Theatrical Entertainment and the First World War in Richmond

education pack Contentso

Foreword 1

How to use this pack 2

Introduction R Theatre and the First World War 3

Entertaining Richmond R Local Theatres and Cinemas 5 R The Belgian Community 7

Confronting the War R Propaganda in the Cinema 9 R Escapism in Richmond’s Theatres and Cinemas 11

Theatre and Soldiers R Recruitment 13 R Entertaining Wounded Soldiers 15

Women and Theatre in Richmond R Gertrude Jennings 17 R Women and Fundraising 19

Into 1918 R J. M. Barrie and A Well-Remembered Voice 21

Further Information R Glossary 23 R Workshops and Places to Visit 24 W FOREWORD

In January 2016, the Arts and Humanities Research in live stage performances of J.M. Barrie’s 1918 play, A Council - in conjunction with the Centre for Everyday Well-Remembered Voice in the autumn. A modern theatre Lives at War based at the University of Hertfordshire - piece, developed by young people and Dramatic Edge provided a grant to fund a project exploring theatrical will also be developed and performed in the autumn. entertainment in Richmond and the surrounding area Following extensive research using Richmond’s Local during the First World War. After Tipperary: Theatrical Studies Library and Archive, and with the kind help of Entertainment and the First World War in Richmond aims Richmond Theatre, this cross curricular Education Pack to re-assess the impact of the war on the Home Front aims to engage KS2 pupils with First World War culture, by examining the theatrical scene in the local area. and to question the way in which we view the Home First World War theatre will be brought back to life Front between 1914 and 1918.

Cllr Meena Bond

Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Sport No known copyright restrictions copyright known No

British government poster promoting the war effort Cover image: Marie Lloyd on stage, 1890s 1 No known copyright restrictions HOW TO USE THIS EDUCATION PACK

This Education Pack has been designed for use by Each section is divided as follows: teachers to help plan and teach in the classroom. It provides an introduction to the role theatre had to play during the First World War, focusing on the experience T of Richmond and surrounding areas. Activities are aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils, though some activities may be TEACHER’S PAGE modified for use with Key Stage 1 classes. This pack This includes key information for teachers to assist aims to work in conjunction with outreach workshops teaching in the classroom. It is intended to be used provided by Orleans House Gallery which will be available to help inform lesson planning, and provide ideas for to book in autumn 2016; and provides new ways for discussoin points. teachers to approach the topic of the First World War.

This Pack is divided into the following sections:

A General Introduction to the theatrical and ACTIVITY PAGE entertainment industry during the First World War. This page is specifically designed to be photocopied and distributed as an activity for the class. The activities have ‘Entertaining Richmond’ explores the wide variety been written with Key Stage 2 groups in mind, and cover of entertainment venues, theatres and cinemas available key components of the National Curriculum for History, to the local community in war time. Art and English, as well as additional skills and subjects such as Drama and group working. ‘Confronting the War’ considers the types of plays and films being shown and introduces ideas such as ‘propaganda’ and ‘escapism’.

‘Theatre and Soldiers’ looks at theatre as a recruitment tool and a past time for convalescing soldiers

‘Women and Theatre in Richmond’ explores the role of women in the theatre industry and the Actresses Franchise League.

‘Into 1918’ considers the work of J. M. Barrie as the war progressed into 1918.

2 T Introduction Theatre and the First World WAR

Following a crisis in Europe, which saw the assassination of Learning Objectives Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the invasion of Belgium To introduce the topic of theatrical by Germany, Britain declared war on Germany in August entertainment in war time and establish 1914. What had initially began as hostilities between the context of the First World War. Austro-Hungary and Serbia soon drew in the powers from across the globe. Armies and civilians experienced for the first time a ‘total war’.

During the war, the entertainment industry on the Home Front flourished. At first, people were concerned that it was too much of an indulgence to go out and enjoy the theatre at a time of great crisis. However, shows and performances proved to be an excellent way of boosting public morale. Revue became particularly popular during the war; a form of entertainment which included short sketches, dance and music. Variety performances could also include other acts such as magic, acrobatics and ventriloquism. Cinema also became increasingly popular in the early 20th Century: Britain’s first purpose-built cinema opened in 1907 and by 1914 there were 5,000 across the country.

