Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Cardiff Empire. The famous coster comedian, Alec Hurley, is due at Cardiff Empire next week, and will present his latest sketch, Cockneys in Japan." This is a magni- ficent production with catchy music, beautiful scenery, and magnificent cos- tumes, and is in four scenes. The story is as follows: —A Cockney comes into a small fortune, and makes up his mind to leave the East End to go for a trip to Japan. He takes with him his pals from a typical London tavern. The scene changes to a Japanese tea garden, and the mingling of Cockney and Japanese ideas and melodies provides a quaintness not previously attained. The_ Cockneys are followed to Japan by their donahs, and eventually the tea girls are left in favour of the home product. The end co^je.-s with the sailing of the ship for England, and the Cockneys sing their Good-b ye with faces at the port-holes. It'll as liianr merits and should find favour at the Empire next week. Tom Clare, the celebrated entertainer at the piano, is another notable arrival, and will render selections from his exten- sive repertoire. Lil O'Gorman, come- dienne and dancer; the Great Vincent, acrobatic table expert; Tom Lloyd, the well-known comedian; Gipsy Woolf and her six sunbeams, presenting an entirely new production, "The Mermaid of Margate Farr and Farland, a quaint couple; and Nellie Farrell. an Irish singer of Irish songs, complete the list of holiday attractions.

Olympia, Pentre. Roller skating at Pentre has caught on with a vengeance, and when one sees the really first-class manner in which the devotees of this fashionable pastime are catered for at Olympia, it is not to be wondered at. Every day sees some little addition for the pleasure and comfort of patrons, and we understand that in a few days everything will be complete. The Rink is by far the largest and best in the district, The skates are voted by all to be perfection, and the gratifying part is that they are entirely of British manu- facture, whilst the floor surface is a posi- tive delight, although the management say it will not be at its best for some little time. Like wine, it will improve with age. As an indication of the thorough- ness which has marked the whole under- taking, the proprietors have placed the. skate room in charge of Mr. Lemon, a skilled skate mechanic, who carefully overhauls every pair after use. Capable instructors are busy initiating the learners into the graceful art, and we learn that a rock maple floor is now being laid in the large gallery over the offices at the Rink, so as to afford learners ample oppor- tunity of acquiring the art in private before venturing on to the large rink. The graceful exhibition of the instructress, Miss Turner, and the smartness of the instructor, Mr. Johns, appeal alike to skaters and spectators, but the manage- ment have had an eye-opener with regard to many of their patrons, some of whom (not a few from Treorchy) are quite ex- perts at the pastime, whilst a number of local ladies are quite au fait in the grace- ful art. With regard to the Ladies' Band, this, we notice, has been consider- ably strengthened, and the bandstand has been removed to the centre of the gallery —a great improvement. The ventilation is perfect, and we notice that the heat- ing arrangements are now nearing-com- pletion. A grand fancy dress carnival is announced for New Year's Eve, when valuable prizes will be awarded, but we would refer our readers to our adver- tising columns for details. We heartily congratulate the proprietors, who are all local men, on their well-deserved success.

Workmen's Institute, Ferndale. The dramatic season at the above, which was formally opened on Tuesday last, commences on Monday next. For the opening attraction has been secured that great dramatic play, Leah Kleschna." It is the work of that great author, C. M. S. McClellan, and was pro- duced at the New Theatre, London, where it ran for upwards of a year. The story of the play concerns the gradual refor- mation of a girl thief, who from her earliest days has been taught to see nothing wrong in stealing; but gradually there enters into her soul a revulsion of feeling against entering a house at night- time. At the command of her father, she enters the house of Paul Sylvaine to steal the famous Sylvaine jewels. She is dis- covered by Sylvaine, who instead of handing her over to the police, talks to her and points out the error of her life. Leah goes back to her father, and in one. of the strongest scenes ever written, renounces her life of crime, and announces her intention of returning to the fields to work as her mother did before her, viz., a peasant. Here she is discovered, and eventually finds peace with the man who wrought her salvation. The company playing this strong play is under the management of Messrs. Armitage and Leigh, who are also the oroprietors of "Lucky Durham" and "With Edged Tools," each of which will visit Fern- dale. With each play only one company is travelled, and therefore Ferndale will see exactly the same company as Man- chester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, &c. It is headed bv such well-known artistes as Mr. William Claybon, Mr. Charles Barrett, Mr. Algernon Hicks, Mr. Graham Pockett, Mr Edgar J. Coyne, Miss Ethel Russell, and that ster- ling actress, Miss Bessie Rignold.

