Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Hippodrome, Tonypandy. The Brothers Leotard, the comical clowns, top the bill here this week. Their hand balancing and staircase performance is ne plug ultra; whilst their comical hat- throwing. accompanied with the query, Who threw that hatp creates roars of laughter. Percy Victor's Dog Minstrels are a remarkable instance of canine train- ing and the Le Bruns are very enter- taining in their novel vocal and juggling act. Oh as. M. Daly and his company, in the tabloid musical comedy, I Must Have It," prove very successful; whilst Jack North is the most peculiar come- dian we have seen for some time. In fact, we might term him the staccato comedian. Eddie Clay, who appears in a comical novelty act, and the splendid series of pictures on the Bioscope, all help to form a most attractive programme.

Palace, Porth. A very clever feature at the Palace this week is Carl and Mark Ohm's Animal Oircus. consisting of ponies, beam, dogs, and monkeys. These animals display severe training, and such perfection must be the work of several years. The tricks of the monkeys fairly convulse the audi- ence. tJnusually clever is Selbo, the club juggler, who certainly exhibits feats of juggling justifying his claim of the world's champion. He is well appreciated. Harry Luck, comedian, scores quite a success and obtains a fair share. of plaudits and encores. Salida and Vone, the American Creole rag-dancers and vocalists, are also accorded great applause. The Three Original Hodginis, in a sensational dis- play on a revolving break-away ladder, are extremely tricky and funny. The Mill- wards, in their comedy novelty in vaude- ville and the Sisters Bartholomew, the j smart boy and dainty girl, are also very good turns and worthy of comment. The picture depicting the Execution of Charles I," is an exceedingly good one Two special turns, the Welsh Giant," and a wrestling match, appear also during the week. The Palace, Porth, intends to maintain its reputation for big holiday attractions, as the programme for next week would be a credit to any vaudeville house in or out of London. The tit-bit will be George Auger and Company, representing the monstre attraction, Jack the Giant Killer." Captain George Auber is the 1 tallest actor in the world, his height being 8ft. 4iiis and, it is interesting to know, was born in Cardiff 29 years ago, but sailed for America when two years of age. In his great act he is assisted by several clever Lilliputian actors, including Little Rommel, the smallest of comedians. This playlet is only for the children aged 6 to 60, and is one roar of laughter from start to finish. There is nothing like it in the world and the sword fight betyeen Jack and the Giant is something never to be forgotten. Other artistes of note are the Warsaw Bros., straight from the Oxford; and Carlotta Levey, the favourite refined comedienne.

Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. The Love That Women Desire" is the title of the play now being produced at the IWyal. It is well mounted, and Mr. Carlton Wallace's company do full justice to thi-s attractive romantic drama, of love- which is proving a great attraction. For Eaater week, Mr. Duckworth announces for the first five nights the historical play, Lady Godiva," which will be 6taged by Mr. F. B. Wolfe's will be staged by Mr, F. B. Woulfe's give 'Jane Shore" on Saturday, the 17th inst,

Tlvoli, Pentfe. The premier turn at the Tivoli thi.s week 16 that given by Kioto and Esa, two "Japanese performers. Their second visit to the district is well appreciated, their performance being excellent in every re- spect. The balancing feats accomplished by the junior member is really marvel- lous. A new and novel sketch, entitled "Airship Elopment," is given by Aeron- auts and Co. This is a very laughable ■ and clever sketch, and include a living statue of excellent proportions. The sketch concludes with the appearance of an airship, the latest fashion. in "upper" circles, but the contemplated elopement is frustrated by an outraged parent. J. P. Carroll contributes an original turn. A soldier tambourinist he gives us suffi- cient evidence of his training in the Army. as well as of his skill on the tambourines. He deserves the repeated encores. Grapho and Jackson are very successful in producing "Fun in a Restaurant." They are much cleverer than the ordinary waiters, in fact, they scarcely "wait" at all, not even for the applause. Ran- dolph King is a quick-change artiste, whose appearance before His Majesty King Edward, is proof of his quality. Of the four characters pourtrayed, the best is that of the miser. It is seldom that such a clever representation of the greedy monster is given. The sisters Cora, with their songs, are also good, while a pre- vious visitor, Bob Stephenson, is very 'popular as a comedian and dancer. The Tivoliscope completes a good pro- gramme, the pictures shown being exceed- ingly interesting.

