User:Pdebee/Felice Lascelles

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Felice Lascelles
Born
Felicia Madge Lessels

(1904-07-19)19 July 1904
Lisburn or Wallasey[i]
Died29 April 1961(1961-04-29) (aged 56)
London
OccupationMusical comedy actress
Years active1922–1939
Children2, incl. Andy Irvine

Felice Lascelles (née Felicia Madge Lessels; 19 July 1904 – 29 April 1961) was a British musical comedy actress, singer and dancer who performed on stage from 1922 to 1939, under the managements of Charles Cochran, Jack Buchanan, and Leslie Henson.[1]

She is best known for her leading roles in the national tours of Kid Boots (1926), Sunny (1927–1930), Darling, I Love You (1931), Stand Up and Sing (1932), and Venus in Silk (1939), among other shows. She took the lead in the pantomime adaptations of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1930), Goody Two-Shoes (1931), and Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (1939). She is the mother of stage actress Susan Neil and folk musician Andy Irvine.

Early life[edit]

Lascelles was born Felicia Madge Lessels on 19 July 1904,[2] either in Lisburn, County Antrim, or in Wallasey, Merseyside,[i] where she resided at the start of her stage career.[3][4][5][6] Her father, William Lessels, was born in Leeds and her mother, Elizabeth Malvina Cunningham, in Salford. The couple settled in Merseyside, and Felicia was the fourth of their seven children, five of whom survived into adulthood.[2] She had always wanted to be an actress and, in 1922, decided to seek an engagement without letting anyone know, even though she had no idea on how to obtain an audition. After simply turning up at a theatre,[ii] she was offered a place in the chorus, which gave her a grounding in her chosen profession.[7]

Career[edit]

Lascelles began her stage career touring in two plays by George Grossmith Jr. & J. A. E. Malone, first as a chorus girl in The Cabaret Girl (1923) at the Prince's Theatre, Bristol.[8] In the second, The Beauty Prize (1924), she played the small role of Shinny Fane, with The Stage praising her performance in two reviews.[9][10]

Lascelles then toured with Jack Buchanan's company in both Toni (1924) and Boodle (1925), two shows which opened in Birmingham.[11] Toni had initially been performed during a trial week at the Theatre Royal, Hanley 6 August 1923,[12][13] and then opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Birmingham on 5 May 1924,[14] ahead of its full run at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, from 12 May 1924 to 13 December 1924, yielding 248 performances.[15][16]

She later went on to the London Pavilion in On With the Dance (1925) and, in addition to playing a small comedy part, understudied Hermione Baddeley for a year.[11]

She was also one of the ladies in Still Dancing, which opened on 19 November 1925 and closed on 27 February 1926, for a total of 114 performances.[17][18]

After that, she was part of the chorus in the London run of Kid Boots[19] when Leslie Henson saw her rehearsing as understudy to the leading lady and made her an offer of her first leading part as Polly[20] in that play's national tour,[7] which opened at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, on 30 August 1926, and in which she sang "The Two Of Us" with Claude Bailey.[21] After the performances of Kid Boots at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lascelles changed roles again and switched to playing the part of Beth on 27 September for the rest of the tour.[22]

The following year, she starred in the title role of Sunny Peters in the national tours of Sunny (1927–1930), which opened at the Hippodrome Theatre in Margate on 4 July 1927,[23] and in which she sang "Who?" and "The Wedding Knell".[24] This musical comedy was so popular that two separate companies of actors toured it simultaneously in the provinces.[iii] Lascelles' company, directed by Lee Ephraim, did so for nearly three years, closing at the Hippodrome in Ilford on 31 May 1930,[25][26] with Lascelles performing throughout the whole run, except for an absence of ten weeks due of illness.[27][iv]

Lascelles' first leading appearance in pantomime was as Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1929–1930),[11][28] in which she sang "Tip-Toes".[29]

For most of 1931, Lascelles joined the national tour of Darling, I Love You, a musical comedy starring Gus McNaughton, in which she played Peggy Sylvester, the show's heroin, having taken over the role from Elsie Arnold[30] in January,[31] before passing it on to Lillian Newman in November.[32]

For that year's winter season, she had been pre-announced for the role of principal girl in the pantomime adaptation of Robinson Crusoe,[33] but joined another pantomime instead, Goody Two-Shoes (1931-1932), in which she played the lead role of Goody[34] and sang "Tie a little string about your finger", "Prince Charming", and "All Change for Happiness".[35].

After taking a long break around the birth of her daughter in June 1932,[36] Lascelles returned to the stage in October of that year, playing the role of Ena in the national tour of Stand Up and Sing (1932),[37] in which she sang "Mercantile Marine" and "Take It or Leave It".[38]

This was followed by Lee Ephraim's Musical Comedy Season, which took place from 24 December 1932 to 21 January 1933 at the Empire Theatre in Newcastle,[39] in which Lascelles was part of a company of 80 artists assembled to perform in three of Jack Buchanan's musical comedy shows in succession over four weeks: Sunny, That's A Good Girl, and Stand Up and Sing.[40] At the end of the first performance of Sunny on 24 December, after Lascelles had reprised her leading role of Sunny for the first time in nearly two years, the delighted audience called for repeated curtains and Eric Fawcett—who played Jack Buchanan's original part of Jim Denning—addressed the audience in appreciation.[41] For the second of these three shows, opening on 2 January 1933, Lascelles debuted her role of Moya Malone in That's a Good Girl, with Fawcett as Bill Barrow and Ethel Stewart as Joy Dean.[42] For the third show, opening on 9 January 1933, Lascelles played in Stand Up and Sing but departed from her usual role of Ena which was, on this run, performed instead by Ethel Stewart, who had originally played it opposite Jack Buchanan.[43] The final week, opening on 16 January 1933, was divided between Sunny and That's A Good Girl, with three consecutive days allocated to each play.[44]

Later in 1933, Lascelles was "the girl" in Follow the Girl (1933), a show that was well received but ran for only three weeks, one each at the Palace Theatre in Halifax on 30 October,[45] at the Opera House in Blackpool on 20 November,[46][47] and at the Theatre Royal in Brighton on 27 November.[48]

In 1935, she played a soubrette and dancer in Bubbles, which was also relayed on radio from the Victoria Pavilion, Ilfracombe.[49]

The following year, she appeared as herself, performing in the Gaiety Whirl of 1936, a yearly variety show organised by Ben Popplewell & Sons Ltd. at the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr for the whole summer, opening on 8 June and closing on 3 October, totalling 204 performances.[50][51][52]

She was Mizzi in Venus In Silk (1938),[53][54] a musical comedy written by Robert Stolz and starring Carl Brisson, Kitty Reidy, Leo Franklyn, and Arthur Rigby.[55] In this role, she sang three songs with Franklyn's Lt. Ladislaus: "One Will Do For Two", "Get Your Man", and "We'll Hire a Skiff".[56] Although it had been intended for a West End production, the show stayed away from London because of the war,[57] but toured in the provinces, opening at the Kings Theatre, Southsea on 30 January and closing at the Opera House Theatre, Blackpool on 23 April, for a total of 96 performances.

