Wednesday 13 August 2014

Free Admission to the Hippodrome

LATEST NEWS          EXTRA SPECIAL

Mothers and Wives of the Soldiers called
away, Will be admitted FREE
To-night (either House) to the Hippodrome
to see "The Pride of Byzantia."
Doors open 6 o'clock.
Just give regimental number.

You will receive Two Hours' Genuine Enjoyment.
COME AND FORGET AWHILE.   -Advt.

(Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Friday 14th August, 1914)


THE HIPPODROME

Contrary to what one expected to find during the present crisis, the Hippodrome was packed at both performances last night, and the new version of “The Pride of Byzantia” met with general approval.  It is a delightful pantomime, brimful of comedy, and supported by some very clever principals.  Miss Mabel Medrow, who takes the part of Princess Sadie, contributes some pleasing songs.  Her best number, perhaps, is a soldier song, in which she is assisted by a charming little girl of not more than ten summers, who has a remarkably sweet voice.  “The Pride of Byzantia,” however, would not be complete without Mrs. Blenkinsop and her son Sammy, a typical Yorkshireman.  Those who have seen the piece previously will find Miss Lucy Murray and Mr. Will Lindsay funnier than ever.  They are irresistible, and the audience were frequently convulsed with laughter throughout the entertainment.  Mr. Albert Cavendish is quite a success in the role of Mr.  Oofenstein, while other principal parts are ably sustained by Mr. Charles Wilkins (Lieutenant Jack Dareham), Mr. James Chippendale (Sir Joseph Rivers), and Mr. Charles Tolcker (Adolph).  Much merriment was created by the antics of Miss Madge Soutter, the inimitable maid-of-all-work, who has lost none of her dexterity, and Miss Minnie Myrle (Mabel Rivers) and little Mary O’Hara contribute largely to the success of the piece.  Special mention must be made of the Eight Little Sunbeams, an attractive speciality act, the powerful chorus, and the beautiful dresses.  The piece is admirably staged, and everything goes with a swing.

(Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Tuesday 11th August, 1914) 

["The Pride of Byzantia" is described as a pantomime-play by Arthur W. Field, in The Stage Year Book for 1913.  The first production was in Bradford in 1911, and it seems to have toured widely thereafter.] 

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