The Girl of the Future

‘Playgoers will welcome the return to the stage of Miss Camille Clifford (the Hon. Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce), the creator of the famous “Gibson Girl” and her equally famous walk. Miss Clifford will next week present for the first time at the King’s Theatre a new act, entitled “The Girl of the Future,” a musical fantasy written by Mr. Harold Simpson, with music by Mr. Arthur Klein. In “The Girl of the Future,” Miss Clifford will wear some wonderful Parisian dress creations by Lucille [sic – Lucile], including an exquisite bridal dress. Her stage “lover” will be Mr. Norman Cheyne, and others supporting the cast will include Miss Ada Palmer, Mr. Bertie White, and Mr. Tripp Edgar’. (Hampshire Telegraph, 20 October 1916; also Portsmouth Evening News, 21 October 1916). The Sketch, 25 October 1916, published a photograph of Camille Clifford captioned: ‘Returning to the stage in a new sketch, “The Girl of the Future”: Miss Camille Clifford (the Hon. Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce). Miss Camille Clifford recently decided to return to the stage, and it was announced the other day that she had arranged to appear in a new sketch, called “The Girl of the Future,” beginning a provincial tour at Southsea, and later coming to the Finsbury Park Empire and other London theatres. Audiences will see again, it is said, her famous “walk” which won her the title of “the Gibson Girl.” It will be recalled that Miss Clifford, who in private life is the Hon. Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce, has been widowed by the war. Her husband, who was the eldest son and heir of Lord Aberdare, was killed in action in France last year. Their marriage took place in 1906’.

The Holloway Press, 27 October 1916, advertised at the Finsbury Park Empire on Monday 30 October and during the week ‘Miss Camille Clifford The creator of the famous “Gibson Girl,” in a new act, “The Girl of the Future” A Musical Fantasy by Harold Simpson and music by Mr. Arthur Klein. The caste includes – Mr. Norman Cheyne, Miss Ada Palmer, Mr. Bertie White, and Mr. Tupp [sic – Tripp] Edgar’. ‘There is, it appears, a place called Finsbury Park. I know, for I was there on Monday night. The magnet that drew me thither was Miss Camille Clifford, who made her first appearance in vaudeville at the Finsbury Empire. Her wonderful figure is as wonderful as ever, and she demonstrated that the “Gibson walk” is still a safe draw. “The Girl of the Future “ - the little play in which she appeared, gave her the opportunity for some sprightly comedy. I needn’t tell you the story, but if you can imagine Miss Clifford in an eighteenth century costume, smoking a twentieth century cigarette and indulging in some very twentieth-century slang, you will form some notion of the sort of incongruity on which the play is based’ (Daily Mirror, 1 November 1916). Miss Camille Clifford (the Hon. Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce), the celebrated beauty, known to fame as the original “Gibson Girl,” who is making her very first appearance on the variety stage, and in doing so is enacting the principal character in a pretty musical fantasy, by Messrs. Harold Simpson and Arthur Klein, entitled “The Girl of the Future,” in which she exhibits her most wonderful charms and beauty in the very daintiest and clever of manners, which immediately took the fancy of the vast audience and brought forth thunders of applause. Considerable interest was also exhibited in her exquisite dress creations, which were much admired, and were the subject of a deal of comment, while the appearance of Mr. Harry Welchman, in the part of the stage lover, was as unexpected as it was pleasing, as this popular actor vocalist, now a member of H.M. Forces, and being home on short leave from the front, undertook the part at the shortest possible notice, and did himself great justice, his performance being as refined and refreshing as ever, and he naturally came in for a hearty reception. The acting and singing of both Miss Clifford and Mr. Welchman were really superb efforts, which were an undoubted source of delight to all, and they, together with Mr. Tripp Edgar, who rendered valuable assistance, richly deserved the huge reception they received at the conclusion of their memorable performance’ (Holloway Press, 3 November 1916). ‘Miss Camille Clifford could not have chosen a better venue for her re-appearance upon the stage than this palatial and well-managed house [the Finsbury Park Empire]. The subject which introduces the once-famous Gibson Girl is described as a musical fantasy, entitled “The Girl of the Future.” It is a familiar subject fairly well treated by its author, Harold Simpson, and deals in the main with a mysterious picture of the of the famous type of American Girl introduced by Mr. Dana Gibson, which ideal is what the early Louis XIV. heroine of the play wishes to finally attain. The story is set in dainty surroundings, and Miss Clifford made a genuine success with a very friendly house despite a little excusable nervousness in the rendering of her songs. She received excellent support from Harry Welchman (who was in excellent voice) and Tripp Edgar’ (The People, 5 November 1916).