When World War II broke out in September 1939, Lascelles was on tour in South Africa with Leslie Henson and his Gaiety Company, playing in Going Greek and Swing Along. They left for England a week or two later on a blacked-out liner which took three weeks, during which they entertained the other passengers.[58]

Back in England, she played the role of Tilly in The Fleet's Lit Up (1939),[59][60]

and was the Princess in a pantomime adaptation of Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (1939).[61]

Personal life[edit]

In February 1927, Lascelles secretly married actor George Anderson Neil in Newcastle. At the time, Neil had been her fellow principal in Kid Boots, and later in Sunny.[27] They had a daughter, Susan, born on 13 June 1932,[36] who also became an actress.[62] From a second marriage to Archibald Kennedy Irvine in 1941, Lascelles gave birth on 14 June 1942 to a son, Andrew, who started out as a child actor[62] before switching careers to become a folk musician in Ireland, known as Andy Irvine.[63] Lascelles died of cancer on 29 April 1961.[64][65]

She had a great collection of 78s, songs from long-forgotten musical comedies that I listened to on a wind-up gramophone. She was wonderful. Regretfully, I didn't listen enough to all the stories she had when she was alive. She always had to be the centre of attention. As I always say about her: she may have given up the stage, but she never stopped acting!

— Andy Irvine, The Humours of Planxty, "The Child Actor", by Leagues O'Toole (2006).[66]

Works[edit]

Musical theatre[edit]

  • The Cabaret Girl (1923) – (Chorus girl)
  • The Beauty Prize (1924) – Shinny Fane
  • Toni (1924) – (Small part)
  • Boodle (1925) – (Small part)
  • On with the Dance (1925) – (Small part, and understudy to Hermione Baddeley)
  • Still Dancing (1925) – One of the Ladies
  • Kid Boots (1926) – Chorus girl/understudy (London run); first Polly, then Beth (National tour)
  • Sunny (1927–1930) – Sunny Peters
  • Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1929–1930) – Goldilocks
  • Darling I Love You (1931) – Peggy Sylvester
  • Goody Two-Shoes (1931–1932) – Goody
  • Stand up and Sing (1932) – Ena
  • That's a Good Girl (1933) – Moya Malone
  • Follow the Girl (1933) – Girl
  • Bubbles (1935) – Soubrette and dancer
  • Gaiety Whirl of 1936 (1936) – As herself
  • Venus In Silk (1938) – Mizzi
  • Going Greek (1939) – (Unknown)
  • Swing Along (1939) – (Unknown)
  • The Fleet's Lit Up (1939) – Tilly
  • Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (1939) – Princess

Filmography[edit]

  • Love and the Whirlwind (1922)[67]

References[edit]

Explanatory footnotes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Lascelles' birth place is disputed: O'Toole has Lisburn, County Antrim;[62] Lessels Yates says Wallasey, Merseyside.[2] Whenever she performed in the Liverpool area, local newspapers would often refer to her association with Wallasey as a past resident.[3][20][4][5][6]
  2. ^ a b The location of that venue is unclear. The source refers to "the Winter Gardens Theatre in London" (pluralised "Gardens"),[7] although that theatre was called the Winter Garden Theatre (singularised "Garden"). However, there was a Winter Gardens Theatre in New Brighton on Merseyside, quite near Wallasey where Lascelles resided at one time.
  3. ^ a b In the late 1920s, two separate companies toured simultaneously with Sunny in the provinces; one with Lascelles as "Sunny", the other with Elsa Brown, who performed in the same role at the King's Theatre, Southsea (Mon 8 – Sat 13 August 1927), for example.[68] In 1932, Lee Ephraim organised a new tour, this time with Lalla Collins as "Sunny", at the Alhambra Theatre, Glasgow (Mon 6 – Sat 11 June 1932).[69] Lascelles reprised the role for a final time during Lee Ephraim's short, year-end seasonal run from 24 December 1932 to 18 January 1933.
  4. ^ Lascelles became unwell during the 26 December 1927 performance at the King's Theatre in Dundee and her understudy, a 17-year old chorus girl named Miss Boulson, stood in for part of the show and again full time the next day, when Lascelles was rushed to the Dundee Infirmary to undergo emergency surgery for appendicitis.[70] On Saturday 7 January 1928, Pearl Greene took over the lead role of Sunny from Boulson for the last day of the Dundee run,[71] and for the following eight weeks, at: the Empire in South Shields (9 January);[72] the Empire in West Hartlepool (16 January);[73] the Opera House in Middlesbrough (23 January);[74] the Hippodrome in Darlington (30 January);[75] the Theatre Royal in York (6 February);[76] the Grand Theatre in Hull (13 February)[77] and the Hippodrome in Huddersfield (20 February),[78] after which Lascelles returned to the role on 27 February 1928, at the Theatre Royal in Halifax.[24]

Cite error: A list-defined reference named "FOOTNOTE''Hull Daily Mail''; 14 Feb 1928" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "FOOTNOTE''Halifax Evening Courier''; 21 Feb 1928" is not used in the content (see the help page).

Cite error: A list-defined reference named "FOOTNOTE''Halifax Evening Courier''; 28 Feb 1928" is not used in the content (see the help page).

