Empire, Sheffield

(Sheffield Independent - Monday 13 March 1916)

At the Sheffield Empire, last night, Harry Weldon was mirth-provoking as usual, and his substantial contributions the programme lacked nothing in the way of variety, he was particularly good as a timorous but talkative boxer in training. Jerry and Co "Builders?" - were responsible for some broad comedy, and the Vamagata Troupe of Japanese entertainers accomplished some wonderfully clever acrobatic feats. Lucille Benstead sang admirably, and Duncan and Godfrey appealed strongly with song and patter about ' a soldier, a girl and a jolly Jack Tar.' As typical American singers and dancers, Ed. and Jack Smith were tremendously popular, Zetta Mor sang daintily and well; and Benedetti Bros., musical acrobatic comedians successfully played violins all manner of unusual ways. War pictures were included in the excellent programme. (Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 26 September 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).

"Follow the Flag" the largest provincially produced revue yet staged, and the latest conception of Mr. William J. Wilson, will occupy the boards of the Empire. It is a patriotic national revue, into which a wealth of comedy has been introduced by the author, Marriott Edgar, with Walter Passmore, the famous Savoyard comedian, and a half-dozen other popular fun-makers controlling its mirth. Rosie Reys, Grace Gordon, and Maudie Francis head the cast on the ladies side. The scenes are laid in France, and at home, and embrace many charming ensembles and novel effects. Musically "Follow the Flag" has been tunefully treated by Herman Darewski, Chas. Cowlrick, and Harold Robe. (Sheffield Independent - Friday 11 May 1917)

‘Merriment can even be made out of “Rations,” and the latest revue, which bears the name, is made very funny with Robb Wilton appearing in several roles. Travesty runs right through the five scenes, and Lady Hoardley’s Secret is a diverting performance - in fact, with Robb Wilton in the picture all the time, there is no dull moment. The parodies on every day life which he introduces into the piece are very mirth-provoking. Miss Winnie Collins is winsome in several roles, with her vivacious singing and dancing' (Sheffield Independent, 14 May 1918). ‘“Rations,” a topical Karno revue, full of mirth and melody, proved very popular at the Empire Palace last night. The company presenting it is a good one, and includes Winnie Collins and Robb Wilton' (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 14 May 1918). ‘A Fred Karno revue is always a source of merriment. “Rations” maintains this reputation [at the Empire, Sheffield], with Robb Wilton as the chief fun-maker; his quaint methods humorous matter [sic] cause continued laughter. Winnie Collins is a dainty and pleasing leading lady, and sings with spirit' (The Stage, 16 May 1918).

Duncan and Godfrey. The famous Cockney Comedy Couple in their successful scena "A Soldier, A Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 18 September 1918)

‘“Rations,” a typical Karno revue in five scenes, occupied a goodly portion of the Empire Palace programme, and was much appreciated. The company is not a big one, but its members are all good, and there are several really tuneful songs. Winnie Collins hit the popular fancy with “Peace Time in Piccadilly,” and Tom Drew was adequate as the chief comedian. Four variety turns completed the entertainment’. Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 December 1918.

‘The outstanding feature of the entertainment at the Empire is fun. Almost every turn is mirth-provoking, and crowded audiences last night thoroughly enjoyed themselves. In “Parker’s Appeal,” Charles Austin has composed a highly amusing Military Tribunal sketch, which is performed in rollicking style’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 20 January 1920). ‘Th« chief attraction at the Empire this week is “Parker’s Appeal,” an episode of 1915, carried out by Charles Austin and Company, and from start to finish this miniature play is full of mirth and merriment’ (Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 20 January 1920).