Zeppelins in London

From the Derbyshire Courier, 27th November 1915.

LONDON'S SOCIAL LIFE

Matinees and Pantomimes.

London is normally a world containing many worlds, but the war has had a considerable levelling influence on its social and domestic life.  At first the metropolis took the war almost lightly, but the awakening came with the Zeppelin raids, the stringent regulations as to darkened streets, and the present and final recruiting campaign, all of which are palpable and unavoidable evidences of the seriousness of the war.  City and west end workers are anxious to get to their homes in the suburbs early in the evening, lest the appearance of Zeppelins may hold up the train services, and theatre-land is inevitably suffering from this apprehension.  London managers scarcely know how to meet the situation.  Matinees are the rule, and at some theatres the evening performance commences at 5.30.  Some of the Christmas pantomimes will be given at noon and 4.30, thus reversing the old order of things -- dinner first and theatre afterwards.  Many of the professional and well-to-do families are, however, giving up late dinner, and substituting a light repast that involves little, if any, special cooking.  Early hours, servant difficulties, and the need for economy are all having a marked influence on social life in London.