Opera House* T-reherbert. Messrs. Poole, encouraged by the liberal patronage accorded to the animated pic- tures for three nights the week before last, gave an entire change of pictures for the first three nights of this week. Patrons of the above house will be delighted to know that Messrs. Poole have given an order for a magnificent electric plant to be installed at the Opera House. When this is done, we will probably behold a vast improvement in this popular house of entertainment. The mere mention of the fact that "The Merry Widow" will be played at the Opera House during Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week by Mr. George Edwarde's Company, will bring hundreds from all parts of v the Valley to Treher- bert to witness this most famous of musi- cal comedies, which is breaking all theatrical records. The merits of "The Merry Widow" are generally known. Of all the theatres it has visited, not one has been sufficiently large to contain those who thronged to see it. The visit to Treherbert will probably be no exception to the rule, and therefore, in order to maJie. sure of a good seat, intending patrons would do the right thing to book early.

Cardiff Empire. Miss "Cecilia" (formerly "Cissie") Loftus, will apear at the Cardiff Empire next week. After her strenuous engagement at the London Coliseum, she had to go away to the Riviera to recuperate. Miss Cecilia- or Cissie—is just the same as ever, the quiet looking, demure school-girl, in whose mouth butter would not melt, yet a veritable volcano of good natured, satir- ical fun. It is really wonderful how she manages to not only mimic the more or less obiious mannerisms of her victims, hut to faithfully reproduce the timbres of their voices. Back from a most <uc- cessful American tour, a two-hours' inter- view with President Roosevelt at the White House, and a charming letter firm him, Mr. Fred Lindsay, "the Australian Whip Wonder," bottoms the bill. Talk- ing of his interview he says. "I was in- troduced to the President through the Chief of the Secret Service. About fifty callers preceded me. but none of them were detained more than a minute or two Mine lasted over a couple of hours. I never .struck a man who so interested and impressed me. His manner throukhout was most genial and there was an entire absence of "side." He sent me a very nice letter, in which he assured me of a very cordial welcome to the White House any time during his Presidency. The Boccacios, Ten Dixie Girls, Ed. E. Ford, Burley and Burley, F. Bertram, and Amy Marsden are other arrivals. Seymour Hicks and Zena Dare will shortly be visiting the Empire.

(lDafydd ap Gwilym at Treorchy. Successful Performance. [By Our Musical Critic.] Last Thursday, at Noddfa Baptist Chapel, Mr. Harry Evans' latest work, "Dafvdd ap Gwilym," was performed by the Hermon (W.O.) Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Howell Howells. As our readers are aware, this romantic cantata, as it is termed, was produced at Llangollen National Eisteddfod in 1908, but our Treorchy friends have the honour of being the first to bring this interesting composition to the notice of Rhondda ites. The performance had been looked forward to with great interest, especially by those, like the writer, who had not heard the work before, for it has been known that it was the intention of the composer, when writing it, to give the musical world something entirely original and quite distinct from all other types of Welsh music. In this he has been very successful, and he deserves great credit for his strenuous eiideavbur in the interests of the art and the reputation of his nation. The work is divided into three parts, libretto having been written by Mr. David Adams (Hawen). As is stated in the pre- face, this work is based on some inci- dents in the life of the famous bard, harpist and minstrel. Dafydd ap Gwilym, who lived in the, fourteenth century." Space does not allow one to give a full description of the work, but a return to the subject