Palace, Porth Proprietors Poole's Theatres Co., Limpkd. Managing Director Mr. C. W. Poole. Acting and District Manager Mr. Walter Bynorth. &.4& mb. Nightly, 8.45 Trains from all parts, to and fro, to suit each house. Special Trams leave the Palace after each Perforinenee. Monday, December 27th, 1909, and during tlxe "IlVeek Great Holiday Company. Ten Special Turns. Direct from the Palace Theatre, London, BILLY KATHLYN MINNIE BOB OLIYB AND OWEN ■ ■ Ur WW fLm.m \M m m CC m m m C5 In their Novel and Refined Vocal Comedietta, The The Popular Comedy Couple, in The Adventures of a Roadside Tinkers." nATTv SapF THE LOVELACES, American Song Illustrators, in their DOLLY ENGLAND, the Smartest and Youngest Male Im- Latest Successes. personator Extant. VALONI, the World-renowned Juggler and his Wonderfully FRED HALLAM, Comedian. Trained Pigeons. 1 ARTHUR FERRISS, the New Comedian. VEDA CARL, a Comedian. THE DANCING GILBERTS, in a Special and Unique Terpsi- And the Great Continental Act, chorean Act. THE PSASCOPE. j THE RICHARDS TRIO In a Grand Series of Up-to-date Films Weekly. In their Eccentric Novelty Act. THE PALACE BAND of Selected Musicians One of the Best in the Provinces. Conductor-Mr. STUART LANE. CIRCLE, 1/- (Early Door, 1/3 Reserved, 1/3). BALCONY &PIT, 6d. (Early Doors, 9d.) GALLERY, 3d. (Early Doors, 4d.>, Early Doors, 6.25 and 8.25 Ordinary Doors Open at 6-35 and 8-35. Bicycles Stored in a Special Room Free of Charge. HIPPODROME TONYPANDY Monday, Dec. 27th, and during the Weeh.O ULOU TWICE NIGHTLY O»0U WILL STONE S ELECTRIC BIOSCOPE. GRAND HOLIDAY PROGRAMME. ALL STARS. COMATA THE SIOUX, A Grand Indian Picture Story. STBWART and EYANS, Comedians. THE WONDERFUL COAT, A Screamingly Funny Picture, PAUJL CORRIX, Herculean Juggler, And his Funny Assistant. AND THEN HE WOKE UP, Another Funny Picture. ftrthur GALLIMORE TRIO, England's Greatest CVwwet/y Artistes. POOLSHEAD BETROTHED, One Long Scream from Start to Finish. Ar.,beIIaL .A.II. The Fa..w'us -*I)ICKEN'S GIRL This Lady has only recently finished an unbroken engagement of 10 months at the London Pavilion. THE HOUSE UNDER REPAIRS, Another Screamer. Return Engagement of FRANK HARDIE & Company, In Sensational Sketch, entitIed-u The Madman's Revenge." See the Great Fight for Life and the Madman's Revenge. i All Children must be paid for. PEOPLE'S POPULAR PRICES-Gallery, 3d., Early Doors, 4d. Pit, 6d Early Doors 9d.; Stalls, 1/- Early Doors, Is. 3d. TIVOLI jNBMMMNt jtttMNtb Palace & Hippodrome, PENTRE. Proprietors POOLE'S THEATRES, Limited Acting Manager Mr. JAMES GUNN Monday, December 27, 1909, & Twice Nightly during the Week Twice Nightly: 6-45 and 8-45. First performance between 6.45 and 8.45. Second performance between 8.45 and 10.45. I Open at 6.35 and 8.35. Early doors at 6.25 & 8.25. Trams and Trains to suit each performance Great Holiday Company of Selected Stars- 3E& £ t!srt;'ULfS & Batiks JIM,% ,Colored Entertainers who Entertain. MARS TRIO, Military Gymnasts, Teeth Spinning, Whirling the Whirls. MAUD VERA, Dainty Chic Comedienne and Speciality Artiste. BLANCHE & POWELL, the Famous Society Entertainers. FRANK E. TAYLOR, the Original Comedian. HURMAN & ARTHUR, In an Original Juggling Act. WILMAN, the Celebrated Australian Instrumentalist. THE TIVOLISCOPE in a Fine New Series of Up-to-date Films Weekly. The Trio MORMAN & LEONARD, In a Musical Incident, The Itinerant." THE TIVOLI BAND of Selected Musicans. One of the best in the Provinces. CIRCLE, 1/- (Early Doors, 1/3, Reserved at 1/3). PIT, 6d. (Earlv Doors, 9d. Gallery, 3d (Saturday, 4d) Early Doors, 4d. -—— — AP% IM OPERA HOUSE TREHERBERT. Proprietors Poole's Theatres, Limited Manager Mr. M. B. Pedlar. Enormous Xxxisks KttrnQtic>lm. Four Nights Only, commencing Xmas Night Dec. 25th. Mr. HARRY BENET S No. 1 Company In the famous Musical Comedy— plum v w I THE LADY SLAVEY By the Author of The Chinese Honeymoon,' played to upwards of 12,000,000 spectators. Nightly at 7-30. Doors open at 7-15. Early Doors at 7. First Circle 2s.; 2nd Circle 18. 