Empire Theatre, Burnley

‘Revue, that crisp form of pleasure-giving which has been heartily acclaimed everywhere, has its representatives in Tom D. Newell and Desmond, supported by eight Empire girls. The presentation is entitled “Eyes Right,” by Harold Simpson and John Tiller, and the haunting music of the piece is by Ernest Vousden. In of hands of the talented people at the Empire this week this revuette “a petite revue” is a thorough success; it is instinct with real life. Tom Newell masquerades the self-assertive type of woman with wonderful realism. His recital “I am the nurse of the parish” is capital. It is, however, in his burlesque of the Lancers that he wins his greatest success. The audience laugh at this novelty of exaggeration until they cry. A master of dry, mordant, humour, and one of the most capable exponents of the ludicrous, Tom D. Newell should not be missed. Eileen Desmond acts with skill and precision. Her rendering of “There’s a land, a dear land” on Monday night, sung with deep feeling, thrilled her hearers, and the applause was loud and long. The Empire girls, under her leadership, in conversation, song, dance, and drill are smartness and vivacity personified. The military exercise in which the girls engage in the attire of Highlanders, is an excellent topical touch, superbly rendered’ (Burnley News, 12 April 1916). ‘Heading a capable all-round bill is a fascinating little revue, “Eyes Right.” This a sketch with no particular plot, except that it is based on a female lament that there are now no men, and they form themselves into a women’s force. But the revue sparkles all through with all the best of catchy singing, pretty dresses, capital dances, and rich humour, and, on Monday evening’s judgment, should be a great draw all week. The Eight Empire Girls are more than usually good for a singing and dancing troupe, and they are smart in every way in their “Amazon Brigade” and “Whistling Band” choruses, in their dancing, and in their style generally. Excellently led by Miss Eileen Desmond, who also sings most effectively that still best of all patriotic songs, “There’s a land,” the ladies in the revue do all that necessary to make it a thorough success. As to the humour, Mr. Tom D. Newell has every scope for his brilliance. At times be reminds one irresistibly of Wilkie Bard, especially as the “District Nurse,” in which he brings some funny patter. His “Lancers” dance burlesque is very rich. Mr. Newell is undoubtedly one of the best “dames” on the variety stage. All the critics say of him that he is a coming star; it would appear, however, that he has already reached a high altitude, and no better comedian could be wished for. From beginning to end he was a source of real and wholesome merriment, and his comedy, coupled with the smartness of the rest of the company, made “Eyes Right” an entertaining revue’ (Burnley Express, 12 April 1916).

‘Admirable sentiments are expressed in that stirring sketch, “A German Shell.” Voicing with conviction the opinions of patriotic Britain, “Jim” finds the audience entirely with him, as is shown by their spontaneous applause. The entire company presented by Messrs. J. J. Mannix and Ernest Montefiore, does adequate justice to the message entrusted to them. The ease with which the parts of the old Irish parents are taken reflects great credit on the actors. The splendid acting of Michael, the Sinn Fein officer, forces us to feel almost sympathy with the cause he advocates. The ultimate victory is secured by the “Khaki Man,” however, and the acting of both men is pre-eminently real’. Burnley News, 8 May 1918.

‘The popular military and naval revue, “Khaki, and Blue,” is at the Empire next week. It is a new and original comedy dramatic production, with a punch, and will be presented by a strong company, including Nat Lewis, Paul Daly, Rosalie Jacobi, and a full London chorus. Written by Mr. Charles Baldwin, in conjunction with Mr. Alfred Parker, with lyrics by the latter, and specially composed music, the revue is presented in nine scenes, the dressing and staging being on an elaborate scale’. Burnley News, 29 June 1918. ‘Patrons of the Empire Music Hall, Burnley, this week have an opportunity of seeing the bright and amusing new military revue, entitled “Khaki and Blue.” It furnished many side-splitting episodes, much amusing patter, and some charming dances … Of course, the “plot” is of the slenderest kind, and merely serves as a peg on which to hang some excellent comedy. Chief among the fun-makers is Nat Lewis, who, in the part of “Jim Roberts” is absolutely irresistible. “Jim Roberts” in this revue “plays many parts,” from that of an admiral of the Nary to an ordinary private in the trenches. Each part seems funnier than the last, and the fun is fast and furious. Amongst the scenes represented are the dockyard at Dover, the Palace of Peace, a munitions factory, and a German trench. Many up-to-date topics, including food control, and tribunal matters, are drawn upon for some excellent joking. The plot, such it is, deals with the prolific topic of German spying and intrigue. One of the scenes in which there is an attack on the German trenches by the British is quite exciting. Military and naval incidents form the basis of the whole structure of the piece, which is a thoroughly topical and up-to-date production'. Burnley Express, 3 July 1918. ‘The presentation of the topical comedy dramatic revue “Khaki and Blue” at the New Empire this week is affording large audiences a delightful treat. The revue certainly takes the front rank among the numerous productions of this kind which have become popular of late. It is brimful of sparkling, effervescent humour, original burlesque, winsome melody, and spectacular effect, combined with vivid touches of dramatic realism which make the revue all the more remarkable from the view point of its versatility. Its entertaining merit is beyond doubt … “Khaki and Blue” is a rollicking commentary on the times in which we live, and, carried into the sphere of burlesque, the changes for which the war has been responsible, touching many phases of our life, appear ridiculously funny before the footlights, especially when we have a comedian like Nat Lewis to entertain us. He is a master of topical allusion, and his patter is mirth-provoking all the time he is on … The revue strikes the patriotic note, of course, and the responsive chord of the audience is immediately forthcoming. There is rather more in the plot and development than many productions of a similar design. A story of German espionage, with which is interwoven the love episode of a young British naval officer, affording the audience not a few thrilling moments. Dramatic realism is achieved with lightning speed and contrast to the lighter side of the story, and two three of the war scenes are exceedingly effective … The chorus adds a charming finesse to the efforts of the principals, the dresses and staging generally giving a high tone and all-round effectiveness to the production’. Burnley News, 3 July 1918.

Other acts on the same bill were: Tina Paynola (lady mimic),The Zanfrellas (balancing act) Ted Marcel (skater), Beryl Harmer (singer), Bobbie and Beattie (Comedy duo), Norman Osborne (ventriloquist)