The West Kent Argus and Borough of Lewisham News, 3 November 1916, advertised at the New Cross Empire from Monday 8 November ‘Miss Camille Clifford, the Gibson Girl, supported by Harry Welchman, in a new musical act, entitled The Girl of the Future’. Also: ‘After a successful week at Finsbury Park, Miss Camille Clifford will appear at New Cross in her new sketch, “The Girl of the Future.” Harry Welchman is included in the cast’ (The People, 5 November 1916).

‘Stratford Empire top-liner will be Camille Clifford (the Hon Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce), in her delightful fantasy, “The Girl of the Future,” supported by Harry Welchman and Mr. Tripp Edgar’ (The People, 12 November 1916). ‘Following upon her successful reassociation with the stage at Finsbury Park Empire, Miss Camille Clifford will, after playing “The Girl of the Future” at the Stratford Empire this week, commence a tour of the Moss Empires provincial halls, opening at the Empire, Newcastle’ (Sunday Mirror, 12 November 1916).

‘Theatregoers will welcome the return to the stage of Miss Camille Clifford (the Hon. Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce) the creator of the “Gibson Girl” and her famous walk. She will present at the Empire a new act entitled “The Girl of the Future,” a musical fantasy written by Harold Simpson. In “The Girl of the Future” Miss Clifford will wear some wonderful dress creations by Lucille [sic – Lucile]' (Newcastle Journal, 18 November 1916). ‘Miss Clifford, the creator of “The Gibson Girl,” makes her re-entree on the stage at the Newcastle Empire, and she had the most appreciative welcomes from large audiences. She appeals in “The Girl of the Future,” in which she depicts with characteristic artistry and coyness the modern girl who prefers fox-trots to graceful minuets and cigarette smoking to sedate study. The contrasts introduced are well managed, and Miss Clifford shows her old skill in the part, and introduces the Gibson Girl walk, of which she was the originator on the stage’ (Newcastle Journal, 21 November 1916).

‘Heading the bill at the Empire is Miss Camille Clifford, who appears as Ninon, in a new musical fantasy, “The Girl of the Future.” The original “Gibson Girl” sings and acts to perfection, and is ably assisted by Mr. Edgar Stevens, as Raymond, and Mr. H. Tripp Edgar, who makes an ideal Baron’ (Daily Record, 28 November 1916). ‘At the Empire the principal attraction is Miss Camille Clifford, who occupied a prominent position in musical comedy a few years ago, and who, as the original “Gibson Girl,” secured wide admiration. She appears with great success in a musical playlet entitled “The Girl of the Future.” Exquisite gowns and the artistic stage setting generally are features of the entertainment. Last night Miss Clifford received cordial appreciation, which was a tribute alike to her personality and to her performance’ (The Scotsman, 28 November 1916).

‘The return to the stage of Miss Camille Clifford (the Hon. Mrs. Lyndhurst Bruce), the creator of the famous “Gibson Girl,” has found great favour among theatregoers, and her visit to the Empire will ensure crowded houses. In “The Girl of the Future,” a new musical fantasy, Miss Clifford will wear some wonderful dress creations. including an exquisite bridal dress, which will provide those of the fair sex who see her with an interesting topic of conversation. Her stage lover will be Mr. Edgar Stevens, and supporting the cast is Mr. Tripp Edgar. Mr. Norman Kinnell is the producer’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 1 December 1916). ‘In a pleasantly-varied programme at the Empire Palace last night, prominence was given to “The Girl of the Future,” a picturesquely-staged musical playlet, wherein Miss Camille Clifford introduces her famous “Gibson Girl Walk”. The production is very dainty lines, and Miss Clifford achieves success as “Ninon,” a bewitching young lady of the eighteenth century, who anticipated the present-day fashions and mannerisms. As a stage-lover with a good voice Mr. Edgar Stevens also contributes to the success of the piece’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 5 December 1916).