6d.; Pit ls.; Gallery dd Eaily doom. 3d. extra to all parts E CARDIFF MPIRE (QUEEN STREET) Managing Director OSWALD STOLL -0- tMt TWICE NIGHTLY-6.45 and 9 o'clock M Seats booked daily by Post or Tele. No. 625. Seats booked daily by Post or Tele. No. 625 P Monday, December 27th, 1909, ancT during the Week. FOUR PERFORMANCES BOXING DAY, Dec. 27th. Timeg; 1-50, 4-0, 6-45, 9-0. ALEC HURLEY, I Supported by a Powerful Company of Comedian3- in his Charming Musical Comedy entitled* Cockneys in Japan." LIL O'GORMAN, Comedienne and Dancer. The GREAT VINCENT, Acrobatic Table Expert. Cockneys in Japan." LIL O'GORMAN, Comedienne and Dancer. The GREAT VINCENT, Acrobatic Table Expert. TOM LLOYD, Comedian of Merry-Making Eflter" vescing Eccentricity. GIPSY WOOLF and Her SIX SUNBEAMS, presenting an entirely New Production "The- t m Mermaid of Margate." Mermaid of Margate." New Production "The FARR AND FARLAND, Two Quaint Comedians- NELLIE FARRELL, an Irish Singer of Irish E Songs. ETHEL BOURNE, the Favourite Contralto. THE AMERICAN BIOSCOPE shewing th» latest pictures. TOM CLARE, the Celebrated Entertainer at the Piano. NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF. Sole Proprietor ROBERT REDFORD Milton Bode and Robert Bedford's GRAND FAIRY PANTOMIME- ,DICK WHiTTINGTON The most Gorgeous Production ever Staged in Cardiff, Including the following Powerfui Combination o Artistea- Miss ISabelle Dillion Mr Phil Smith Miss Gladys Guy Mr Tom E. Sinclair Miss Minnie Duncan Mr Mark Lester Miss Blanche Astley Mr Arthur Leslie Miss Elsa Mcintosh Mr Johnny Fuller Miss Betsy O'Brien Mr Arthur E. Godfrey Morning Performances Monday and Tuesday December 27th and 28th, And Every Wednesday and Saturday at 2. FREE-All Children making Written Application will be forwarded Illustrated Booklet containing a Story of. the Pantomime. Booking Office at Theatre 10 to 5. Nat. Tel, 376, Royal CLARENCE THEATRE PONTYPRIDD. ENORMOUS HOLIDAY ATTRACTION! Commencing Boxing Day, Dec. 27th And every evening during the Week. Two Special Matinees on Monday & Tuesday. Mr. PERCY WILLIAMS Presents the Entire Production, as Played at the Princess' Theatre, W., THE FATAL WEDDING A Play of New York Life, CHORUS OF SPECIALLY TRAINED CHILDREN. Centre Circle, 2/ Side Circle, 1/6 Pit, 1/- Gallery, 6d. Doors open at 7,10, commence 7.40. Early Doors 3d extra to all parts. = PRICELESS VISION. ■ YOB cannot assess the financial B value of any article which is price- less. | Your vision, that blessed gift 9 which is responsible for the greater i H part of your pleasures, is invaluable. ■ I Give it due regard. B H If your eyes become permanently B i impaired no money can make good B U your loss. On this account do yoo fl H not think it wise to come to us for fi H periodical eye examination ? 6 i If glasses art MOMttry we 8 f| will tell you go. a m J. W. RICHARDS, Cbemist and Opliclaa, PANDY SQUARE9 TONYPANDY. Brin ted for the Proprietors by Mecsffj Evans & Short, Tonypandy, and publish** by the Proprietors, The Rhonimf Leader," Limited, at their Oifims,. lx;o sior Buildings, De Winton Street, Too pmdv, in the Qoisat? of Glamoxima.