Wartime performances offered the public a chance to escape the ordeal of the war. Shows tended to be light- hearted and fun in nature. Others were used as a means

Image Courtesy of Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library and Archive and Library Studies Local Thames upon Richmond of Courtesy Image of rallying the public to support the war effort. A war drama, shown in Richmond at the Castle Theatre in 1914, Site of the Talbot Picture Palace, 1910 was based on the famous song It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary. A play dealing with the threat of supposed German spies, The Enemy in our Midst was shown at the Lyric in Twickenham in December 1914. Menace of the Air, shown in February 1916, dealt with the threat of Zeppelin airships over Britain.

Discuss How do you think the war impacted upon people on the Home Front?

Teacher’s Notes

© IWM Q 1 The sources given on the activity page include a Royal Irish Rifles on the Somme, July 1916 photograph of female workers at a local aircraft factory, an extract from Virginia Woolf’s diary about a zeppelin air raid, and a photograph of volunteer recruits for the British Army, demonstrating how the general population were affected by war. The two additional sources demonstrate how theatrical entertainment offered a boost to public morale. 3 Introduction Theatre and the HISTORY First World War

ACTIVITY: USING FIRST WORLD WAR SOURCES Look at the primary sources. They can tell us lots about how people experienced the First World War. Use the sources to answer the following questions. Remember, there are not always right or wrong answers when reading primary sources. Discuss your answers in groups or as a class.

You may want to write notes on a separate page. Image Courtesy of Richmond upon Thames Local Local Thames Image Courtesy of Richmond upon LibraryStudies and Archive Women at work at the Whitehead Aircraft Factory in Richmond, 1918 Who was affected by the First World War? Try and list as many groups as you can.

Why do you think people continued to go to the theatre and cinema during wartime? No Known Copyright RestrictionsNo Known Copyright British volunteers for Kitchener’s Army in London, August 1914

“…during the war the theatres have done their duty to the public; contributed to the quota to the fighting services; and carried on the task of entertaining the people in the face of many hardships.”

The Times Newspaper, 1918

“two soft distant but unmistakeable shocks at 9.30; then a third which shook the window.”

Virginia Woolf describes in her diary a Zeppelin air raid over

Image Courtesy of Richmond Theatre Richmond of Courtesy Image London in October 1917. Virginia and her husband Leonard lived at Hogarth House from 1915 onwards.

Advert for the Richmond Hippodrome (Theatre) 4 T ENTERTAINING RICHMOND LOCAL TheatreS and CINEMAS

Learning Objectives To consider the variety of entertainment venues in Richmond at the turn of the century

By the time of the First World War, a number of theatres and cinemas had been established in Richmond and the surrounding suburbs, to cater for those who did not want to commute into London’s West End. As entertainment venues, they did not simply just show films and plays; but also featured music acts, comedy acts and news Image Courtesy of Howard Webb postcardsthenandnow.blogspot.co.uk postcardsthenandnow.blogspot.co.uk Webb Image Courtesy of Howard films. Theatres were important centres for the community. Richmond Theatre, 1910 The fact that the Talbot Cinema in Richmond was refurbished and redecorated in 1917 – some years into the war – shows that cinema and theatrical entertainment was still considered of great importance, despite the disruption caused by conflict. Originally a hotel, the building was bought in 1911 by William H. Smither, who wished to diversify his Livery and Stables business with a cinema. The Talbot Cinema was sold in 1917 to Joseph Mears, who also purchased Richmond Theatre (known as the Richmond Hippodrome) in the same year. He went on to own most of the local cinemas, as well as a number of pleasure boats on the Thames, and was founding Image Courtesy of Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library Studies Local and Archive Thames Image Courtesy of Richmond upon director of Chelsea Football Club. Advert for the Talbot Picture Theatre

Well-known theatre architect Frank Matcham built Richmond Theatre in 1899. He returned to the Borough Discuss in 1912/13, to build the Karsino – a luxurious hotel on How many cinemas and theatres do you know Tagg’s Island (near Hampton) a ballroom and concert of in the local area today? Do you think there are pavilion with a reversible stage. The Karsino was owned more or fewer today in comparison with the First by Fred Karno, a comedian and producer, who welcomed World War period? military officers and their families to the hotel during the war as a place for relaxation and entertainment. Frank Why is this? Matcham also designed some of London’s best known theatres: the London Coliseum, the London Palladium, the Hackney Empire and the Victoria Palace. He is Teacher’s Notes credited with standardising safety within theatres, including As part of the activity on the opposite page, you the introduction of fireproof construction, emergency may wish to listen to the song It’s a Long, Long Way lighting and emergency exits. to Tipperary. The song’s cheery references to home made it popular with soldiers in WW1.

