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The Era’s Variety Gossip 1909 and 1913 MS
July 3, 1909
As the curtain went down on Will Cornish’s musical bell act at the Leeds Empire the other night a number of people in the pit and pit stalls were noticed to be hastily putting up their umbrellas. The sliding roof was “ off , “ and the rain was pouring through the joints of the tarpaulin cover. Roars of laughter from the gods greeted the scene, as, amid much confusion, the victims below tried to escape. The tarpaulin cover contained a pool, and when withdrawn the water that had collected dropped on to the occupants of the pit, and some had a severe wetting.
Mark Sheridan , who came on soon afterwards, made great play with the incident. “ I am asked by the management to announce, “ he said solemnly, “ that next week at the Empire free swimming lessons will be given from 11 to 2. The sliding roof will be used for free shower baths. Bring your own towels. Mixed bathing optional.” Turning to the conductor of the orchestra, the comedian said: “ You missed it all, didn’t you, Mr. Myers. I know you always take yours neat.” Roars of laughter greeted Mark’s jokes.
March 29, 1913
Mark Sheridan, breezy and sportive as ever, will be at the Finsbury Park Empire on Monday. Sheridan is markedly successful at making apt allusion to topics of current interest. He sees the humorous side of everything, and grips the audience from the moment he appears on the stage. Just now he is singing some catchy “ seaside “ songs, and with the aid of capital scenery he adds much to a thoroughly amusing performance.
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