‘The leading feature of the programme is the appearance of Miss Camille Clifford in “The Girl of the Future.” The formerly popular Gibson Girl received a flattering greeting from a large audience. Her principal helpers were Edgar Stevens and Tripp Edgar’ (The Era, 13 December 1916). ‘Miss Camille Clifford, the famous Gibson Girl, is appearing at the Empire Theatre this week. She has been widowed through the war, and has returned to the stage where she promises to shine as brilliantly as before. She plays in a delightful musical fantasy entitled “The Girl of the Future,” in the course of which she appears in her original role and gives a representation of the famous Gibson Girl walk’ (Birkenhead News, 13 December 1916).

Advertised in the Western Morning News, 15 December 1916: Camille Clifford. The original Gibson Girl of Charles Dana Gibson who will introduce to us for the first time “The Girl of the Future”. A New Musical Fantasy. Her dresses will startle all Devon, for she is bringing with her £2,000 worth of New Frocks. She has a Big Company of London Players to support her own piece, and also a large array of first class Vaudeville talent to further strengthen the programme’. Also: ‘“The Girl of the Future” is a quaint concert by the well-known playwright Harold Simpson, set to pleasing and tuneful melodies by Arthur Klein, now serving with His Majesty’s forces. The author was set the proposition of once again bringing Miss Clifford on to the stage she so long adorned, and this he has succeeded in doing by a deft manipulation of the somewhat old theme of bringing a picture to life – at any rate in over-wrought imagination of a bibulous, but kind-hearted old baron, who desires nothing better than the alliance of his ward Ninon (Miss Clifford) with his son Raymond (Edgar Stevens). The Baron (H. Tripp Edgar) falls a-dreaming over his cups in an eighteenth-century French chateau, and imagines he sees his go-ahead daughter stalking abroad à la Gibson Girl. The scheme of the projected match looks like being upset as the Baron believes his ward has gone mad. But she has only been playing a prank - and all ends in the accepted happy fashion’ (Western Morning News, 16 December 1916).

‘Miss Camille Clifford, the original of Dana Gibson’s “The Gibson Girl,” is appearing in a musical phantasy, “The Girl of the Future,” at the Grand Theatre. Miss Clifford is making her first tour of the provinces, and at the same time making her debut upon the music hall stage, although, of course, she had taken part in London some years ago in such pieces as “The Catch of the Season,” “The Prince of Pilsen,” and “The Belle of Mayfair.” It is stated, however, as a unique fact, that in the sketch she will have her first speaking part' (Birmingham Mail, 22 December 1916). ‘There is an excellent holiday programme at the Grand Theatre this week, and the audiences yesterday afternoon and evening were well pleased with the entertainment. The main feature was a musical fantasy entitled, “The Girl of the Future,” in which the principal part was played by Miss Camille Clifford, one of the Gibson girls who a few years ago were the talk of London in musical comedy. In this little sketch Ninon is the ward of a Baron, whose son Raymond is her lover and affianced husband. Set in the aristocratic atmosphere of the eighteenth century, the Baron’s home contains a secret picture, which Ninon declares she has seen and believes to be the girl of the future. To test the fidelity of her lover she adapts herself to the circumstances and conditions of the life of the twentieth century, talks twentieth-century slang, and conducts herself as a lady of the present age. Her conduct mystifies her guardian and to a certain extent Raymond, but in the end she has to confess that she was only pretending, and the story has a happy termination. It serves to afford Miss Clifford an admirable opportunity to display her charm as an actress and a vocalist. The “Gibson girl walk,” which she created and made famous, at the outset seemed to be scarcely understood by the audience, but when she talked in aristocratic slang and again essayed the walk the audience rose to it and applauded her. Miss Clifford, to use her own familiar phrase, as a girl of the future was indeed “tophole.” Mr. Edgar Stevens made a capital lover as Raymond, his acting and singing being distinctly good; and Mr. H. Tripp Edgar was interesting and effective as the Baron’. Birmingham Daily Post, 27 December 1916.