Listen to the song here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsynSgeo_Uo 5 ENTERTAINING RICHMOND LITERACY LOCAL TheatreS MUSIC and CINEMAS

ACTIVITY: IT’S A LONG, LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY! It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary was written just before the First World War, It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary! but was very popular with soldiers It’s a long way to Tipperary, during the war itself. Up to mighty London It’s a long way to go. Came an Irishman one day. It’s a long way to Tipperary Read the excerpt. As the streets are paved with gold To the sweetest girl I know! What do you think the song is about? Sure, everyone was gay, Goodbye, Piccadilly, Why do you think it was so popular Piccadilly, with soldiers? Singing songs of Farewell, Leicester Square! Strand and Leicester Square, It’s a long long way to Tipperary, Till Paddy got excited, But my heart’s right there. Then he shouted to them there: Molly wrote a neat reply It’s a long way to Tipperary, To Irish Paddy-O, It’s a long way to go. Saying “Mike Maloney It’s a long way to Tipperary Wants to marry me, and so To the sweetest girl I know! Leave the Strand and Piccadilly Goodbye, Piccadilly, Or you’ll be to blame, Farewell, Leicester Square! For love has fairly drove me silly: It’s a long long way to Tipperary, Hoping you’re the same!” But my heart’s right there. It’s a long way to Tipperary, Paddy wrote a letter It’s a long way to go. To his Irish Molly-O, It’s a long way to Tipperary Saying, “Should you not receive it, To the sweetest girl I know! 6th Battalion East Surrey Regiment Write and let me know!” Goodbye, Piccadilly, “If I make mistakes in spelling, Farewell, Leicester Square! Molly, dear,” said he, It’s a long long way to Tipperary, ”Remember, it’s the pen that’s bad, But my heart’s right there. me! Don’t lay the blame on

6 Image Courtesy of Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library Studies Local and Archive Thames Image Courtesy of Richmond upon T ENTERTAINING RICHMOND THE BELGIAN COMMUNITY

Learning Objectives To explore the role of the Belgian community in local theatrical

entertainment

When Germany invaded Belgium in 1914, thousands of

Belgians fled their country and many came to Britain. Webb Image courtesy of Howard http://postcardsthenandnow.blogspot.co.uk Approximately six thousand Belgians found refuge in Pelabon Works Section 16 Department Richmond, establishing a lively community most notably in the area of East Twickenham. It became known as the le village belge sur la Tamise, or ‘the Belgian village on the Thames’. The community was centred around the Pelabon Munitions Factory, which was established by Belgian businessman Charles Pelabon in January 1915. Nearly 2,000 Belgian men and women were employed there, and in the nearby streets Belgian shops were established. A department especially dedicated to the education of Belgian children was opened at Orleans School in Napoleon Road, where they could be taught in French and Flemish.

In the first few months of the war, many local people in Richmond devoted their time to fundraising for the Belgian cause. Putting on theatre and variety shows was a great way to raise money to help Belgian refugees – many of whom had arrived in Britain with very little. In

November 1914, the Richmond and Twickenham Times Baker Helen of courtesy Image

reported that an evening of entertainment had been Belgian newspaper advert for a charity event, held at the Lyric Picture Palace in aid of the Twickenham 1917 War Distress Fund – which focused largely on the plight of the Belgians. As the war progressed and the Belgian Discuss community established themselves in Richmond, they How do you think theatrical entertainments might began to arrange their own local theatrical entertainments. have helped the Belgian community in Richmond? In February 1917 the Pelabon Works Club organised a Try to imagine that you have had to leave your charity event at the Oxford Theatre on Tottenham Court home because of conflict. Road, in central London. The event featured a variety of performers - including a comedian and music acts – and aimed to raise money to provide care packages and resources for Belgium. Teacher’s Notes To help the class with the design of their posters, you Belgian workers at Pelabon set up not one, but two may wish to provide them with some of the names of amateur dramatics societies – one performed in French the theatres and cinemas explored on pages 3 and 5 and the other in Flemish. The groups performed at as well as the types of entertainment: sketches, song, the Castle Theatre in Richmond, and often used their comedy, ventriloquism! performances to also raise funds for good causes. 7 ENTERTAINING RICHMOND ART HISTORY THE BELGIAN COMMUNITY MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

ACTIVITY: DESIGN A POSTER Use the phrases below to help you Design a poster for the Belgian community encouraging Cinema la cinema them to attend a variety performance or film at one of Richmond’s local theatres or cinemas. As many of these Theatre la théâtre shows were performed in French, your poster must also be at least partly in French! A patriotic film un film patriotique

