attaché, who insists that the price of his silence shall be certain private Government information that Cathcart is to procure. At the time the action opens Cathcart is under orders to entrain for Scotland, but the Count, hearing of an important Cabinet meeting, brusquely informs Cathcart that unless he imparts the Cabinet’s decision, which he will be able to ascertain over the ‘phone, he will expose him as an informer and forger. Cathcart explains that he is under orders to leave town. The count suggests that his sister, Mrs. Maynard, shall procure the information. Later Colonel Maynard receives the all-important telephone communication, and discovers his wife hiding in an adjoining cabinet. Thinking she has been eavesdropping with the intention of selling information to the Count, he is about to shoot her when Cathcart rushes into the room and confesses his complicity in the affair. The Colonel gravely informs him that war has been declared against von Hammerstein’s Government: he hands him a revolver and remarks that if Cathcart is alive at the expiration of an hour he will be arrested as a traitor. Cathcart takes the revolver and shoots himself. The Colonel sends for von Hammerstein and openly gives him the information he was so anxious to obtain, “War’s Declared.” First acting honours must be awarded Miss Ellen Nelson, who gives an impassioned reading of the distraught Mrs. Maynard. Mr. Alfred Goddard conveys point and emphasis to Colonel Maynard; and Mr. J. R. Tozer is polished in all he does as the unhappy Lieut. Cathcart. Mr. Fernley Bisshop is responsible for an excellent character study of Count von Hammerstein. Miss Maude McCullock and Mr. William Flude do all that is required of them in minor rôles’.

‘At the Borough Theatre, Stratford, next week, “The Man Who Stayed at Home,” the successful Royalty Theatre Spy Play, will be presented by Messrs. Vedrenne and Eadie’s Company ... The play of the moment, a play of German spies and English spy-catchers, it is full of amusement and not without exciting moments ... The play is delightfully ingenious. Never for moment does it lose its grip, and the excitement is almost continuously intense. The strong cast includes George Tully, Gordon Bailey, George Martin, A. R. Whatmore, Charles Grenville, Geo. Hewetson, Mary Merrall, Esty Marsh, Mary Relph, Florence Harwood, Lola Duncan and Valerie Richards’. East London Observer, 27 March 1915.

The Era, 8 August 1917, reviewed ‘“For Sweethearts and Wives.” Naval Drama, in Four Acts, Produced at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, on Monday, Aug. 6’. The cast was: George Gold, Henry Bedford; Engineer-Commander Frank Manley, R.N., Jackson Hayes; Captain Sir Richard Gaythorne, Leo Heron; Captain Hardy, R.N., Cole Aspinall; Lieut. Wilson, R.N., R. Soutter; Corpl. Robert Manley, Tim Plaford; Fredk. Sharp, W. G. Blunt; William Strong, Ronald Adair; Fregatten Kapitan Karl Schmidt, Wilfrid George; Corvetten Kapitan Heinrich Heier, F. Roy Jackson; Fritz Reitze, Elliott Hill; Charlie Page, L. T. Cliff; Tom Brown, F. Roberts; Adam Bell, George Scott; Tom Jones, Henry Jackson; Dame Manley, Polly Marsh; Trixie, Hettie Gale; Mary Gold, Nina Oldfield; Blanche Pearl, Julie Kennard. The review continued: ‘On Bank Holiday the Borough Theatre, Stratford, reopened with this new and startling naval melodrama, with appropriate attractions in the shape of submarine and sea-battle and electrical effects of a sensational nature. It was produced by Henry Bedford, and the incidental music is by H. Sullivan-Brooke … The piece is bright, breezy, and full of realistic incident. The working of the submarine-chaser model and the interior of a U-boat fitted with wireless and periscope complete are noteworthy examples. It is capitally staged and acted’ (The Era, 8 August 1917). ‘“For Sweethearts and Wives,” a strong naval drama from the pen of Arthur Rosebery – previously produced under the title of “The Master Man” at Plymouth and at the Pavilion, Mile End, in April, 1910 – made its initial appearance at Mrs. C. Ellis-Fredericks’s house on the afternoon of August Bank Holiday. The author, by means of revisions and topical additions, has made the drama one of peculiar at the present time, dealing, as it now does, with the submarine menace, and he has been singularly successful in his treatment of the dialogue and both being direct and tensely interesting ... There are no longer any allusions to the Boer War, and quite new is most of act four, which opens on the interior of a German submarine built after Manley’s model ... “Sweethearts and Wives” was enthusiastically received by a large audience on the occasion of our visit, which augurs well for the ensuing tour. It is excellently staged throughout, and special mention should be made of the Birthplace of Battleships and the Flood in Act 2, and the Submarine Interior in the final act; also of the quarterdeck of H. M. S. Glorious, and of the decoy ship Vulkan’ (The Stage, 9 August 1917). 'This powerful and Interesting play, written by Arthur Rosebery, met with a most favourable reception on Monday last by a delighted audience [at the Borough, Stratford]. The story deals with a very much up-to-date subject, namely the present submarine menace Most of the striking situations centre round, as they naturally should, the hero, Frank Manley, a clever inventor in naval matters. A very interesting scene is provided by the interior of a German submarine, built after Manley’s model, whose designs have been stolen by a German spy, who has been masquerading under the name of Henry Hawker when employed as manager of an English engineering firm ... There should a happy future for this stirring up-to-date naval drama’ (The People, 12 August 1917). ‘There is no doubt about the success of “For Sweethearts and Wives.” It opened at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, on Monday to business of £275, and the theatre has been sold out the whole week’ (Weekly Dispatch (London), 12 August 1917).