‘Sooner or later all stars of the footlights shine at Cardiff, but few more acceptably than Miss Camille Clifford, the original Gibson Girl. If the bumping houses at the Cardiff Empire on Monday are to serve as any criterion there is no doubt that the public will be well advised to book their seats for the remainder of the week. Miss Clifford is the central and charming figure of the new musical phantasy, “The Girl of the Future,” and her performance must be described as fully justifying her return to the stage in the midst of a romantic career. For the production, while as bright and as merry, is something more than a revue, and just suits the histrionic power and the graceful attributes of the principal, while her dresses are simply superb. They should be seen by every woman, while mere man must admire them, if they stagger him somewhat in details. The Gibson Girl dress, of course, was worth seeing, and, as in the case of the other costumes, was a dream' (Western Mail, 2 January 1917). ‘Camille Clifford, supported by Edgar Stevens and H. Tripp Edgar, is at the head of the bill in the musical fantasy, “The Girl of the Future,” whilst it is an excellent medium for the delightful artistry and wearing of beautiful gowns by Miss Clifford, the capital singing of Edgar Stevens, and the acting of H. Tripp Edgar; this does not compensate for the absence of pithy dialogue, and the want of grip towards the finish of the piece’ (The Stage, 4 January 1917).

‘Miss Camille Clifford (the Hon. Mr. Lyndhurst Bruce in private life) makes a welcome return to the stage, and her appearance at the Alhambra Theatre this week is a great attraction. “The Girl of the Future,” a bright musical fantasy in which she takes the leading part, is a delightful production. It takes us back to the eighteenth century, and the old-world air about it is very pleasant with its picturesque dress for both men and women, and its correctness in manners. The girl Ninon informs her guardian that she has seen a vision of the “Girl of the future” and she models her behaviour on the lines of the picture she has seen, thereby greatly disconcerting the Baron and his son, her lover. The role is played by Miss Clifford with grace and charm, particularly when as “The Girl of the future” she steps out of the picture frame, and introduces the celebrated “Gibson Girl walk” which is her own creation and was made famous by her a few years ago. This happy little play is presented with artistic skill, and the sweetly captivating acting and singing of Miss Clifford is well supported by the singing of Mr. Edgar Stevens who takes the role of her lover, whilst the Baron is admirably portrayed by Mr. H. Tripp Edgar’. Bradford Weekly Telegraph, 12 January 1917.

‘A charming little playlet dealing with an episode of 200 years ago, will be the important attraction at the Boscombe Hippodrome next week, under the title, “!The Girl of the Future,” and in which the central figure will be the brilliant musical comedy actress, Miss Camille Clifford. The play, which is laid in a chateau in France, was written by Harold Simpson, and the music was composed by Arthur Klein. The scenery is by William Hemsley, the beautiful dresses of Miss Clifford by Lucile, while the Gibson gown is by G. Phillips and Son, Regent-street. Miss Clifford will be supported by Mr. Edgar Stevens, who will appear as the lover, and Mr. H. Tripp Edgar, who takes the part of the guardian. One of the features of the production will be a pleasing duet entitled, “I Send you Pansies,” sung by Miss Clifford and Mr. Stevens, and composed by Mr. J. M. Capel, who will also act in the capacity of musical director to Miss Clifford’ (Bournemouth Graphic, 12 January 1917). ‘The playlet entitled “The Girl of the Future,” which heads the bill at the Boscombe Hippodrome this week, is, it must be confessed, insipid and is decidedly weak. Mr. H. Tripp Edgar (“the Baron”) and Mr. Edgar Stevens (“the Lover”), an excellent vocalist, do their best with poor material’ (Bournemouth Graphic, 19 January 1917).

Noted in The Era, 24 January 1917, and The Stage, 25 January 1917.

‘Camille Clifford and company in “A Girl of the Future”’ are listed among acts at the Brighton Hippodrome in Calls For Next Week in The Stage, 25 January 1917.