This evening ce soir On your poster, include the name of the cinema or

theatre where the performance or film is being shown, Great entertainment! Grand divertissement! and don’t forget to include the name of the play or film itself! Spectacle une spectacle

8 T CONFRONTING THE WAR PROPAGANDA IN THE CINEMA

At the start of the First World War, cinema was a relatively Learning Objectives new phenomenon. Cheaper than the theatre, Hollywood To understand the meaning of the term films quickly became popular and attending the cinema ‘propaganda’ and to explore how film became seen as a respectable leisure activity. As the was used to spread ideas during the war progressed, governments and leaders came to First World War. realise that film could be an effective way of spreading ideas and mobilising the masses to a cause. Alongside Hollywood movies, cinemas in Richmond regularly showed newsreels and official war films which were aimed to rally people behind the war effort. AnEmpire Cinema advert, which appears in the Richmond and Twickenham Times newspaper in 1914, states that ‘the latest war news is thrown on screen at frequent intervals’. The First World War was ‘everybody’s war’: the civilian population on the Home Front faced acute shortages of resources and terrifying Zeppelin airship raids and bombings. Many people for the first time donned service

© IWM Q70168 uniforms; took up war work and lost husbands, brothers, Scene from the filmThe Battle of the Somme friends, and neighbours. It was very important to the British government that in this environment of ‘total war’, morale on the Home Front was kept up. Propaganda films “Crowded audiences... were designed to encourage hatred of the enemy, and to were interested and encourage civilians to do their bit for the war effort. thrilled to have the realities of war The Battle of the Somme (1916) is a British documentary and propaganda film that was watched by 20 million brought so vividly people across Britain in its first six weeks of showing. It before them... .” was shown in order to boost morale and to give people The Times, 1916 on the Home Front an idea of the British army’s activity on the front lines. The Lyric in Twickenham showed the film in November 1916. The Times newspaper reported of the documentary:

Discuss How do you think people on the Home Front would have responded to the filmThe Battle of the Somme?

(C) IWM HU 59419 Teacher’s Notes Invitation to a screening of the filmThe Battle of the Somme, 1916 As part of its centenary commemorations, the Imperial War Museum has made the filmThe Battle of the Somme widely available.

Find out more at www.1914.org/somme/

9 CONFRONTING THE WAR ART DESIGN PROPAGANDA IN THE CINEMA TECHNOLOGY

ACTIVITY: MOVING IMAGES One of the earliest forms of moving images and Did you know? animation is the thaumatrope. It was a popular toy The name ‘thaumatrope’ translates roughly as in the period leading up to the First World War. A ‘wonder turner’ in Ancient Greek. thaumatrope is made up of two circles stuck back to back, with a different picture on each front facing side. The circles form a disc which can be attached to string (or a pencil). By spinning the disc, the pictures seem to combine into one!

Make your own thaumatrope! In the two circles below, draw two separate pictures. Good examples include ! a bird in one circle, and a cage on the other. Or a vase on one circle, and flowers on the other!

Cut out your two circles. Place a pencil on the back of one of the circles and stick with tape. Glue your second circle on top of the other, with your drawing facing outwards. Rub your pencil between your hands, which will spin your disc.

Your pictures should combine!

10 T CONFRONTING THE WAR Escapism in Richmond’s Theatres and Cinemas

Learning Objectives To understand the meaning of ‘escapism’ within an entertainment context

The importance of public entertainment as a morale booster during the war was recognised by many. In a speech in 1917, the Secretary State for War, Lord Derby asked that:

“…those who come home from the trenches be met with cheerful faces, and let them feel that their time here is happy and such as will distract them from the dangers they have undergone…”

Escapist entertainments proved very popular in Richmond and across Britain during the First World War. These plays, performances and films generally did

No known copyright restrictions not reference the war but provided an escape from the Advertisment for the unpleasant realities of it. Pantomimes such as Cinderella silent filmSherlock Holmes were shown at Richmond Theatre; only instead of a horse-drawn carriage, Cinderella in 1914 went to the ball in a ‘palatial motor car, resplendent in electric light’. Plays which had been successful on London’s West End toured in Richmond such as The Pearl Girl (February 1916).