will, perhaps, be made at some future time. Four solo voices are written for, viz., "Nest" (soprano), Morfydd (contralto), Dafydd ap Gwilym" (tenor), Ivor Hael Madog Lawgam, Sir Cynfrig Cynin, Madog Benfras (baritone). Needless to say, the brunt of the work falls upon Dafydd, and a thoroughly good tenor is required to successfully cope with the exacting music. Some very tuneful solos are allotted to him, the accompaniment by the harp being a prominent feature, In the con- cert under notice, Mr. David Ellis, Cefn- mawr, undertook the part, and was very successful. He surmounted his difficulties very skilfully, and although, it wag obvious to all present that he felt the strain occasionally, yet he sang in a. manner that undoubtedly pleased all. Miss May John impersonated "Nest." Her singing has certainly not lost any of its charm. Although she does not possess a great voice, yet she accomplishes more than many others with much superior voices. An effort is always made to give a realistic performance, every attention being made to phrasing, expression, and especially enunciation. Miss John will always be successful if only for the above reasons. Miss Rachel Thomas, Mountain Ash, proved to be a passionate Morfydd." Her singing, and occasionally her little flashes of histrionic effect, were very good. In one particular her performance is not to be recommended, and that is, the taking of liberties with the rhythm of the music. When this is done, espe- cially with an orchestra accompaniment, it tends to throw out of gear the whole machinery, The other vocalist was Mr. David Chubb. Although not producing a big tone, still this singer, again, certainly pleased us all with the pure quality of the tone. To the chorus are given some numbers of more than ordinary difficulty. Here we meet with chromatic harmonies met with very seldom, and, after our training in Handel and Mendelssohn, this feature of modern music, especially with our younger composers, is difficult to master. That the Hermon Choir did so well is most creditable to them, and especially so to the conductor. The male voice chorus, The Feast," for instance, would be a handful" for our competing parties, and the two female choruses, Chorus of Nuns" and The Fairies' Chorus," demand singers of more than ordinary ability, on account of the unusual har- monies contained in them. The above numbers, which one had looked forward to, were particularly well sung, the ladies, if possible, being superior. It is true, is it not, that in all works there is one number, at least, that enables one to always recall the said work. For instance, the "Hallelujah Chorus" and 0 great is the depth and K Great and Wonderful" will always keep the Messiah," St. Paul," and the" Last Judgment from passing into oblivion. Such is the case in Dafydd ap Gwilym," where we have a chorus, The Eulogy of Love." This was given in fine style, and had to be repeated. If nothing else will keep this cantata before the public, this chorus certainly will. The large chorus sang splendidly, the sopranos and contraltos, as mentioned above, excelling. The orchestra, led by Mr. A. Thomas (Ap Tydfil), had a most difficult task to perform. Playing from manuscript, none too plainly written, the instrumentalists did their work in a most creditable manner. Some very tuneful music has been written for them, the Country Dance," especially, being ingeniously written. The harpist, an im- portant member of an orchestra for this work, was Mr. Tom Bryant. Mr. J. T. Jones, L.R.A.M., rendered valuable assistance at the organ, besides playing the accompaniments in the miscellaneous portion of the concert. The choice of songs by the artistes in this latter portion was by no means commendable, and fell much below the standard of the cantata. The concert was an enjoyable one, although the writer was placed among crying babies and people crushing for ad- mission. The hon. secretary was evidently of the opinion that" sufficient is a two- shilling ticket for the reporter thereof."

