Training Camp, Ripon

‘Soldiers’ Theatre Opened. There has been set up an Entertainment Branch of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, and, under the direction of this body, several theatres have been erected at training camps in this country. One such has just been completed at Ripon, and it was opened on Saturday, amid much jubilation on the part of the men, by Lieut.-General Sir J. G. Maxwell, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command. The theatre is a modest building of wood, capable of seating 700, with standing space for an additional 100. It stands at the cross-roads, about midway between the North and South Camps, and is comfortably, though not ornately, furnished. Performances will be given in the theatre on the twice-nightly system, and the attraction for this week is Edgar Allan Brown's concert party “Charivari,” from Eastbourne. Next week the Garrison Theatre company will be here in the spy play, “The Man Who Stayed at Home.” Lieut.-General Maxwell, in opening the theatre on Saturday was accompanied by Lady Maxwell and Brigadier-General E. R. Simpson (G.O.C. Ripen Reserve Centre). There was a crowded gathering of officers and men. An excellent concert programme marked the opening “run”’ (Hull Daily Mail, 16 July 1917).