Charlie Chaplin’s films also proved popular in Richmond. No known copyright In October 1915, the Royalty Cinema showed A Film Charlie Chaplin Johnnie, whilst the Talbot Cinema put on Chaplin’s The Masquerader. Neither film directly referenced war, but instead centred on the antics of Chaplin’s struggling Discuss characters. Chaplin was particularly popular with soldiers, Think about the last play, film or sketch you have who saw links between his struggle with authority seen. Would you describe it as ‘escapist’? Why? and their own struggles against powerful forces. Mary Pickford’s ‘escapist’ films Such a Little Queen and Little Pal were also shown at the Talbot and Royalty Cinemas. In Teacher’s Notes 1916, William Gillette appeared on Richmond screens Escapist – The Pearl Girl, Sherlock Holmes and Charley’s in the American silent filmSherlock Homes. The film was Aunt; War Dramas – The War Makers; Propaganda adapted from a stage play which was based on the stories – The British Army in Peace and at War and The ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’, ‘The Final Problem’ and ‘A Study in Menace of the Air. Most WW1 plays were set on the Home Front because dramatists were worried Scarlet’ by the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan about depicting the Front Lines. It was also a way Doyle. As a great British hero, Holmes was a popular of showing the audience how they can help the war fictional character during war time. effort on the Home Front. 11 CONFRONTING THE WAR HISTORY Escapism in Richmond’s LITERACY Theatres and Cinemas

ACTIVITY: MIX & MATCH Look at the First World War era plays and films below. Which would you describe as ‘escapist’? Which would you describe as war dramas? Which would you describe as propaganda? Why? Discuss your answers with a partner or in groups. You may have different ideas, and some of the plays or films below may fit into two categories.

Two schoolboys ask a fellow A dramatic film showing how student to dress up as Charley’s the disaster of war is caused Aunt so that they can court by conspiracies and political two young ladies. When the plots. A foreign ambassador real aunt turns up, confusion steals secret plans and abducts ensues in this comedy farce. the secretary of war, resulting in the destruction of the nation. Charley’s Aunt at the Richmond Hippodrome February 1916 The War Makers at the Empire Cinema Richmond, August 2014 No Known Copyright RestrictionsNo Known Copyright Advertisment for The Pearl Girl,

‘The film shows how Zeppelins “See our gallant defenders are moved and controlled, and under actual war conditions. finally how they are discovered The pictures show the gallant by searchlight and bombarded defenders of the empire from in the air by anti-aircraft guns. the moment of enlistment right up to mobilisation. The The Menace of the Air at the Lyric film is produced under the Picture Palace February 1916 direction and authority of the War Office.”

The British Army in Peace and at War, at the Lyric Picture House August 1914 No Known Copyright RestrictionsNo Known Copyright Advertisment for the silent filmSherlock Holmes

12 T THEATRE AND SOLDIERS RECRUITMENT

By the end of 1914, more than one million men had Learning Objectives enlisted into the armed services to do their bit in the To explore how theatres and cinemas war. The response was in part the result of a recruitment were used to recruit men into the drive by Lord Kitchener, who realised very quickly that armed services in order to fight Germany, Britain would need a larger army. Posters were printed and put up across the country with the words ‘Your Country Needs You’. Only men aged between 18 and 41 were allowed to enlist, though some boys lied about their age in order to join. Men queued outside recruitment stations for a chance to be part of the action, and they often joined the army alongside their friends and neighbours.

Theatre and music hall was a useful way of recruiting men for the armed services, particularly when the initial enthusiasm fell away after 1914. Many songs performed in music halls at the time were very patriotic and encouraged men to enlist: such as “Keep the Home Fires Burning”, “Pack up Your Troubles” and “We Don’t Want to Lose You (But We Think You Ought to Go)”. Vesta Tilley, an English music hall performer, was nicknamed ‘Britain’s

No known copyright restrictionsNo known copyright best recruiting sergeant’. During her shows, featuring British Recruits, August 1914. patriotic songs, men were asked to come up on stage in order to enlist. In some theatres, men of military age were able to join the army straight after the performance ended. In the play A Call to Arms, an army recruitment officer travels to a village to encourage the local men there to enlist. At the end of the performance, a real recruitment officer in the army would stand up and encourage men in the audience to also enlist and do their bit for the war effort.

Plays performed across Britain showed characters trying to decide whether to join the armed services. Often female characters – such as the wives and mothers – encouraged their ‘boys’ to enlist. These storylines echoed the popular recruitment posters of the time, such as ‘Women of Britain – Say GO!”