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette; 10 Dec 1932.
  2. ^ a b c Lessels Yates 2010.
  3. ^ a b Liverpool Post & Mercury; 29 Jul 1926.
  4. ^ a b Liverpool Echo; 23 Jan 1931.
  5. ^ a b Liverpool Echo; 27 Jan 1931.
  6. ^ a b Liverpool Echo; 28 Aug 1931.
  7. ^ a b c Leicester Chronicle; 3 May 1930.
  8. ^ Theatricalia Cast.
  9. ^ The Stage; 7 Feb 1924.
  10. ^ The Stage; 21 Feb 1924.
  11. ^ a b c Sunday Mercury; 29 Dec 1929.
  12. ^ Wearing 2014, p. 211.
  13. ^ Staffordshire Sentinel; 7 Aug 1923.
  14. ^ Birmingham Daily Post; 1 May 1924.
  15. ^ UoL; Toni.
  16. ^ Bulles Production; Toni.
  17. ^ Wearing 2014, p. 400.
  18. ^ London Revues.
  19. ^ Wearing 2014, p. 418, [1].
  20. ^ a b Liverpool Post & Mercury; 14 Sep 1926.
  21. ^ The Stage; 2 Sep 1926.
  22. ^ The Stage; 2 Dec 1926.
  23. ^ Isle of Thanet Gazette; 9 Jul 1927.
  24. ^ Halifax Evening Courier; 28 Feb 1928.
  25. ^ Surrey Advertiser; 21 May 1930.
  26. ^ The Stage; 29 May 1930.
  27. ^ a b Derby Daily Telegraph; 11 Apr 1928.
  28. ^ IBY.com 2022.
  29. ^ Evening Despatch; 27 Dec 1929.
  30. ^ The Stage; 4 Dec 1930.
  31. ^ Halifax Evening Courier ; 20 Jan 1931.
  32. ^ Forest Hill & Sydenham Examiner; 28 Nov 1931.
  33. ^ Huddersfield Daily Examiner; 12 Nov 1931.
  34. ^ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette; 26 Jan 1932.
  35. ^ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette; 28 Dec 1932.
  36. ^ a b Liverpool Daily Post; 16 Jun 1932.
  37. ^ The Stage; 8 Dec 1932.
  38. ^ Belfast Telegraph; 15 Nov 1932.
  39. ^ The Era; 14 Dec 1932.
  40. ^ Sunday Sun; 18 Dec 1932.
  41. ^ Sunday Sun; 25 Dec 1932.
  42. ^ Sunday Sun; 1 Jan 1933.
  43. ^ Sunday Sun; 8 Jan 1933.
  44. ^ Sunday Sun; 15 Jan 1933.
  45. ^ Halifax Evening Courier; 31 Oct 1933.
  46. ^ Blackpool Times; 17 Nov 1933.
  47. ^ Blackpool Times; 24 Nov 1933.
  48. ^ Mid Sussex Times; 28 Nov 1933.
  49. ^ Western Daily Press; 9 Jul 1935.
  50. ^ Gaiety Whirl, Summer 1936.
  51. ^ Daily Record; 28 May 1936.
  52. ^ Gaiety Whirl; 28 Sep 1936.
  53. ^ Bradford Observer; 22 Mar 1938.
  54. ^ The Stage; 31 Mar 1938.
  55. ^ Hampshire Telegraph; 28 Jan 1938.
  56. ^ Venus in Silk; 15 Nov 1937.
  57. ^ Gänzl 1986, p. 473.
  58. ^ Sunday Sun; 3 Dec 1939.
  59. ^ Nottingham Journal; 5 Dec 1939.
  60. ^ Birmingham Gazette; 22 Nov 1939.
  61. ^ Birmingham Daily Post; 27 Dec 1939.
  62. ^ a b c O'Toole 2006, p. 35.
  63. ^ O'Toole 2006, pp. 42–43.
  64. ^ A. Irvine Biography.
  65. ^ O'Toole 2006, p. 41.
  66. ^ O'Toole 2006, p. 36.
  67. ^ The Motion Picture Studio; 13 May 1922.
  68. ^ Portsmouth Evening News; 9 Aug 1927.
  69. ^ The Stage; 9 Jun 1932.
  70. ^ Dundee Evening Telegraph; 28 Dec 1927.
  71. ^ Dundee Evening Telegraph; 6 Jan 1928.
  72. ^ The Stage; 12 Jan 1928, p. 15; col.4.
  73. ^ The Stage; 12 Jan 1928, p. 1; col.4.
  74. ^ Newcastle Daily Chronicle; 24 Jan 1928.
  75. ^ The Stage; 2 Feb 1928.
  76. ^ Yorkshire Post; 8 Feb 1928.

Sources[edit]

Books[edit]

  • Gänzl, Kurt (1986). The British Musical Theatre. 1915–1984 (hardcover). Vol. II (1st ed.). Basingstoke & London: Macmillan Press Ltd. ISBN 978-0-333-39744-2.
  • O'Toole, Leagues (2006). The Humours of Planxty (hardcover) (1st ed.). Dublin: Hodder Headline. ISBN 978-0-340-83796-2.
  • Wearing, J. P. (2014). The London Stage 1920–1929: A Calendar of Productions, Performers, and Personnel (hardcover) (2nd ed.). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN 978-0-8108-9301-6.

Theatre programs/playbills[edit]

  • Gaiety Whirl of 1936 (Theatre program/playbill). Felice Lascelles. Ayr, UK: Ayr Gaiety Theatre. 1936. p. 3. Retrieved 29 June 2023. Throughout the Summer Season. Twice nightly 6.50 and 9.00{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  • Venus in Silk (Theatre programme). Birmingham: Theatre Royal. 15 November 1937. p. 3. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Songs by Ladilsaus and Mizzi: "One Will Do For Two", "Get Your Man", "We'll Hire a Skiff".

Magazines and newspapers[edit]


  • "Toni - Theatre Royal, Hanley". Amusements. Staffordshire Sentinel. No. 18, 354. Stoke-on-Trent. 7 August 1923. p. 2; col.3–4. Retrieved 14 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY. (...) Hanley has given a splendid send-off to one of the funniest musical comedies in the range of George Edwardes productions. Toni, which received its first performance at the Theatre Royal on Monday, was greeted with enthusiasm by a crowded Bank Holiday audience, and the piece is booked for a provincial tour before it is installed in one of the London West End theatres. (...) If only to provide Mr. Jack Buchanan with a part that fits him like a glove, Toni was worth putting on the stage. Although the time available for rehearsals was limited, Mr. Buchanan played the title role on the opening night as though he had been doing it for months. (...) There is a strong and capable chorus, which serves the double purpose of helping on the musical progress of the piece and displaying a dazzling display of new gowns. (...) Nothing but praise can be bestowed on the dressing, mounting and general presentation of the play. (...) At the fall of the curtain there was a prolonged demonstration of enthusiasm, which Mr. Buchanan, Miss Johnstone and Miss Brady acknowledged in suitable little speeches. Then, in response to cries of "Author" and "Producer", Messrs. Douglas Furber and Harry Graham (the joint authors of the book) and Mr. Dion Titherage (the producer) appeared before the curtain and added their expression of thanks. Good bookings are reported for the rest of the week. [p. 1; col.2:] THEATRE ROYAL. Once Nightly [at] 7.30. Matinee, Thursday, August 9th, at 2.30. The Great George Edwardes Daly's Theatre Production, A Delightful New Musical Play in Three Acts, Toni. All-Star Cast, Which Will Appear in London. Justine Johnstone, Evan Thomas, Philip Simmons, Sylvia Leslie, Hastings Lynn, Veronica Brady, Fred Leslie, Sam Wilkinson, Elsie Randolph, and Jack Buchanan.
  • "Toni - Prince of Wales Theatre, Birmingham". Birmingham Daily Post. No. 20, 557. Birmingham. 1 May 1924. p. 1; col.1. Retrieved 13 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Monday Next, May 5, For 6 Nights at 7.15. Matinee Thursday at 2. The George Edwardes Daly's Theatre Production, In the New Musical Play in Three Acts, Toni. All-Star Cast, including June and Jack Buchanan. The Identical Company and Production which will open at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, May 12.


