Article No 8 (1922) (Article by Stewart Green) Although this article was wrote recently the content starts in 1922 ENNIS LAWSON'S COMPANY AT CREWE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ennis Lawson Company had been a regular company at Crewe theatre in the early part of the "New theatres" life. Ennis Lawson herself had started in Crewe when she appeared as the leading actress in the "Raynor Repertory Company" from the 15 May 1922 to the 3 June 1922 with her second season with the company from the 21 April 1924 to the 17 May 1924. When she returned in her third season from the 30 March 1925 to the 9 May 1925 the company performed 27 plays in 6 weeks (25 Titles + 2 repeat performances) including 24 Apr 1925 THE COLLEEN BAWN by Dion Boucicault 11 Apr 1925 A FOOLS PARADISE by Sydney Grundy 17 Apr 1925 THE HYPOCRITES by Henry Arthur Jones 5 May 1925 LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN by Oscar Wilde 1 May 1925 NELL GWYNNE by Douglas Jerrold 8 May 1925 TRILBY by George Du Maurier 25 Apr 1925 THE WITNESS FOR THE DEFENCE by A.E.W. Mason On the 22 February Miss Lawson appeared with her own company to perform the first of 28 in a seven-week run at the theatre. The first play was "Knave of Diamonds" by Ethel M Dell. At the end of the seven-week run, she presented the play "Walls of Jericho" by Alfred Sutro. After the show an article appeared in the Crewe Chronicle (17 April 1926 Page 2). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAREWELL SCENES AT CREWE Unique and interesting scenes were witnessed at Crewe Theatre on Saturday evening when the Ennis Lawson Repertory Co. brought their seven-week season to a close with a brilliant production of Sutto's dramatic play, "The walls of Jericho". It is very rare that a company occupy the theatre for such a period, and at the same time sustain the interest of the playgoers, but this has certainly been the case with the Lawson Company, every member of which has won a warm place in the hearts of Crewe people. Never since the theatre was built was there such a large attendance at both houses on Saturday evening. Every available seat was booked practically a week in advance, and hundreds who waited in the queues were unable to secure admission. A building twice the size would not have accommodated all those desirous of being present at the farewell performances. It was striking proof of the popularity of the company, and it was no wonder that they were showered with gifts and souvenirs at the end. Over one hundred presents were handed to them, together with many choice bouquets. Not a single member of the company went un-rewarded. It was indeed a memorable night. Miss Lawson's gifts included a magnificent silver tray, while Mr & Mrs Blake were ladened with costly articles from their admirers. At the close Miss Lawson expressed her gratitude, and observed that it always afforded her great happiness to come to Crewe. She paid special compliment to Mr Malcolm Spurgin, the resident manager of the theatre, for the splendid arrangements he had made, not only for the comfort of the artists, but also for all those who had visited the theatre. She had never met a more charming set of people than at Crewe, and she was looking forward to meeting them next year. During her visit she had received a number of requests for special plays, but she regretted that she had been unable to present all of them. She had however, made a careful note of their wishes and on the occasion of her next visit would see that they were carried out. Mr John Blake also expressed his acknowledgements, and observed that he would sooner perform before a Crewe audience than any in the country. He and his wife always looked forward to their visits with pleasurable anticipation, because they were made so thoroughly happy. Mrs Dudley Bennett, the lessee of the theatre also had a heart reception as she approached the footlights to express her thanks to the public of the town for supporting her in her efforts to provide plays suitable to the tastes of the people. She took more than a personal interest in Crewe and its citizens, believing that they were intellectually critical. She was anxious to make the Crewe Theatre one of the best and brightest in the provinces, and would only be too glad to consider any suggestions made by the patrons. She was delighted to find that the efforts of her friend, Miss Lawson, and her company had been so much appreciated, and she thanked her for the kind sentiments which she had made concerning her genial manager, Mr Spurgin. Mrs Bennett afterwards announced some of the revues and plays which would visit the theatre during the next few months, and observed that she had been fortunate in booking the well known musical comedy "No, No, Nanette", which would be presented during the week commencing April 26th. Owing to the enormous expense connected with the company she had been compelled to raise the prices, but even then they would not be nearly as high as charged in other towns. Other productions, all of which she had personally seen before booking, included: "The Golden West", "The Night Club", "Luncheons", "Laughs and Ladies", "Right O", "Stand at Ease" (Pimple),"Wake Up" (Jack Gallacher), "Birthdays" (Carrie Cole), "Merry Widow", "Our Liz", "The Side Show", "The Last Waltz", "Gorilla", "Ringnetto" (George Edwards), "Daily Doings" (10 Loonies). Mrs Bennett entertained the whole of the members of the company to luncheon at the Royal Hotel earlier in the day. It was a very happy gathering, and many of the company spoke in felicitous terms of the hostess and her kindly disposition. The Health of Mr W.D. Nicholls, Mrs Bennette's general manager, was cordially drunk, and a similar compliment was paid to Mr M Spurgin, the Crewe manager, on proposition of Mr Leslie Beaufort, who characterised him as a man of exceptional tact. Miss Lawson and other members of the company, who were recipients of bouquets during Saturday evening's performance, visited the town war memorial before leaving on Sunday morning and placed the flowers at the foot of the monument. It was a kindly thought. ------------------------Article Ends--------------------------------------------