‘Young and old can delight in that interesting play, “A Kiss for Cinderella,” which is the forthcoming attraction at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, next Monday. The play presents Sir James Barrie in his best vein. Poetry, humanity, imagination, tenderness. Everything. It is triumph for all concerned. Miss Emma and Mr. Percy Hutchison present their principal company in this great fantasy, headed by Miss Gertrude Lang and Mr. F. Pennington-Gush’. East London Observer, Saturday 17 November 1917.

‘Next Monday at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, there will be commenced a special attraction for one week only, “For England, Home and Beauty.” This will be presented by a very strong and capable company, and should draw well’. East London Observer, 13 April 1918.

‘A fine programme has been arranged by the management of the Borough Theatre, Stratford, for next week, when Arthur Rosebery presents Hettie Gale and full London company in the great naval play, “For Sweethearts and Wives”. The play abounds in exciting episodes and thrilling situations. Good takings are predicted for next week. The play will be staged nightly, while there are two matinees, Wednesday and Saturday, at 2.30’. East London Observer, 1 June 1918.

‘The Borough Theatre, Stratford, will re-open on August Bank Holiday, when Mr. Arthur Rosebery will present Hettie Gale, Dave O’Toole, Will Priestley, Fred Ellis, and a full London company of artistes in the musical, sporting, naval and military play, “Real Sports.” The play is in two acts and seven scenes, including the quarterdeck of a battleship and Epsom Downs on Derby Day' (East London Observer, 3 August 1918). The Era, 7 August 1918, reviewed ‘ “Real Sports.” Musical Play, in Two Acts and Seven Scenes, by Arthur Rosebery. Music by Ernest Vousden. Produced at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, on Monday, August 5’. The cast was: Ria Breeze, Dave O’Toole; Sergt. Major Bob Breeze, Will Priestley; Podgy, Clifton Dane; Col. Sterling, Fred A. Ellis; Count Romanoff, Edgar C. Milton; Willie Clarkson, Tony Snape; Bob Cash, Fred Richards; Flora, Princess Delhi; Jack, Beattie Browning; Tom, May Grayce; Cora, Grace Vasey; Kitty, Hetty Gale. The review continued: ‘There is some good comedy in Mr. Rosebery’s latest production, seen at the Borough Theatre, Stratford, on Monday afternoon, and also a strong dramatic note. The first scene is laid outside Bob Breeze’s Palace of Harmony, where Ria, his wife, is in charge whilst Bob is in France. On his return home he seeks a lottery ticket sent to his wife, and which she has parted with to Kitty, who says she put it in her Cinderella panto dress, which has gone back to Willie Clarkson’s, a fine opening for a scene at the popular costumier’s emporium. Here the ticket cannot be found. Cora, the wife of Count Romanoff, whose first husband, Col. Sterling, V.C., after being thought dead, turns up again, comes to see Mr. Clarkson to be made look young and beautiful, so that she may again charm the Colonel. In the succeeding scene, the Covent Garden Ballroom, the Count and the Colonel meet, and a stormy encounter is the result. Both these gentlemen are running horse in the Derby, and the three scenes forming the second act are laid on Epsom Downs, the Colonel’s horse, “Jolly Jack,” beating the Count’s horse, “Revenge,” in a canter; the Count is arrested as a spy, leaving Cora and the Colonel free, and Kitty, who has the lottery ticket all the time, wins the prize, and marries Podgy, who makes a substantial present to Bob Breeze and Ria, and thus all ends merrily. The book is quite well written, and very topical, and the music as tuneful as could be desired, whilst the show is well produced' (The Era, 7 August 1918).

Performed for the week with matinee Wednesday.

For six nights at 7.30 with matinee at 2.30 Wednesday.