Empire Palace, Middlesbrough

Performed twice nightly and advertised as Signor Pepi's Grand Variety Company: 'Most expensive engagement of the Jutland Boys presenting 'Jack Ashire' in their vocal, dancing, fencing and boxing act' alongside George Hyam (comedian), Ward and Partner stealing a bike, Noblett (a French burlesque protean impersonator), Hayes and Doree (comedy entertainers), Ethel Castaldini (soprano), the Flying Reos (comedy trapeze act) the Famous 5 Gratos (a lightening tumbling, balancing and smart dancing act) (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 7 May 1917). A later advertisement stated 'On Satur’ay night, May 12, at Empire, Middlebrough, the house was so densely packed in all parts that the management were obliged to obtain the assistance of the police in coping with the hundreds who could not obtain admittance' (Era, 16 May 1917)

Alfred Denville's company form the attraction here in "Absent Without Leave," played twice nightly. The excellent cast includes Trixie Thompson (Bridgett), Gladys Britton (Bobbie), Alice Dermont (Elsie Letour), Ruth Shepherd (Mary Gorden), J.Edmund Wildash (Jean Ganbert), Dolly Wright (Lady Jemima), H.Kelso (Sir James Cholmondley), Fred Wilberforce (Roger Curtis), Benson Kleve (Jackson), Jack Fortesque (Major Stanley Gordon), and Frank Radcliffe (Mr Holmes). They are all good in their respective roles.

(The Stage - Thursday 24 April 1919)