St George's House,
Northern Police Orphanage. 1898-1956  Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

From time to time Miss Knocker and her staff would require the children to act in a play or pantomime which would be presented more often than not at St George's but occasionally at venues in the town of Harrogate. In addition, the children would be invited to visit and view shows at outside venues in Bradford, other times at Huddersfield, Leeds, Halifax and probably many more towns and cities.  The visits were often arranged by Bradford Police Force and others, who would provide coaches for transport and a special tea supplied by the host Force. Trips to the Cinema were  rare particularly during the war years.

To quote from the St George's Annual Report of 1948-49: 'The City of Bradford Police Male Choir gave their usual much appreciated Concert for the children and household during the Christmas holidays and in February 1949 the York City Police provided another very enjoyable programme organised by P.C. Cox. The Chief Constable was able to be present and spoke to the children at the conclusion of the evening.
In December a very musical and varied programme was given by Police and other friends from Huddersfield and the arrangements were once again made by the Huddersfield Police Guild'.

As can be seen in the photographs, St George and the Dragon and Royalty were popular themes and the main choices for plays and pantomimes.

                                         
St George slaying the Dragon                            This production was staged in 1948 and was called 'They Made The Royal Arms'

                                                                             Produced to commemorate the 50th year of St George's   
                                                                          

                   
             For amateur productions, the quality of costuming and backdrops was very high.

                   
              Some of the plays were presented outside.                    Children of all ages were involved in the productions.

            Entertainment, for the benefit of the St George's children, also included concerts arranged and performed by
            Leeds City Police, Salford Police and Bradford City Police Vocal Union.
            Lantern slide lectures were sometimes given and on rare occasions film shows, such as 'Rin Tin Tin' or 'Lorna Doone'

                                                                                                    
                                                                                                      Deus vult