  • "The Beauty Prize - Royal Court, Liverpool". The Stage. No. 2, 238. London, UK. 7 February 1924. p. 17; col.5. Retrieved 15 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. ROYAL COURT. (...) In The Beauty Prize, presented by Grossmith and Malone's excellent company, we have a clear, connected story and an abundance of humour which is often brilliant, as well as a series of extremely laughable situations. Joan Lockton plays the heroine, and she gives an extremely attractive and clever study. Philip Simmons as John Brooke, the affianced lover, sings excellently and acts without exaggeration. Claude Hulbert as the "prize" husband is most amusing, and the work of H. Lytton. jr., Mignon Morenza, Peter Haddon, Felice Lascelles, and others calls for special mention.
  • "The Beauty Prize - Royal Theatre, Newcastle-On-Tyne". The Provinces. The Stage. No. 2, 240. London, UK. 21 February 1924. p. 20; col.4. Retrieved 16 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. The Beauty Prize Monday 18 February 1924 for two weeks. Royal Theatre, Newcastle-On-Tyne. The Beauty Prize made a most effective commencement in Newcastle on Monday of a two weeks' engagement, and the lovely and beautifully staged show was followed with warm applause. (...) Among others to be mentioned are (...) Felice Lascelles as Shinny Fane. [p. 14; col.5:] Mr John Hart will open the Spring dramatic season at the Grand Theatre, Leeds with (...) The Beauty Prize.
  • "Chorus to Lead". Liverpool Post & Mercury. No. 22, 188. Liverpool, UK. 29 July 1926. p. 9; col.4. Retrieved 17 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. [Photo caption:] Miss Felice Lascelles, who is to play Polly in Kid Boots on tour. Miss Lascelles is a Wallasey girl.
  • "A New Leading Lady (+Photo)". Manchester Evening News. No. 17, 877. Manchester, UK. 3 August 1926. p. 3; col.4. Retrieved 30 June 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Miss Felice Lascelles who jumped from the chorus into the part of leading lady and is coming to Manchester shortly in Kid Boots.
  • "Kid Boots - Palace Theatre, Manchester". On Tour. The Stage. No. 2, 370. London, UK. 2 September 1926. p. 1; col.2. Retrieved 17 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Kid Boots Aug 30 & Sep 6, Palace, Manchester. [p. 4:] SONG: "The Two Of Us", sung by Felice Lascelles and Claude Bailey in Kid Boots.
  • "Kid Boots - Empire Theatre, Liverpool". Liverpool Post & Mercury. No. 22, 228. Liverpool, UK. 14 September 1926. p. 1; col.4. Retrieved 17 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Monday 13 September. For two weeks only. 7.30. Matinees: Saturdays 2.30. [13; col.3:] Mr Henson is in fine fettle, and has but to raise one of his mobile eyebrows to set everyone roaring. But he is not the only one in this delightful musical comedy. There is, for instance, Miss Felice Lascelles, the soul of daintiness as Polly, and all the better for being a Wallasey girl. A sweet singer and lissom dancer, she makes a fitting partner for Mr Claude Bailey, who, as the club "pro.", plays love better than golf.
  • "Kid Boots - King's Theatre, Edinburgh". The Stage. No. 2, 383. London, UK. 2 December 1926. p. 4; col.4. Retrieved 13 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. On Monday [29 Nov 1926], the beginning of a fortnight's engagement in Edinburgh, Mr Leslie Henson carried his audience from one shriek of laughter to another. Claude Bailey as the millionaire acts and sings well, Margaret Campbell's Polly is attractive, and Viola Compton as the lady doctor, Dora Dolaro as Carmen, Felice Lascelles as Beth, and Eric and René Le Fre, in their dances, are all good. [p. 1; col.2:] Kid Boots Nov 29, King's Edinburgh.
  • "SUNNY - Hippodrome, Margate". Isle of Thanet Gazette. Vol. 58, no. 2, 993. Margate, UK. 9 July 1927. p. 7; col.5. Retrieved 20 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Sunny, a musical comedy in two acts and fifteen scenes, has delighted large audiences at each presentation at the Hippodrome this week [4 – 9 Jul 1927]. The elaborate dresses and scene effects are all new, as the play's production at Margate constitutes its first week on tour. A dress rehearsal on Sunday night [3 Jul] was personally conducted by Mr. Jack Buchanan, the well-known actor. (...) As Sunny Peters, Felice Lascelles is a vivacious and very charming little person. Max Kirby gives an excellent performance in the role of Jim Demming, the husband. Considerable talent is shown by George Neill in the part of the circus proprietor, and as Sunny's father, Naylor Grimson creates many a laugh. (...)
  • "SUNNY - King's Theatre, Southsea". Round Of The Theatres. Portsmouth Evening News. No. 17, 441. Portsmouth, UK. 9 August 1927. p. 6; col.3. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. SUNNY REMAINS AT THE KING'S. Sunny entered upon another wonderful week at the King's Theatre, Southsea, last night. A vast holiday audience gave the company a reception they are likely to remember, and one they will always recall with pleasure. It seemed to be one long round of applause from beginning to end, and the packed house literally swayed from side to side with laughter. There is no doubt about it, Sunny grips you from the first scene and hurls you along with the fun. The enthusiasm of the players seems to be infectious, and although there were recalls galore the bouse never tired of applauding. Mr. Jack Melford can hardly have had a part to suit him better than that of "Jim". He has certainly not had any leading lady to give him more support than Miss Elsa Brown. As "Sunny", she positively captures everybody with her fascinating manner and charming voice. One young lady who came in for a perfect hurricane of applause last night was the dancer, Miss Lena King, and she deserved every bit of it. The dancing generally is one of the great delights of the production, and Mr. Eddie Child's contribution in this direction is really a remarkable display. The rest all help to put on a grand performance, not forgetting the "Sunny" girls and Alfredo's "Sunny" band.
  • "PRINCIPAL ACTRESS IN 'SUNNY' Removed to Dundee Infirmary. Undergoes an Operation". Dundee Evening Telegraph. No. 15, 939. Dundee, UK. 28 December 1927. p. 1; col.4. Retrieved 28 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Miss Felice Lascelles, who took the leading part in Sunny, now being produced in the King's Theatre, Dundee, is in Dundee Infirmary. Miss Lascelles during Monday [28 December] night was at one stage not feeling very well, and her substitute had to take one of the scenes. Subsequently Miss Lascelles reappeared, and, judging from her dancing, singing, and acting, had apparently recovered. Miss Lascelles, however, was again feeling ill yesterday, and late in the evening was conveyed to the Infirmary, where she was operated upon for appendicitis. To-day she is reported to be going on well, but it will be several weeks ere she is able to appear on the stage. Meantime her understudy, Miss Boulson, will carry on the part of Sunny. Previous to joining Sunny in July of this year Miss Lascelles was with Mr Leslie Henson's company in Kid Boots.
  • "SUNNY". Dundee Evening Telegraph. No. 15, 947. Dundee, UK. 6 January 1928. p. 3; col.4. Retrieved 28 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. The musical comedy, Sunny, has had a very successful fortnight's run at the King's Theatre. It concludes to-morrow (Saturday) with two performances, matinee and evening. Theatregoers, at least those who saw the first performance in the city, will be interested to hear that Miss Felice Lascelles, who carried on whilst seriously ill and had subsequently to be removed to the Infirmary to undergo an operation for appendicitis, is going on well. Miss Poulton, the youngest member of the chorus, who at minute's notice took the loading part, has been filling the role very satisfactorily. Only 17 years of age, she regarded as being rather young, although full of promise, and Miss Pearl Greene has come north from London to take the part of Sunny at the matinee to-morrow [Sat 7 Jan] and in the evening, then goes on with the company to South Shields during the week-end.
  • Glover, James M. (12 January 1928). "The Music Box". The Stage. No. 2, 441. London, UK. p. 15; col.4. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Miss Pearl Greene was engaged by Mr. Lee Ephraim to take up the title-role in Sunny at very short notice, and only had a few days to rehearse the part, which she successfully carried through at the Empire, Dundee, on Saturday [7 Jan]. The piece is this week [Mon 9 Jan] at the Empire, South Shields. [p. 1; col.4:] On tour: SUNNY Jan. 16, Empire, West Hartlepool.
  • "SUNNY - Opera House, Middlesbrough". Newcastle Daily Chronicle. No. 21, 772. Newcastle, UK. 24 January 1928. p. 7; col.6. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. SUNNY CAPTIVATING MIDDLESBROUGH. Every dance orchestra in the country is playing Sunny music, consequently it was not surprising that the queues outside Middlesbrough Opera House last night [Mon 23 Jan] were quite unusual. In the title role of Sunny, Miss Pearl Greene lends a charming personality to a clever and lively show. (...).
  • "SUNNY - Hippodrome, Darlington". The Provinces. The Stage. No. 2, 444. London, UK. 2 February 1928. p. 6; col.3. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. The brilliant musical comedy, Sunny, is drawing packed houses this week. Pearl Greene is a dainty Sunny, and sings and dances cleverly. (...)
  • "SUNNY - Theatre Royal, York". Yorkshire Post. No. 25, 141. Leeds, UK. 8 February 1928. p. 14; col.1. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. The musical comedy Sunny, produced by Jack Buchanan, is visiting York Theatre Royal this week. The fifteen scenes which comprise the two acts provide some fine spectacular effects. The action is brisk and the dancing excellent, particularly the solo turns by Iris White. Max Kirby as Jim Hemming provides continuous fun, and Pearl Greene in the title role and Zoe Andrews as "Weenie" Winters deserve mention for their admirable acting and dancing. (...)
  • "SUNNY - Grand Theatre, Hull". Before the Footlights. Hull Daily Mail. No. 13, 215. Hull, UK. 14 February 1928. p. 4; col.6. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Sheer joie de vivre is the keynote of Sunny, which on Monday night [13 Feb] opened with a blare and a bang in a long-anticipated week's stay at the Hull Grand Theatre. (...) The blare and the bang with which the show opens occurs outside the entrance to the circus which Sunny Peters (vivaciously played by Pearl Greene) is the champion bare-back rider. (...). [p. 4; col.3:] Evenings at 7.30. Two matinees this week (Thur and Sat at 2).
  • "SUNNY - Hippodrome, Halifax". Halifax Evening Courier. No. 13, 928. Halifax, UK. 21 February 1928. p. 6; col.5. Retrieved 29 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Sunny, which was presented to a large audience last night [Mon 20 Feb], is said to be the biggest and most expensive shows that has ever visited Huddersfield. (...) The principals in the cast are Max Kirby, Pearl Greene, Zoe Andrews, Naylor Grimson, George Neil and Rex Rogers. (...) There will be matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30.
  • "SUNNY - Theatre Royal, Halifax". Halifax Evening Courier. No. 13, 935. Halifax, UK. 28 February 1928. p. 1; col.1. Retrieved 28 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Monday, February 27, and week, at 7.30. Matinees Thursday and Saturday, at 2.30 pm. [p. 3; col.1:] (...) Miss Felice Lascelles is full of animation in the title role, and gives the lead to a whirlwind of amusement and gaiety. She dances effectively, and her musical numbers, "Who" and "The Wedding Knell", haunt the piece. (...)
  • "Well-kept Secret of Sunny Principal's Wedding Revealed". Stage Gossip. Derby Daily Telegraph. Vol. LXXVIII, no. 14, 041. Derby, UK. 11 April 1928. p. 5; col.5. Retrieved 4 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. [Miss Felice Lascelles and Miss Zoe Andrews] both greeted me cheerily before telling me of the great deception practised on me by Miss Lascelles when Sunny was here in October [1927]. On that occasion she told me she was unmarried (...). Now, I am told she has been married for 15 months to George Neil, who plays Wendell-Wendell in the show. However, I was not the only one taken in, for the whole company were surprised to learn the news. There were good reasons for the secrecy, and for once the male partner was guilty of letting the cat out of the bag. In Dundee Miss Lascelles had to be taken from the theatre to be operated on for appendicitis. Her husband was in such a state that he "just simply had to let everyone know". They were in Kid Boots on tour with Leslie Henson when they were married in Newcastle. (...) I am glad the operation was successful, though it kept Miss Lascelles from work for ten weeks. (...).
  • "Midlands Give Welcome to the Great Season of Christmas Shows / Goldilocks and the Three Bears". Evening Despatch. No. 12, 021. Birmingham, UK. 27 December 1929. p. 3; col.6. Retrieved 26 April 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. (...) Elsie Prince is a vivacious principal boy with a particularly sweet if over-strong voice which we like best in "Painting Clouds Sunshine" and "Everybody Loves You" and Felice Lascelles makes a very dainty Goldilocks whose best vocal number is "Tip-Toes". (...)
  • Astra (29 December 1929). "Stars of Pantomime / Her First Lead". Sunday Mercury. No. 573. Birmingham, UK. p. 10; col.3. Retrieved 17 May 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Miss Felice Lascelles started her stage career in the chorus at the Winter Garden Theatre in The Cabaret Girl and then played a small part in The Beauty Prize. Later she was with Jack Buchanan in Toni and Boodle, two shows which opened in Birmingham. Miss Lascelles later went on to the London Pavilion in On With the Dance and, in addition to playing a small comedy part, understudied Hermione Baddeley for a year. After that, she returned to the Winter Garden in Kid Boots and, one lucky day Leslie Henson saw her rehearsing as understudy to the leading lady. Mr Henson immediately made her an offer of her first leading part—that of lead in the tour of Kid Boots, which also opened in Birmingham. Since the end of that tour she has been playing the title role in Sunny. [Goldilocks and the Three Bears] is her first experience in pantomime, and she has made good. It would be difficult to find a more graceful principal girl.
  • "Behind the Footlights". Leicester Chronicle. No. 781. Leicester, UK. 3 May 1930. p. 7; col.2. Retrieved 1 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. [Miss Felice Lascelles] had her first leading part with Leslie Henson in Kid Boots.
  • "SUNNY - Empire Theatre, Kingston". Surrey Advertiser. Vol. CXXII, no. 9, 253. Guildford & Kingston, UK. 21 May 1930. p. 5; col.1. Retrieved 21 April 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. SUNNY, An Excellent Show. Patrons of Kingston Empire are being provided with a first class entertainment this week [19–24 May 1930] in Sunny, the musical comedy which had a long run in London. It is played by a very capable company, and the show is exceedingly well staged. Eric Fawcett, as Jim Denning, and Louis Roslyn, as Harold Wendell Wendell, are irresistible humourists, and Felice Lascelles is a charming Sunny. Zoe Andrews, as Weenie Winters, and Gus Oxley, as Sunny's father, also make a big contribution to the play's success. Next week: The Merry Whirl.



