Empire Theatre, Leeds

Peformed for the week. On the first night the show did not end until 11.30pm (Yorkshire Evening Post, 19 January 1915). Performed by R. H. Douglass and Kitty Colyer.

It is not long since 'War Mates' the fierce little play against strikes in war-time, was here, and 'Too Late' which has been seen at the Leeds Empire this week, so much suggests a companion sermon that it was interesting to learn that its author had never seen 'War Mates' when he wrote it. ...Remembering what I was told about occasional protests from pit or gallery against the uncompromising propaganda of 'War Mates', I asked whether the 'Too Late' company had had any similar experience. They haven't but they remembered 'hear-hears' by female voices which went to show how much truth there was in the sketch-portrait of the working wife who, in some poor households, supplies all the foresight and does all the saving that ever is done, and does in secret and in fear' (Yorkshire Evening Post, 11 March 1916)

‘At the Empire Palace this week the chief attraction is “Eyes Right,” which is an entertaining little revue. The company of ten, nine of whom are of the fair sex, find plenty of work to do, and there’s no wasted time. The cleverness of Tom D. Newell is betrayed in may [sic] ways in his diverting dame study, Miss Eileen Desmond sings with her accustomed power, and the Eight Empire Girls perform some neat steps’. Skyrack Courier, 31 March 1916.

Leeds At the Empire next week by arrangement with the Alhambra Theatre London. Andre Charlot will present the London revue success 5064 Gerrard by Laurie Wylie and Alfred Parker. The revue which is in 5 scenes will be played by a strong company and the cast will include George French. Anna Dorothy, Lafayette Rannsley, Syd Crossley, Dorothy Monkman, and Connie Kaye, the full Company includes over 50 artistes. The latest war pictures will also be shown. (Skyrack Courier – Friday 14 April 1916)

The revue is previewed in the Skyrack Courier, 14 April 1916, and reviewed in the Leeds Mercury and the Yorkshire Evening Post, both 18 April 1916, and the Skyrack Courier, 21 April 1916, but there is no mention of a tribunal sketch.

The Moss Empires production "Follow the Flag" is being presented. The comedians, including that clever artist Walter Passmore, have only the slenderest of material to work upon. From a spectacular point of view the show rises above the average. The singing of Rosie Reys is very pleasing. (The Stage - Thursday 19 April 1917)

Miss Grace Gordon who appears in the new revue, "Follow the Flag," at the Leeds Empire next week. Her scene is one of the most diverting episodes of modern revue comedy. (Leeds Mercury - Friday 13 April 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.

5 matinees only

Performed for the week by George Hestor (actor), Dorothy Frostick (actress), Ethel Arden (actress), Marie Ellis (actress), Nab (sic - Nat) Lewis (actor).

‘There is no rationing of fun at the Empire, where Robb Wilton, the principal comedian in Fred Karno’s revuette, “Rations,” provides plenty of good comedy. He is ably supported by Winnie Collins and others. The scenes include “The Meatless Butcher” and “Tank Day,” which provide a medley of mirth, music, and colour’. Leeds Mercury, 4 June 1918.

New cast with Tubby Edlin taking the lead role. 'Revised, rebuilt and recast ... its more subtle qualities have disappeared' (Yorkshire Evening Post, 11th June 1918).

Performed by: Mary Mayfren Reviews: "a powerful sketch"