REV. li. J. CAMPBELL'S sermons and answeis to questions, appear weekly in the Christian Commonwealth," organ of progressive thought and social reconstruction. Every Wednesday, one penny. b959

Mid-Rhondda Chamber of Trade. The Horse Show Question. A special meeting of the Mid-Rhondda Chamber of Trade was held at the Grocers' Rooms, Wellington Chambers, on Tuesday evening to discuss matters relating to the Horse Show. Mr. J. Owen Jones occupied the chair, and there was a large atten- dance. At the outset, Mr. D. S, Thomas pro- posed that the resolution of the special meeting held on March 16th, That the Chamber will not hold a Horse Show in 1909." be rescinded. Mr. Thomas, in proposing the resolu- tion, said that several false impressions had got about, and thus he broijght for- ward the notice of motion. A Horse Show Committee had already started to work, and he wished that this year again the patronage of the Chamber be given to a Horse Show, and that the committee that had the affair in hand be given plenary powers. Mr. Thomas said that in dealing with future surplus, matters could be readjusted, but he thought that for the present it was the bounden duty of the Chamber to give their support and afterwards deal with the future policy of the Chamber. Mr. Evans seconded. Mr. Davies (butcher) asked whether he was to understand that, if the resolution was passed, the Chamber and the Horse Show Committee were in the same posi- tion as before. Mr. D. S. Thomas thought they should not meddle with what had been done by the committee. Mr. J. B. Thomas then rose, and said that he was speaking on behalf of the Horse Show Committee, and he would like to have matters explained as to the posi- tion of the present committee. He said that, after waiting for some time, the Chamber had come to the conclusion to run no Horse Show for 1909, after which the old committee was called and pro- ceeded to draw out a programme to be held in Mid-Rhondda, entirely apart from the Chamber of Trade. They had selected their officers and had also received pro- mises of several cups, whilst the schedules were also printed. Mr. Davies wanted to know whether, in the event of the show proving a failure, the money in hand would be used for the purpose of paying: off that deficiency. Mr. J. B. Thomas said that if the Chamber adopted the resolution, it would mean that the whole affair would have to be re-organised, and they ought to ask the Horse Show Committee if they were prepared to accept the Chamber's pro- posal. Mr. John Rees said that if the notice of motion was carried, it meant that the. Horse Show would be entirely under the control of the Chamber. Mr. Davies (butcher) thought it would be advantageous to the committee to have the support of the Chamber but if that committee thought they could carry on their work without the funds, well and good. Mr. J. Owen Jones said that the Chamber would be quite prepared to accept all that had been done by the Horse Show Committee. Mr. Geo. Evans thought the patronage of the Chamber of Trade was of some value to the committee, and he said it was to that body that a large amount of the success of the previous shows was due. One of the members of the committee said that as committeemen they had become guarantors for the sum of j65, and he wished to know whether the Chamber members would become respon- sible. ( Mr. Steve Jones said lie thought it only fair that the Chamber should know what had been done by the committee, and he asked Mr. J. B. Thomas if he was pre- pared to bring the minutes of that com- mittee and read them to the Chamber. Mr. Thomas said that he could not do that without the consent of the com- mittee. After further discussion, the proposi- tion was put to the meeting, 20 voting in favour and 6 against. Mr. D. S. Thomas then moved that Mr. J. B. Thomas convey back to the com- mittee already formed, the decision of the meeting, and to ask them to come under the auspices of the Chamber as of old. This was, seconded bv Mr. Steve Jones and carried. Mr. Davies (butcher) drew the atten- tion of the Chamber to the late hour in which the scavenging carts cleared the refuse from the main street of Tony- pandy. Mr. Llewellyn Evans thought this state of things ought to be remedied. The watering of the roads also came in for its share of criticism, and it was ultimately decided to write to the Council in relation to both matters. It was decided to close business premises Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Rhondda Conservatism. Mr. Harold Lloyd at Llwynypia. A well-attended meeting was held at the Baths, Llwynypia, on Tuesday night; under the auspices of the Llwynypia Con- servative Club, when addresses were de- livered upon Tariff Reform and other questions by Mr. W. Dyson ("Will Work- man" of the -"People")' and -Mr. Harold Lloyd, the Conservative candidate for the Rhondda Division at the next General Election. Mr. J. Booth presided.

Professional Athletic Sports. On Monday next, on the Mid-Rhondda Athletic Club Grounds, Tonypandy, will be held athletic sports, horse racing, galloway and trotting handicaps. Entries have been particularly good, and a good day's sport is being looked forward to by the sport-loving fraternity. Mr. David Llewellyn, the genial secretary, has done everything in his power to make these sports a success, and a success we confi- dently assert they will prove. The gates will be open at 1 o'clock, and the sports will commence at 2 p.m. sharp. There will also be a pigeon shooting handicap on Good Friday on the same grounds, starting at 11 o'clock. First prize, £ 10.