Discuss Why do you think men enlisted to fight in the First

ACTIVITY: SCULPTURE & STATUE You will work in pairs. One of you will be the ‘Sculptor’. Imagine you are in an army recruitment office during The other person will be the ‘Statue’. It is the job of the the First World War. Sculptor to mould the statue into the image of a perfect soldier. You can ask your partner to move their arms and legs into the stance that you think best represents a soldier. Image Courtesy of Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library Studies Local and Archive Thames Image Courtesy of Richmond upon Middlesex Volunteer Reserve in 1916 No Known Copyright RestrictionsNo Known Copyright © IWM Q3990 Soldiers carrying mistletoe 1914 Soldiers resting and on duty in a trench during the Battle of the Somme 14 T THEATRE AND SOLDIERS ENTERTAINING WOUNDED SOLDIERS

Learning Objectives To explore the role of entertainment for convalescing and wounded soldiers in Richmond

From original material held at Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library & Archive Studies Library Richmond upon Thames Local held at original material From Library Studies Local & Archive Thames Courtesy of Richmond upon Wounded Soldiers and Nurses at Richmond Hospital, 1914 Soldiers and Nurses at Richmond Royal Hospital, 1914

There were a number of pre-existing hospitals in Richmond internet – theatre, music hall and comedy acts became an which opened their doors to wounded soldiers during the important way for the men to pass their time while they First World War. Both the Richmond Royal Hospital and waited for their bodies and minds to heal. The Cardigan the Richmond Workhouse Infirmary treated wounded House Club for convalescing servicemen provided facilities soldiers and sailors, and in 1915 also began treating for events and recreation. The King’s Canadian Convalescent Belgian patients who had come to Richmond as refugees Hospital also provided their soldiers with a large Concert (see page 7). Additional military hospitals were also Hall (a gift from Mrs Robert Gooderham of Toronto) where established in the Borough to meet the growing demand variety shows could be held in the evenings. for care. A hospital for the South African Military was opened in Richmond Park in 1916, later merging with the On 24th May 1917, a Gertrude Jennings play, The Rest Cure, Richmond Military Hospital in July 1918. A similar was performed for soldiers at the South African Military convalescent hospital was opened for wounded Canadian Hospital. Many additional events were organised across the soldiers in Bushey Park. During the earlier part of the war, Borough for wounded soldiers; such as visits to golf clubs and the old Star and Garter Hotel (which closed in 1907) was cricket matches. In September 1915, local residents purchased used to house billeted soldiers. and donated tickets to the Richmond Theatre for 25 wounded soldiers at the Richmond Hospital. Soldiers from Richmond’s After the war, the Star and Garter became formally known as hospitals were also given the opportunity to attend musical The Royal Star and Garter Home. It was made a permanent events and entertainments in the West End. home for disabled young men who had fought in the First World War. From 1915, the Star and Garter Hotel was used by the Red Cross as a place of respite for wounded and Discuss disabled soldiers who had returned from the war. As part Why do you think providing entertainment for of their treatment and care, the soldiers were provided wounded and convalescing soldiers was seen to with recreational spaces and entertainments. Without the be important? Why did local people want to provide technologies we enjoy today – such as television or the this for them?

15 THEATRE AND SOLDIERS ART ENTERTAINING WOUNDED DESIGN SOLDIERS LITERACY

ACTIVITY: HELEN BAIN’S SCRAPBOOK Helen created an album full of photographs and Helen Bain was a Scottish nurse who worked at the South handwritten messages from her patients and friends. African Military Hospital from 1917-1919. Whilst there, Create a diary entry for Helen’s scrapbook, including notes and sketches.

Sister Helen Bain’s Scrapbook Images Courtesy of Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library & Archive & Library Studies Local Thames upon Richmond of Courtesy Images 16 T WOMEN AND THEATRE IN RICHMOND GERTRUDE JENNINGS

Learning Objectives

To explore the work of female

playwright Gertrude Jennings

The First World War is often hailed as a period of change and a key turning point in women’s rights. Whilst men in their thousands were recruited into the armed services, the women who remained took up roles that were largely unimaginable before 1914: as clerks, agricultural workers, road sweepers, gardeners at Kew, coal heavers and in munitions factories such as the Pelabon Works in East Twickenham. It was only after the war ended that women were partially granted the vote.

In the century prior to the war, women were able to play an active role in theatrical entertainment. The first female actor-manager in London was Eliza Vestris, who managed the Olympic Theatre in 1830. During the First World War, the Old Vic was managed by Lilian Baylis, which became Image Courtesy of Barry Edwards the first venue to produce all of Shakespeare’s plays. No Servants, by Gertrude Jennings. Many women working in theatre before the war involved themselves in the campaign for the women’s vote. The Actresses Franchise League toured sketches across the country in support of the suffragette movement.