THEATRE ROYAL, Tonypandy. GREAT ATTRACTION FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS! Saturday (Christmas Day), December 25th, and following Week, JOHN F. PRESTON'S COMPANY, in the Sporting Comedy-Drama- of the Tm»f AFTERNOON PERFORMANCES: XMAS DAY & BOXING DAY Doors open at 2. School Children, Special Prices. Evening Performances Early Doors, 6.45; Ordinary, 7.15. POPULAR PRICES AS USUAL. Saturday. Janflst) 1910— The ¥oice of the People Next Week, commencing Jan. 3, another Melville Play, 'Married to the Wrong Man.' — — New Workmen's Hall, FERN DALE. Manager iit Mr< David Williams, Secretary Mr. W. JAMES. Grand Opening Monday, Dec. 27 FOR SIX NIGHTS, H. ARMITAGE & ARTHUR LEIGH'S Company, in London's Greatest Dramatic Success— LEAH KLESCHNA First Class Company, including WILLIAM CLAYTON, CHAS. BARRET, ALGERNON J. HICKS, and BESSIE RIGNOLD. POPULAR JPIRXCIE S. 507

Amusements, j Tivoli. Pentre The marvellous feats accomplished by Miss Leonie de Lusanne, lady champion rifle shot of the world, will astonish tlie patrons of the Tivoli this She is assisted by two ladies and a gentleman, who have perfect confidence in her ability to fire off articles from their bodies with- out being themselves injured. Her inven- tion whereby a lady in evening dress is disrobed by rifle shots is a very clever One. The Gus Onlaw Trio exhibit a few individual feats upon a telephone wire. These feats show skill and daring of un- usually high order and evoke rounds of applause. Minnie Olive and Bob Owen have a novel and entertaining musical comedietta. Both are good singers, and demands for" encores are heard at the end of their performance. The Two Errols apnear in a comical act, which in- cludes tumbling and leaping. The Ricardo Trio contribute a very novel and amusing act, which causes much laugh- ter. Willie Allan and the Lovelaces, with illustrated songs, will also give satisfac- tion throughout the week. George Arabi, » ventriloquist, is also good. The Tivoll- scope has films well up to the usual stan- dard.