Palace, Portb Proprietors POOLE'S THEATRES Co., LIMITED Managing Director Mr. C. W. POOLE — Acting and District Manager Mr. WALTER BYNOBTB Turice Maglitlyt 6-50 and 5 First Performance between 6.50 and 9. Second Performance between 9 and 11. Trains from all parts, to and fro, to suit each house. Special Trams leave the Palace after each Performance. Monday, April 12th, and during the week- Enormous Holiday Programme— TU0 Wanenw Ri*otheP6f The Sensation of the present Century I lie WaPSaW DPOlllC GEORGE AUGER j Celebrated Musical Comedians. j (Giant Actor and Author), and CARLOTTA LEVEYs ERNEST ROMNEL CARLOTTA LEVEY, (Smallest Kiug of Actois, Singers and Comedians), •' Atroduce that most Extravagantly Costumed Original and r,. T) ,r Humorous Playlet, "JACK THE GIANT KILLER." Exquisite Singer of Refined Yerses. The old story Jack the Giant Killer in actual reality. Fable history portrayed in a realistic setting by the only cast able to Here truth is really^tea^ thS Sft Giant and Jack. And a hOSt Of Other Star Artistes. THE PALACE BAND of Selected Musicians. One of the Best in the Provinces. Conductor—Mr. STUART LANE. CIRCLE, ll- (Early Door, 1;3 Reserved, 1/8). BALCONY &P IT, 6d. (Early Doors, 9d.) GALLERY, 3d. (Early DoorS, 4d,J Early Doors, 6-30 and 8-40. Ordinary Doors Open at 6-40 and 8-50. Bicycles Stored in a Special Room Free of Charge. HIPPODROME TONYPANDY. 7Monday, April 12, 1909, and during the Week A TWICE NIGHTLY. V Fine Holiday Programme I WILL STONE'S ELECTRIC BIOSCOPE THE MEUOON BUTCHER. Jimmy, the Stove Fitter. Pottery Industry. We Desire a Butler. Policeman Prosecutes. A Friend in Need. HIPPODROME ORCHESTRA. Special Engagement of The Moxon Troupe of Acrobats. GEORGE GULLIVER, International Ventriloquist. Chas. M. Daly Company, in the Dramatic Sketch, "Faithful to the Last." See the Great Fight between Man and Beast. LUCRETIA & JOSEPHINE Comediennes and Expert Danceri.. Sandy and Carl, Comedians, Dancers and Comedy Boxers. PEOPLE'S POPULAR PRICES-Gallery, 3d., Early Doors, 4d- Pit, 6d., Early Doors, 9d.; Stalls, 1/- Early Doors, I s. 3d. PMI" T'lVfir.T Palace & Hippodrome, PENTRE. Proprietors I .1 POOLE'S THEATRES Limited Acting Manager Mr. JAMES GUNN 6.50 & 9. Twice Nightly. 6.50 & 9 Monday, April 12, 1909, and Twice Nightly during the Week. Special and Expensive Engagement of the Great London Comedienne. J :In ](1l Joints, In her Latest Successes, THE THREE ORIGINAL HODGINIS, the Continental Aerial Gymnastic Wonders, In their refined and Sensational Display on the Revolving Breakaway Ladder. CADE BURNETT. Actor-Vocalist. MASTON, the Yorkshire Mimic. FLO ESDAILE, Comedienne. Just returned from her successful South African Tour. DEANS AND WILTON, Eccentric Comedy Acrobats. TRAY AND RICH, Black and White Comedians and Dancers. LINDSAY AND HART, in a Scotch Comedy Act. THE TIVOLISCOPE, with the Best Pictures Obtainable. Cannot be Beaten. And the Three Marvellous MERRILLS, Introducing the Original Messenger Boy and the Napoleon of the One Wheel. 