Gertrude Jennings, a playwright and satirist, worked with the AFL, and her sketch A Woman’s Influence was included in the group’s tours. She wrote over 50 plays in the early 20th Century, many of which were performed in main theatre houses across London. Her First World War plays include The Rest Cure (1914), Five Birds in a Cage (1915), and The Bathroom Door (1916). Though her plays did not make direct references to the war, they did provide excellent Courtesy of Barry. © Sally Lewis Edwards Cage social commentary on the period. Jennings, like many Optik’s performance of Five Birds in a Cage members of the AFL, was actively involved in ‘Concerts at the Front’. She formed her own theatre company and travelled to France in order to provide entertainment to the many troops stationed there. Her plays were performed in Richmond too – in 1917, the Springbok Blue Discuss magazine reported that The Rest Cure was performed What challenges do you think actors faced when at the South African Military Hospital. Her sketches touring their sketches and plays in France, during were entertaining and optimistic – demonstrating the a time of war? importance of theatrical entertainment to keep people cheerful in times of war. 17

WOMEN AND THEATRE ART DRAMA IN RICHMOND LITERACY GERTRUDE JENNINGS GROUP WORK

ACTIVITY: WRITE A SKETCH! Imagine you are members of an acting group heading to Did you know? France! Your job is to entertain soldiers on the Western In Jennings’ play No Servants (1919) a female Front with a short sketch (short play). Think about themes domestic team abandon their work for employment - will your sketch be a comedy? A romance? Will it be usually reserved for men: one takes over a sausage about the war, or will it be escapist? shop, another becomes a policeman. Who will it be about – soldiers, or civilians on the Home Front? In groups, create a storyboard of your sketch.

Scene 1 Scene 2

Scene 3 Scene 4

18 T WOMEN AND THEATRE IN RICHMOND FUNDRAISING

of Albert Christiaens, a local soldier who died during the Learning Objectives conflict. Esteemed dancer Seraphine Astafieva volunteered To explore how prominent local women her time to perform in the production. used theatrical entertainment as a means of fundraising for the war effort. Fundraising played an integral role in providing assistance for the Front during the First World War. The British Red Cross provided medical services to treat the sick and wounded during the war, and was a popular organisation to fundraise on behalf of. Charity events were an excellent During the First World War, women were able to assist the way of involving the larger population in the War effort. In War effort in a variety of ways. Locally, there were many Richmond, these events were vast and frequent from early different examples of women ‘doing their bit’ – driving on in the war. At the Richmond Hippodrome, a matinee ambulances in France, or growing crops and vegetables performance of the classic comedy The School for Scandal at Kew Gardens. As part of the National Egg Collection was organised by Mrs. Bandmann-Palmer in aid of the Scheme, Isobel Anthony, along with children from Richmond branch of the Red Cross in December 1914. Hampton Grammar School and members of the St James’ Church Lads’ Brigade, collected 4,974 eggs and £26 in donations for wounded soldiers.

In addition to practical roles, women assisted with the organisation of entertainment events for morale and fundraising purposes. Such events within the local community came in the form of concerts, plays, fetes and Royal visits. Local resident Mrs Gardiner arranged for the Queen Mary to visit convalescing servicemen at the Cardigan House Club. The local Belgian community organised performances for both recreational and fundraising purposes. A production of I am Sorry…savez- vous was performed at the Richmond Hippodrome in

Egg Collection Poster

Discuss Why do you think women felt compelled to help the War effort? Can you think of other ways in which

ACTIVITY: PLAN A FUNDRAISING EVENT Women in Richmond and the local area actively Did you know? contributed to the war effort by hosting a range of The Red Cross had raised £21,885,035 by the end of fundraising events, often featuring entertainment. You the First World War. Of this, £20,058,355 was spent have been asked to develop a fundraising event to help on hospitals, medicine, clothing, grants and care for the British Red Cross Society. the sick and wounded soldiers.

You will need to decide on the following: a A title for your event a Entertainment – think about what entertainment you will provide for your audience. You might want to include a film showing, a theatre performance, or a music act – or perhaps something else? a Venue a Audience – who is the event for?

Once you have planned your event you will need to: Library Studies Local and Archive Thames Image Courtesy of Richmond upon British Red Cross Hospital, Richmond 1918 a Write a letter to your proposed venue asking them to allow you to access to the space for your event. Tell them about your event and who it is in aid of. Why is this a good cause for the venue to support? a Design a poster or invitation to encourage people to attend your event. You may want to highlight the entertainment you have planned.