  • "Darling, I Love You - The Wimbledon, London". London Theatres. The Stage. No. 2, 592. London, UK. 4 December 1930. p. 16; col.6. Retrieved 3 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. THE WIMBLEDON. This week [Mon 1 – Sat 6 December] Mr Arthur Longstaff presents, by arrangement with Mr. Laddie Cliff, a talented company in the musical comedy Darling, I Love You. Mr. Gus McNaughton must be congratulated upon his clever and humorous interpretation of Bertie Bundy. (...) Miss Elsie Arnold sings and dances charmingly as Peggy Sylvester, and, in partnership with Mr. Laurence Naismith, who so admirably portrays Bobby Darrell, performs several tuneful duets and graceful dancing. (...)
  • "Darling, I Love You - Theatre Royal, Huddersfield". Halifax Evening Courier. No. 14, 983. Halifax, UK. 20 January 1931. p. 1; col.1. Retrieved 26 April 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Evenings at 7.30. Matinee: Saturday at 2.30 [p. 3; col.3:] Huddersfield Theatre Royal. All the features that one associates with the best in modern musical comedy are contained In Darling, I Love You, which is at the Huddersfield Theatre Royal this week [19–24 Jan 1931]. (...) On the serious side, nothing could be more acceptable than the winsome performance of Miss Felice Lascelles, who sings, acts and dances with great grace and charm. (...)
  • "Darling, I Love You". In The Limelight Next Week. Liverpool Echo. No. 15, 928. Liverpool, UK. 23 January 1931. p. 10; col.4. Retrieved 2 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Felice Lascelles, the leading lady, is a Wallasey girl who, with her sister, has gained a name in musical comedy work.
  • "Darling, I Love You - Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool". This Week in Stageland. Liverpool Echo. No. 15, 931. Liverpool, UK. 27 January 1931. p. 4; col.6. Retrieved 27 April 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. ROYAL COURT — Darling, I Love You. A musical comedy. (...) Miss Felice Lascelles, a pretty and graceful heroine in voice and presence, learned in a tribute of flowers how Merseyside rejoices in the success of its local talent (...). [p. 1; col.1:] Evenings at 7.30. Matinee: Saturday at 2. FIRST VISIT TO LIVERPOOL.
  • "Darling, I Love You". In The Limelight Next Week. Liverpool Echo. No. 16, 113. Liverpool, UK. 28 August 1931. p. 10; col.2,4. Retrieved 4 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. The leading lady is Felice Lascelles, at one time a resident in Wallasey who, a year or two ago, made a reputation by her playing in Sunny at this theatre (Winter Gardens Theatre).
  • "This Year's Panto: 'Robinson Crusoe'". In and About. Huddersfield Daily Examiner. No. 20, 261. Huddersfield, UK. 12 November 1931. p. 2; col.6. Retrieved 7 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. This year, I hear, Robinson Crusoe is to be the Theatre Royal panto (...). The principal girl will be Miss Felice Lascelles, the principal boy Miss Irene Lister, and the principal comedians Cliff Weir, Ernie Leno and Tow Howell.
  • "Darling, I Love You - Empire Theatre, Penge". The Silver Screen. Forest Hill & Sydenham Examiner. No. 1, 304. London. 28 November 1931. p. 2; col.3. Retrieved 2 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. PENGE EMPIRE. Darling, I Love You, which comes to the Penge Empire next week [Mon 30 November – Sat 5 December 1931], is a bright, happy and original musical comedy. (...) Gus McNaughton (Bertie Bundy), scores all throughout the show with his clean and clever foolery, particularly when he is conducting and dancing the Rhapsody, which is supposed to be his own composition. (...) The love interest is in the capable hands Lillian Newman [Peggy Sylvester] and Kenneth Birrell [Bobby Darrell]. (...)
  • "Goody Two Shoes - Attraction of Exeter's Christmas Pantomime". Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. Vol. CLIX, no. 26, 668. Exeter, UK. 10 December 1931. p. 5; col.1-2. Retrieved 5 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. WHO'S WHO IN CAST. (...) The title role been entrusted to Felice Lascelles, who, with her charming manner, a glorious wealth of golden hair, and expressive brown eyes, is admirably suited for this all-important role. She can sing, act, and dance, and comes to Exeter Pantomime with a fine list of successes. She had an important part in Sunny, and the managements she has played under include Charles Cochran, Leslie Henson, and Jack Buchanan. She scored a great success in Kid Boots at the London Winter Gardens. (...)
  • "Felice Lascelles". The Stage. No. 2, 646. London, UK. 17 December 1931. p. 1; col.1. Retrieved 4 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Felice Lascelles. 53D Queen's Gardens, W.2. Phone Pad. 9074. Direction, Lee Ephraim.



