Empire Theatre, Glasgow

'At the Empire this week there is a programme submitted calculated to please all palates. Perhaps the most attractive item is the patriotic sketch entitled "The Coward," presented by the author, Mr Horace Hunter, and company, including Miss Lily Hammersley. The point the sketch is intended to drive home is that at this time particularly spies may be found everywhere. The scene is the private office of Sir John Shelton, of the Alien Investigation Department in London, where Sir John is seen upbraiding his son Dick for not answering his country' s call. The son explains that he has a reason for not so far having done his duty. Sir John's private secretary and interpreter, who passes himself off as a Russian, is suspected by Dick of being' a German spy. That such is really the. case is eventually proved when Dick, disguised as a German, "draws" the secretary. The latter's attempt to escape is neatly frustrated by Dick's newly-made wife, who levels a revolver at the spy, and he is safely secured. Then the son explains to his gratified father that he has been married that morning, joined the Army in the afternoon, and that this is his first capture. "The Coward" is quite a bright playlet, and well worth seeing. There is no "gush" about it, but just sufficient of the sentiment of the moment to please. The enactment is clever, Mr Horace Hunter in the title role giving us a fine sample of the great histrionic ability of which he is possessed; while Miss Lily Hammersley does her little bit with piquancy and charm. Her interlude with the spy, when he makes advances to her, is very good. Messrs Harry Hardy, Henry Latimer, and A. Weston also perform their parts with complete satisfaction. The night of my visit the sketch was heartily applauded by a goodly-sized audience' (Scottish Referee, 30 October 1914). Also: ‘It may be mentioned here that Mr Hunter, like many other people, considers the five miles limit for aliens absurd, and he believes there is a lot of correspondence passed that never goes through the post. He considers the only way to trap German spies is for a person, if clever enough, to become a “German” for the time being’ (Scottish Referee, 30 October 1914).

‘Tom D. Newall [sic – Newell] figures in the role of comedian in a petite revue, “Eyes Right,” which introduces smart dancing and lively singing by 8 Empire Girls, and a sweet voiced songstress in Miss Eileen Desmond’ (Daily Record, 4 April 1916).

Featuring Sir George Alexander ; Mr J D Beveridge ; Mr Charles Glenny.

‘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).

‘Glasgow. In “The Johnson ‘Qle,” which takes the lead at the Empire Theatre this week, there are further glimpses of the trench life which Capt. Bairnsfather has made familiar. In his original part of Old Bill, Mr Harry Thurston gives a characterisation which immediately wins the appreciation of the audience’. The Scotsman, 12 February 1918. ‘Variety of pronounced excellence is the outstanding feature of the programme at the Empire, where the famous Bairnsfather sketch, “The Johnson ‘Ole,” occupies pride of place. The piece is one of the funniest of all trench episodes, and in his original character of Old Bill, “The Walrus,” Harry Thurston keeps the house in screams of laughter, ably assisted in his efforts by a powerful little cast’. Daily Record, 12 February 1918.

Performers: Fred Kitchen, Nora Delany

Performers: Fred Kitchen, Nora Delany

Performed for the week.

‘Variety in excellence is provided at the Empire. The leading item of the attractive programme is the appearance of Miss Constance Drever. This star London artiste appears in a comedy sketch, entitled “A Wife’s Dilemma,” which affords her ample scope for her gifts, both as actress and vocalist’ (Daily Record, 28 May 1918). ‘A varied programme, with several turns of outstanding merit, is presented at the Empire Theatre. Chief prominence is given to Constance Drever, the musical comedy favourite, who appears with her company in “A Wife’s Dilemma.” Miss Drever takes the leading part, in which she has good scope for her vocal and dramatic gifts, and in her waltz song she is specially successful’ (The Scotsman, 28 May 1918).

Performer: Fred Kitchen