‘After a successful run in the provinces, Camille Clifford, supported by H. Tripp Edgar and Edgar Stevens, brings her sketch, “The Girl of the Future.” to the Argyle Street house. She is loudly applauded in it for her singing and bright acting, and introduces the Gibson Girl walk to considerable effect. Mr. Tripp Edgar, who is also Miss Clifford’s manager, appears with great success as the old beau, and understands well the “nice conduct of a clouded cane”; while Mr. Stevens, as the young lover, displays a pleasing voice and alert manner. The orchestra is conducted for this act by Mr. J. M. Capel, who has written a couple of vocal numbers for the piece’ (The Stage, 8 February 1917). ‘Miss Camille Clifford, owing to the success of the sketch, “The Girl of the Future,” remains another week [at the Palladium]’ (The Era, 14 February 1917).

Advertised in The Era, 14 February 1917.

‘The Palace should score heavily [next week] with a programme in which Miss Camille Clifford, the original “Gibson Girl,” appears in a musical phantasy called “The Girl of the Future”’ (Manchester Evening News, 24 February 1917). Also noted in The Stage,1 March 1917: Camille Clifford ‘is accorded a warm reception’.

‘On Monday next, March 5th, Mr. Charles Gulliver is presenting’ at the Hammersmith Palace Miss Camille Clifford, supported by Mr. Edgar Stevens and Mr. Tripp Edgar, in a new musical fantasy, entitled “The Girl of the Future.” Miss Camille Clifford, it will be remembered, was the original Gibson Girl, and as such caused a sensation some years ago’. Richmond Herald, 3 March 1917.

Advertised in The Era, 14 March 1917.

‘The principal attraction in Mr. George E. Wells’s programme at Ilford is “The Girl of the Future,” played by Camille Clifford, Edgar Stexens [sic – Stevens], and H. Tripp Edgar’. The Stage, 29 March 1917.

‘The Hippodrome was filled in all parts at the first house, last Monday evening, to give a welcome to Miss Camille Clifford on her first visit to Lewisham. She is presenting an interesting play, “the Girl of the Future,” and Miss Clifford is seen and heard at her best. She is admirably supported by Mr. Edgar Stevens and Mr H. Tripp Edgar, and the dialogue by Harold Simpson, with some charming music by Arthur Klein and J. M. Capel, combine to make the production very enjoyable’. Lewisham Borough News, 6 April 1917.

‘This week, patrons of the Hippodrome have an opportunity of seeing that popular actress, Camille Clifford, the original “Gibson Girl,” in a new musical fantasy, entitled “The Girl of the Future.” The scene is laid in a chateau in France two hundred years ago. Ninon, a charming young girl of the period and the ward of a wealthy baron, is engaged to be married to his son Raymond. In the picture gallery of the old house is a picture of “The Girl of the Future,” and Ninon, to all appearances, is so bewitched by it that she imagines herself to be the girl in the picture, and acts and speaks accordingly, using the slang phrases and mannerisms of to-day much to the astonishment of her friends. The sketch is redolent of fun, and Camille Clifford as Ninon is a great success. During the performance of her part she introduces the original Gibson walk, which so caught on a few years ago. She possesses a charming voice, and her appearance was hailed with warm outburst of applause. Mr. Edgar Stevens takes the part of Raymond, and his two songs, “Woman, lovely woman,” and “My little maid,” are exceptionally well rendered. Mr. H. Tripp Edgar is very good as the Baron’. Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 4 and 5 May 1917.

Advertised in The Era, 9 May 1917.

Advertised in the Chelsea News and General Advertiser, 25 May 1917.

‘A programme of variety is offered to the patrons of the Empire this week. At the head of the bill is Miss Camille Clifford, who, in a sketch entitled “The Girl of the Future,” is reintroduced as the one-time familiar “Gibson Girl.” The poses of the lady are the feature of the show, the sketch itself being somewhat weak’. Leeds Mercury, 5 June 1917.

‘Camille Clifford, the Gibson Girl, who is this week at Newport, will conclude her long tour of “The Girl of the Future” at Brixton next week ... The tour of “The Girl of the Future,” with a cast including, besides Miss Clifford, H. Tripp Edgar (who has also managed matters) and Edgar Stevens, has been consistently successful’. The Stage, 21 June 1917.

Mentioned in The Stage, 21 June 1917 (see under the previous week at Newport).