  • "Goody Two Shoes - Theatre Royal, Exeter". Devon's Pantomime. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. Vol. CLIX, no. 26, 681. Exeter, UK. 28 December 1931. p. 7; col.1-3. Retrieved 5 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. (...) Many Theatre Royal patrons remember charming Felice Lascelles in that attractive production, Sunny. I was certain when Mr. Dunsford told me a good while ago that he had secured her for the title role in this year's pantomime that she would give an appealing study of Goody, and there can be few, if any, who were present on Boxing Day who will not agree. She is dainty and charming, is a delightfully accomplished dancer—indeed, she has all the qualifications which a principal girl needs if she is to adequately fill the role. An accomplished little actress, she has also a sweet voice, even though it be on the small side. I like her singing of "Tie a little string about your finger", with its alternate whistling and humming chorus, "Prince Charming", and "All Change for Happiness". She and Irene Lister are a well-matched couple for a pair of lovers wandering through fairyland. (...)
  • "Goody Two-Shoes". Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. Vol. CLX, no. 26, 706. Manchester, UK. 26 January 1932. p. 7; col.5. Retrieved 29 June 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  • "SUNNY - Alhambra, Glasgow". The Stage. No. 2, 671. London, UK. 9 June 1932. p. 9; col.5. Retrieved 12 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Lee Ephraim presents Sunny, the bright musical comedy, which is given twice nightly. It runs very smoothly throughout, and the tuneful numbers and dancing are greatly enjoyed. The play is beautifully staged and dressed. Lalla Collins is especially good as Sunny, and Ethel Stewart is first rate as Weenie. Eric Fawcett plays Jim with delightful ease, and Jeffrey Piddock as Wendell is thoroughly satisfying. Others who attract are Kenneth Birrell and John McMahon. Some excellent dancing is given by Nita Deroy and Tony Smythe, and the chorus is well trained. Kenneth Morrison is the conductor. [p. 1; col.1:] 'On Tour' SUNNY June 6, Al[hambra Theatre], Glasgow.
  • "LASCELLES-NEIL". Births. Liverpool Daily Post. No. 24, 013. Liverpool, UK. 16 June 1932. p. 1; col.1. Retrieved 7 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. June 13, at 47 Addison Avenue, London W.11, to FELICE LASCELLES, wife of GEORGE ANDERSON NEIL, a daughter (doing splendidly).
  • "Stand up and Sing - Grand Opera House, Belfast". Belfast Telegraph. Belfast, UK. 15 November 1932. p. 2; col.6. Retrieved 5 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Stand Up and Sing is sponsored by Jack Buchanan and Lee Ephraim. It has been a big success in London, and its production at the Belfast Opera House this week was anticipated with a large measure of interest. (...) Miss Felice Lascelles has a pleasing voice which she enhances by a charming artistry. She is a musical comedy favourite, and was as warmly applauded on Monday night as she was when she appeared in Sunny a few years ago. Two of her best numbers were "Mercantile Marine" and "Take It or Leave It", the latter securing an outstanding reception. [p. 4; col.1:] Today [15 Nov 1932] at 7.30. Matinee Friday [18 Nov 1932].





