Empire Theatre, Cardiff

Of Sarah Bernhardt's performance, the Western Mail noted that 'the purity of expression all through, the subtle suggestion of restrained power, the art of polished elocution, held the audience spellbound to the last' (3 April 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).

Harry Day's Co. with Alick Lauder (brother of Harry), Harry Merrylees, Jimmy Leslie, Kitty Curtis, Daisy Bindley, Gerald Williams, A Semis (Russian dancer), Mons. Wania, Royal Kilty Lassies (pipe band).

Duncan and Godfrey presenting "A Soldier, a Girl and a Jolly Jack Tar." (The Era - Wednesday 14 March 1917)

tHE Western Mail, Monday 1 April 1918, advertised that night at the Cardiff Empire ‘Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather presents Harry Thurston in an Episode of Real Trench Humour, The Johnson ‘Ole’.

The Western Mail 25 June 1918, advertised at the Cardiff Empire that night ‘Fred Karno Presents Robb Wilton in Rations, A Revuette (by Bert Lee and R. P. Weston), including A Queue of Quaint Quipsters and Winnie Collins. Latest War Pictures. Maggie Clifton and Partner. Queenie Leighton. Mary Law, The Celebrated English Violinist’.

Advertised in The Stage, 4 July 1918, and the Western Mail, 11 July 1918.

The Era, 22 January 1919, listed ‘The Johnson ‘Ole’ in calls for next week, Monday, 27 January 1919, at the Cardiff Empire. The Western Mail, Friday 31 January 1919, advertised that night ‘Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather Presents Harry Thurston in The Johnson ‘Ole’ at the Cardiff Empire.

Performers: Fred Kitchen

Noted in The Stage, 10 July 1919, as ‘a farcical trifle’.