20 T INTO 1918 J.M. BARRIE AND ‘A WELL-REMEMBERED VOICE’

Learning Objectives To explore the work of playwright J. M. Barrie and the impact of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office

James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish playwright who is today best known for his play Peter Pan. He moved to London where he wrote several successful plays; including wartime plays Der Tag (1914), The Last Word (1915), The Old Lady Shows Her Medals (1917), Dear Brutus (1917) and A Well-Remembered Voice (1918). A Well-Remembered Voice premiered in London in June 1918 at Wyndham’s Theatre as part of a triple bill of J. M. Barrie plays to raise money for wounded soldiers. The play explores loss and remembrance as a family try to make contact with their lost son during a séance. He had been killed in battle during the war. As an important figure in the theatre industry, J. M. Barrie was able to recruit an impressive No known copyright restrictionsNo known copyright cast for the play; including Lillian Braithwaite, Sir Johnston J. M. Barrie Forbes Robertson and George du Maurier who were famous actors of the time.

As well as writing many plays and novels, J. M. Barrie was a campaigner against theatre censorship. A law had been passed in Britain in 1737 which allowed the Lord Chamberlain’s Office (a department in the Royal Household) to stop any new plays, or altered plays being performed in public theatres for any reason. During the First World War many plays were either censored or

refused a license for performance by this office. This may Theatre Image Courtesy of IO have been because the content of the play was sympathetic Production of A Well-Remembered Voice by IO Theatre 2014 towards Germans, it poked fun at the armed services, or that it might discourage men from enlisting to serve in the forces. In 1916, the play by Miles Malleson Black ‘Ell was prevented from being shown because it showed a Discuss character suffering from ‘shell shock’. Later, in1926, the After the First World War, many plays which had play was reviewed once more and it was decided that, now been censored by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office were that the war was over, it could be shown in theatres. licensed for performance. Why do you think these changes were made many years after the war? What was different?

A Well-Remembered Voice deals with spiritualism in the period of the First World War. Why do you think spiritualism was popular at this time? 21 INTO 1918 DRAMA J.M. BARRIE AND LITERACY ‘A WELL-REMEMBERED VOICE’

ACTIVITY: PLAYWRIGHT’S NOTES As well as writing the dialogue between characters in a Write your playwright’s notes below. Try and be as play, playwrights also include notes or stage directions descriptive as possible. in their text. These notes describe scenes, costumes, or where the actors should stand during their performances. Imagine you are writing a play set on the Front Line such as A Journey’s End. You are required to write notes to describe the scenery and perhaps even the costumes. These notes help the actors bring the text to life.

22 FURTHER INFORMATION GLOSSARY

CONVALESCENCE the gradual recovery of health after an injury or illness

ESCAPIST a diversion or ‘escape’ from unpleasant aspects of life through entertainment or recreation.

FRONT LINE the military line or boundary where opposing armies face each other

HOME FRONT the civilian population of the nation at war, who support their military by actions at home

MORALE collective spirit

PROPOGANDA information, often bias in nature, used to promote a political cause of point of view

REFUGEES someone who has been forced to leave a country because of war, religious or political reasons

SPIRITUALISM a system of belief based on the supposed communication with the dead, usually though mediums

SOURCE something which tells us about history. It might be a written document, a picture, sound recording, book, film or an object. A primary source is something that originates from the past

SUFFRAGETTE a woman seeking the right to vote through protest

TOTAL WAR warfare that mobilises all of society’s resources – including the raising of civilian armies and attacks on civilian infrastructure

WORKSHOPS

OUTREACH WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS If you and your class would like to explore theatrical entertainments in the Borough during the First World War further, then why not book on to an outreach workshop with the Education Team at Orleans House Gallery? These workshops have been designed to complement the content of this Teacher’s Pack and are available free of charge.

For more information, contact [email protected].

23 FURTHER INFORMATION PLACES TO VISIT

Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library and Archive Old Town Hall, Whitaker Avenue Richmond TW9 1TP www.richmond.gov.uk/local_studies_collection Email: [email protected]

The National Archives Bessant Drive Kew TW9 4DU www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Richmond Theatre Little Green Richmond TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB www.bl.uk

24 Contact Richmond Arts Service and Orleans House Gallery Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ

Telephone: 020 8831 6000 [email protected] www.richmond.gov.uk/arts

Orleans House Gallery @Orleanshg on Twitter