  • "'Stand up and Sing' at the Empire Theatre, Leeds". The Stage. No. 2, 697. London, UK. 8 December 1932. p. 20; col.1. Retrieved 2 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Jack Buchanan and Lee Ephraim present Stand Up and Sing this week. There were two packed houses on Monday. Eric Fawcett as Smith is a capital singer and dancer, and his share in the success is a big one. He is capitally supported by Geoff. Middleton as Percy Pirn and Tony Smythe as Jim Haselden. Felice Lascelles as Ena; Nell Shepherd, Princess; John Barker, Count Maxim; and John Macmahon, Judge, are all capital in their respective parts. Praise must go to the smart chorus under the baton of Kenneth Morrison.
  • "Lee Ephraim's Musical Comedy Season - Empire, Newcastle". Next Week's Calls. Monday December 19, 1932. The Era. Vol. 96, no. 4, 915. London, UK. 14 December 1932. p. 19; col.2. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Newcastle Empire (reh. 1) (Low Pitch). —Commencing December 24, Lee Ephraim's Musical Comedy Season, including Sunny, That's A Good Girl, and Stand Up and Sing.
  • "EMPIRE'S Innovation". North's Yuletide Feast of Entertainment Fare. Sunday Sun. No. 699. Newcastle. 18 December 1932. p. 12; col.3-4. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. (...) A BIG innovation in keeping with the times has been decided on at Newcastle Empire. The management feel that moderate prices are a prime necessity at the moment, and in an endeavour to combine extremely reasonable prices with high-class top speed fare they have arranged for a season of twice nightly presentation of the highly successful Jack Buchanan musical comedy shows and will open on Christmas Eve with Sunny. The two other plays to be presented during the four weeks' season are That's A Good Girl and Stand Up and Sing. In the company of eighty who will present the shows are some firm Newcastle favourites. You recall twinkle-toes Ethel Stewart, who was at the Empire last February with Jack Buchanan in Stand Up and Sing? She returns in her favourite roles, and playing opposite her is Eric Fawcett, an artist who has earned excellent opinions for his dancing, his singing, and his comedy talents. Other artistes will be Miss Felice Lascelles, Miss Nell Shepherd, Mr. Eric Hodges, Mr. John MacMahon, Mr. Jo Monkhouse, Mr. George Rydon, Mr. Jeffrey Pidock, and a full dancing chorus and special orchestra. The principal dancers are Miss Nita Deroy and Mr. Tony Smvthe. The productions will be under the personal supervision of Mr. Lee Ephraim. [p. 12; col.1–2:] Empire. Four Weeks. Christmas & New Year Attraction. 6.30 and 8.50. Commencing Saturday, 24th December. Matinees at 2.30 – 1st and 2nd weeks: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; 3rd and 4th weeks: Wednesday and Saturday. Lee Ephraim presents Jack Buchanan's Musical Comedy Success. 1st Week: Sunny. 2nd Week: That's A Good Girl. 3rd Week: Stand Up and Sing.
  • "Big Audience Delighted At Empire". Sunday Sun. No. 700. Newcastle. 25 December 1932. p. 3; col.3. Retrieved 7 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. CURTAIN CALLS. Lee Ephraim' s four weeks' repertory season of musical comedy was given a big send-off with the opening performance of Sunny at the Empire, Newcastle, last night. A delighted audience called for curtain after curtain at the end of the show and Eric Fawcett, who plays Jack Buchanan's original part of Jim Denning, had to say a few words. Even the company, smothering the "nerves" of a first night, were a little taken aback such a reception from the traditionally "frigid" Tyneside audience. The opening scenes perhaps a little slow and then dainty little Felice Lascelles as Sunny boldly set the pace and to the end the show went with a swing which roused the unstinted enthusiasm of the audience. NO TIME LOST. Lee Ephraim promised that his twice-nightly productions would equal the original once-nightlv show and he has kept his word. He crowds 14 scenes into two hours of racy entertainment. Sunny, with its popular melodies and tunes loses nothing of its verve and freshness by its "tabloid" presentation. Supporting Felice Lascelles and Eric Fawcett are Ethel Stewart, Eric Hodges, Vera Joyce, Jeffrey Piddock, John MacMahon and a well-rehearsed company. And word for those two pianists Bernard Baker and Esward Rubach. It would not be the show it is without them.
  • "'Good Girl' — Good Show". Sunday Sun. No. 701. Newcastle. 1 January 1933. p. 4; col.5-6. Retrieved 6 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. [With photo of Felice Lascelles.] This week, That's a Good Girl, considered by many to be easily the best laugh in the Buchanan repertoire, is the New Year attraction and the company who so capitally put across the first of the series, Sunny, will be seen again at this week's show. (...) Eric Fawcett, who takes the Jack Buchanan role of "Bill Barrow", is one of the finest live-wire dancers we have seen for a long time on Tyneside. His comedy gifts are fully exploited, and has the happy knack of seeming to enjoy the show as much as his most enthusiastic auditor. Felice Lascelles, as "Moya Malone", and Ethel Stewart, who appears in her original role of "Joy Dean", are admirable foils to Eric [Fawcett] and play up to him with rare élan. (...) [p. 4; col.6–7:] Empire. Repertoire of Musical Comedies. This Week: That's a Good Girl. Next Week: Stand Up And Sing. 6.30 and 8.50. Special Matinees each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at 2.30.
  • "A Plucky Fight". Round the Theatres. Sunday Sun. No. 702. Newcastle. 8 January 1933. p. 4; col.2. Retrieved 7 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. (...) This week Stand Up and Sing, the essence of Buchananism, will be given with Eric Fawcett playing Jack Buchanan's part and Ambrose Thorne in his original of Selim, which he created. Ethel Stewart will be in the role of Ena, the part she played opposite Jack Buchanan, and Felice Lascelles, Nell Shepherd, Arthur Hosking, Tony Smythe, Jo Monkhouse and the others who have been delighting Newcastle audiences will carry on the good work
  • "Musical Comedies". Sunday Sun. No. 703. Newcastle. 15 January 1933. p. 4; col.1. Retrieved 6 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. [With photo of Felice Lascelles (col.6).] This month's musical comedy season at the Newcastle Empire will wind up this week [Monday 16 – 21 January] with the presentation of Sunny during the first three days and That's A Good Girl during the latter three days. It was with Sunny, a gay and tuneful show, that the company opened its run, and on that occasion Mr Eric Fawcett made a hit with his portrayal the Jack Buchanan part. His tap dancing, mannerisms, clowning, and tailoring are modelled on Buchanan's style and his smile is infectious. As for That's a Good Girl this show teems with clever lyrics, pleasing music, capital dancing, and agreeable humour. Here again Mr Fawcett is able to demonstrate his versatility, and the other leading artistes—Ethel Stewart, Felice Lascelles, Nell Shepherd, Ambrose Thorn, Arthur Hosking—play their parts with efficiency. The capable chorus lends good support, and both plays are worth a visit. [p. 4; col.5:] Empire. Mon., Tues. and Wed., Sunny. Thurs., Fri. and Sat., That's A Good Girl. 6.30 and 8.50.