11 THE TIVOLI BAND (of Selected Musicians), one of the best in the Provinces. Conductor-Mr. W. CRONIN. Early Doors, 6,30 and 8.40. Ordinary Doors at 6.40 and 8.50. < CIRCLE, 1/- (Early Doors, 1/3, Reserved at 1/3). PIT, 6d. (Early Do ors, 9d. GALLERY, 3d. (Early Doors, 4d). (Saturdays, 4d.). OPERA HOUSE TREHERBERT. Proprietors Poole's Theatres, Limited Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, April 12th, 13th & 14th Poole's Perfect Pictures. The Highest of Animated Photography. The latest and Up-to-date Films, To Interest, To Instruct, To Amuse. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, April 15th, 16th & 17th FOR THREE NIGHTS ONLY IIIMT'O 01 HDC nUniD Scenorama & Globe Villi U uLUDL UilUlil, Express Excursions Madame Vint, the World's Greatest 7 hought-Reader. Poole's Popular Prices. Balcony, 1/ Early Door, 1/3. Pit, 6d Early Door, 9d. Gallery, 3d Early Doors, 4d. Saturdays, 4d 7. 3oNightly. Early Doors, 6.50. Ordinary Doors, 7.10. E CARDIFF MPIRfi (QUEEN STREET) Managing Director OSWALD fllf ~°- IUI TWICE NIGHTLY—0.45 aod 9 o'clock. ■■I Seata booked daily by Post or Tele. No. 626, 1!A -°— Easter Monday, April 12th, 1909, J"1 P Twice Nightly during? the WeeK' Miss CECILIA LOFTUS, The Celebrated Mimic. TEN DIXIE GIRLS in their great Vocal and Terpsichorean Scena, The.Silver Coon- BURLEY & BURLEY, Quaint Acrobatic 00& I dians, who Twist, Laugh, and make Merry N THE BOCDACCIOS, Italian Sin gers and N Instrumentalists. ED. E, FORD, the Australian Sundowner, FRANK BERTRAM & Co. in the real live ColuOdy Sketch-" The Chaperon." RAMY MARSDEN, the Low Comedy Girl- New and Interesting Subjects on the Ameri"* Bioscope. Direct from his Australian Successes. Famous Australian Bushman, Mr. FRED LINDSAY, EThe Stock Whip Wonder. Week commencing May 3rd next, Mr. Seyi Hicks and Miss Zena Dare will appear in a Sketch and play four matinees, Tuesday nesday, Thursday, and Saturday. mf Week commencing May 3rd next, Mr. seyrno WW Hicks and Miss Zena Dare will appear in a N Sketch and play four matinees, Tuesday nesday, Thursday, and Saturday. NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF. 11 Sole Proprietor ROBERT BEDFOB EVERY EVENING at 7.30. (Good Fri<^ excepted) and SATURDAY at Two. Early doors—Matinee, 1-80 Ordinary 1-45, Evenings, 7 Ordinary doors, -+- William Greet's principal Company in Wils0" Barrett's Great Play, The Sign of tM I Cross. 1 Next Week, the successful comedy TODDLES. + — Matinee Easter Monday at 2. Booking Office at Theatre, 10 to 5. Nat. Tel, 37"' Royal CLARENCE THEATRE PONTYPRIDD. » Q + Jj Monday, April 12thf 1909, &*1 during the week. Matinee on Monday at 2.30. Miss LOIE ESMOND'S CoMPSOyt In the Great Parisian Plav— NANA The Rage of Paris. A Production of Intense Human Intere Miss ROSIE NEVILLE as "NA"" SUPPORTED BY A MOST EFFICIENT COMPANt' ==-# OJ Ir The Distant Clock. I When yon art able to let t distant objects with greater I distinctness than was even possible W years ago, and on that account believe your eyesight to be im- proved, you are labouring under great delusion. Such a condition is certain proof of that change in yonr yjJiost known as Old Sight," and if I0* would safeguard (or insure) fiitVt* good vision, seek our aid Mir, You need glasses. f J. w. RICHARDS, Cbemlst and Optktaa, PANDY SQUARE* TONVPANOY. Printed for the Proprietors by Evans & Short, Tonyrvandy, and by the Proprietors, The ifccd1' Leader," Limited, at their sior Buildings, De Winton pandy, in the Oouuty of G