The Little Theatre as a soldiers clubhouse, WW1
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The Little Theatre as a soldiers clubhouse, WW1
A page from The Sphere, reporting on how the Little Theatre, in the Haymarket, London (now the Theatre Royal, Haymarket) temporarily converted to become a soldiers clubhouse during the First World War. Camp beds were arranged in the stalls, military ballads were performed between 5 and 7:30 each evening, a billiard room was below stage and Y.M.C.A. volunteers provided meals for visitors at a special cheap rate. The final picture shows the theatre foyer with soldiers buying things like postcards from the sundries stall. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14165142
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Accommodation Amusement Amusements Beds Billiard Clubhouse Comfort Converted Leave Lodgings Meals Volunteers Ymca
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Little Theatre Transformed: A Soldiers' Clubhouse During WWI (1916) Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the First World War, the Little Theatre in London's Haymarket district underwent a remarkable transformation. Once a bustling venue for theatrical performances, it temporarily morphed into a soldiers' clubhouse, offering a much-needed respite for weary troops on their leave from the front lines. The stalls of the theatre were converted into cozy camp beds, providing soldiers with a place to rest and rejuvenate. The stage below was repurposed as a billiard room, where soldiers could engage in friendly competitions and pass the time. Between 5 and 7:30 each evening, military ballads were performed, adding to the unique atmosphere of camaraderie and nostalgia. The Y.M.C.A. volunteered their services, providing hearty meals for the visitors at a special cheap rate. The foyer of the theatre became a bustling hub of activity, with soldiers purchasing postcards, tobacco, and other sundries from the makeshift stalls. This photograph, taken in 1916, captures the essence of the soldiers' clubhouse at the Little Theatre. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Great War and the efforts made to provide them with a semblance of comfort and entertainment during their brief periods of leave. The Little Theatre's transformation into a soldiers' clubhouse stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the British people during a time of great upheaval. It also underscores the importance of community and the power of art and entertainment to provide solace and amusement in the most challenging of circumstances.
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