  • "'Follow the Girl' - Palace Theatre, Halifax". Stage and Screen. Halifax Evening Courier. No. 15, 993. Halifax, UK. 31 October 1933. p. 6; col.4. Retrieved 8 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. THE PALACE. The new musical comedy, Follow the Girl, is a joy to see, for not often does one witness an entertainment so well produced. (...) Miss Felice Lascelles as Sally Peters, pretty and slender, plays the part to perfection, and opposite to her, as a radio star, Gene Anderton shows capability. (...) [p. 1; col.1:] Week Commencing Monday, October 30th., 1933. Twice nightly at 6.45 and 8.45.
  • "Love and Laughter: 'Follow the Girl'". Blackpool's Week of Laughter Shows: STAGE. Blackpool Times. No. 6, 485. Blackpool, UK. 17 November 1933. p. 5; col.5-6. Retrieved 7 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Felice Lascelles plays the girl. This charming and beautiful artist adds yet another success to a list which includes Sunny, Stand Up and Sing, That's a Good Girl and Darling, I Love You.
  • "Follow the Girl". Blackpool Times. No. 6, 486. Blackpool, UK. 24 November 1933. p. 5; col.6. Retrieved 29 June 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  • "'Follow the Girl' - Theatre Royal, Brighton". Let's Go To A Show!. Mid Sussex Times. No. 2, 756. Chichester, UK. 28 November 1933. p. 11; col.3. Retrieved 9 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Each evening at 8.15, and matinees Thursday and Saturday at 2.30. Rupert Ingalese presents the new musical comedy, Follow the Girl, supported by full West End Company, including Felice Lascelles, Angela Grey, Irene Bannister, Frank Rowntree, Bobby Dennis, Gene Anderton, Beatrice Allen, Richard Clarke, Charles Harvard and The June Dancers, with June Radbourne. Augmented orchestra.




  • "Gaiety Whirl of 1936 - Gaiety Theatre, Ayr". This Morning's Gossip. Daily Record. No. 27, 877. Glasgow, UK. 28 May 1936. p. 13; col.4. Retrieved 9 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive. Gaiety Changes. A colleague went down to Ayr the other day to see the remarkable transformation which Messrs. Popplewell have achieved in the Gaiety Theatre in preparation for the grand opening on June 8 of the Gaiety Whirl 0f 1936, in which Dave Willis will, as usual be the shining star. (...) In addition to Dave Willis the cast will include (...) Felice Lascelles; Jee Boys; Florence Hunter; Gilbert Gunn, the Glasgow boy who writes the lyrics and music; the Twelve John Tiller Girls, and the Gaiety Rhythm Band under the baton of Harry Broad. This year's "Whirl" promises to be the best of series.


  • "Venus in Silk - King's Theatre, Southsea". Hampshire Telegraph. No. 8, 095. Portsmouth, UK. 28 January 1938. p. 19; col.3-4. Retrieved 10 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. VENUS IN SILK. Four years have passed since Carl Brisson was last in Southsea, beguiling impressionable hearts with his inimitable Danilo in The Merry Widow. Now, after winning further laurels in Hollywood and on Broadway, he has returned to England to stage a new musical show, Venus in Silk, which pays a special visit to the King's Theatre next week, where it will be presented by Lee Ephraim and Carl himself. After its season in Edinburgh, it was intended to produce it in the West End, but Carl could not get the theatre he wanted, and so, with the happiness of his former visits still fresh in his memory, Southsea was chosen as the starting-off point on a short tour. Monday night will be something of a premiere, most of the cast being entirely newcomers, chief of whom is Shaun Glenville who is renewing a memorable association with Carl which was started in The Apache. Kitty Reidy is the leading lady, playing the role of a beautiful and imperious Princess whose word is law in a magnificent Hungarian castle where part of the action is laid. Leo Franklyn, the English comedian who has been winning success in the Antipodes for over ten years and returned to London to make his name overnight when he deputized for the late Laddie Cliff in his musical, is a tower of strength on the comedy side. Arthur Rigby, Jr., Felice Lascelles and Alex Watson are others in a clever company. The score of Venus in Silk is by Robert Stolz, who gave "White Horse Inn" and "Wild Violets" to the world. [p. 4; col.1:] Next week at 8.0. Matinees, Wednesday and Thursday at 2.30.
  • "Happy Charm of 'Venus in Silk'". Bradford Observer. No. 23, 173. Bradford, UK. 22 March 1938. p. 4; col.6. Retrieved 30 June 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  • "'Venus in Silk' at Theatre Royal, Nottingham". The Stage. No. 2, 974. London, UK. 31 March 1938. p. 11; col.1. Retrieved 2 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  • "The Fleet's Lit Up". Birmingham Gazette. No. 29, 822. Birmingham, UK. 22 November 1939. p. 2; col.1. Retrieved 30 June 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  • "Successful Play: The Fleet's Lit Up". Lewis Ashley's Pageant. Sunday Sun. No. 1, 062. Newcastle. 3 December 1939. p. 2; col.5-6. Retrieved 7 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive. Another star in the show—Felice Lascelles—looked in for a cup of tea. She has already had a great deal of experience of what the war means for stage folk. She was on tour in South Africa with Leslie Henson and his Gaiety Company in Going Greek and Swing Along when the war broke out, and they left for England a week or two later on a blacked-out liner which took three weeks instead of the usual 13 days for the voyage. But the trip wasn't entirely monotonous with a theatrical company on board to relieve the gloom for the other passengers. They stayed at Sierra Leone for seven days and while they were there were entertained by the Governor and in return did their bit to entertain the Navy. The company went on board several of the ships there and gave concerts. When their ship left they were thrilled to get a signalled message of thanks from the Navy to Leslie Henson and the members of his company.
  • "Empire: The Fleet's Lit Up". Nottingham Journal. No. 85, 548. Nottingham, UK. 5 December 1939. p. 5; col.1. Retrieved 1 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  • "Pantomime's Excellent Beginning: 'Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp'". Birmingham Daily Post. No. 25, 411. Birmingham, UK. 27 December 1939. p. 6; col.5. Retrieved 6 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.

Websites[edit]


  • "Toni". golny.leeds.ac.uk. University of Leeds - German Operetta in London, New York, and Warsaw. n.d. Operetta Productions [Scroll down to "Hirsch, Hugo"]. Retrieved 13 May 2024. Toni, Shaftesbury Theatre, London, 12 May 1924 (with Jack Buchanan as Toni, 248 perfs). Book & lyrics by Douglas Furber & Harry Graham. Additional music by Stephen Jones. P: Herbert Bryan; SD: Frank Smythe; MD: Thomas Tunbridge; DD: Jack Buchanan.
  • "London Musicals 1920-1924: Toni" (PDF). bruxellons.be. Bulles Production. n.d. [Scroll down to p.37]. Retrieved 13 May 2024. Toni. London run: Shaftesbury, May 12th – December 13th (248 performances) (...)


External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Pdebee/Felice_Lascelles&oldid=1225405169"