Hippodrome, Tonypandy. A splendid programme is in evidence this week at the Hippo," Mr. Walter Munroe. the comedian of great renown, sings and dances and retails Irish bulls by the score, and to top all, says he has suffered a divil of a twist, which con- clusion he arrives at as the result of put- tine his pantaloons on the reverse way. .Well, Walter is extremely funny, and we should like to have had more from him. Another artiste to her finger tips is Miss Ethel Ra Leslie, who appears in her great take scena, entitled Come, come to Connemara, with great success, Her "Alpine song was very prettily rendered and was also immensely appreciated. Rene and Smith, the American comedy duo, pay us a welcome return visit. Their oomedy is of the sparkling type, whilst their electric dance is very weird in effect. Miss Josie Mooney, comedienne and dancer, appearfe in her latest success, Plenty Street and Mr. George Edney makes a great hit with his descriptive vocalism. The gymnastic performance of Mdlle. Tina completes a very strong bill of fare. The pictures are again well up to the mark, including a powerful drama in picture, entitled The Indian Runner's Romance."

Empire, Tonypandy, A capital programme is submitted at the Empire this week. The Primavesis. a comedy juggling turn, entitled The Juggling Milkman," is a very clever piece of work. Were our early morning callers half as entertaining as this stage product, they would give the maid quite a turn. We hope, however, the milk would not suffer. The O'Hanlon Trio are responsible for a turn which is probably unique in its line. It combines dancing, singing, and what not, and is accorded a rousing applause. Blarney and Bland are a happy duo who talk each other blue in the face. Their patter is distinctly good, and their jokes have the quality of being new. A splendid reception is given Geo. Young, the blind musician. Young contributes several pleasing selections on the concertina—his good "old pal "-and a reference to his wife, who leads him on the stage, is sympathetically cheered. The McAleavey Marvels belie not their title in their wonderful jumps. Both are agile gentlemen, and their flying jumps "in and over barrels, chairs, tables. &c., are pro- ductive of appreciation. Dave Carter is a very fine tenor, whilst Maidie Burke contributes a couple of songs which con- tain sage advice. The Havanas Troupe were'the hit of the evening. These gentle- men are extraordinary tumblers, and their furious somersaults, jumps, and knockabouts create a furore of applause. Baden and Bell and the Bioscope con- clude a splendid show.

To*v» Tlnomna v. -Wilaon. This great encounter between two such well-known exponents of the noble art, which took place at the National Sporting Club on Monday last, will be produced on the bioscope on January 3rd, 1910, at the New Empire, Tonypandy. Seeing Mr. Tom Thomas has such a large number of supporters in the locality, the enter- prising management of the Empire are to be congratulated on having secured this film.

Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. For the Christmas holidays, Mr. Sam Duckworth has provided a great attrac- tion in the sporting comedy drama, The Rogues of the Turf," which will be pre- sented by Mr. John F. Preston's com- pany. In this drama three real race- horses are introduced. There will be two performances on Christmas Day and also on Boxing Day, and each evening during the week. On Friday, December 31st, and Saturday, January 1st, Max Gold- berg's realistic drama, The Voice of the People," will be presented. School chil- dren will be admitted to the afternoon w performances on Christmas Day and Boxing Day at special prices, and the entire proceeds of the Christmas Day matinee will be given to charities..

Palace Porth. The star turn of a splendid programme appearing before the curtain at the Palace this week are Hayes and Merritt, the world's champion bounding trampolinists. Merritt performs feats oil skill almost incredible, springing and turning two and three full length somersaults in the air. Hayes is also remarkably clever and un- commonly witty, his funniosities being

Opera House, Treherhert. An enormous Christmas attraction is announced for Christmas night and for three succeeding nights, viz., The Lady Slavey." It is to be ^resented by Mr. Harry Benet's well-known No. 1 Com- pany, which has appeared in many well known London successes. Although "The Lady Slavey has bsen. appearing before the British public for a good number of years, it is still as green as ever, and has lost none of its popularity. It is claimed for this musical comedy written about the lady domestic drudge, that it has been played to upwards of 12 million spec- tators—certainly a record which many musical comedies could never hope to attain.

responsible for roars of laughter. Wilman, the Australian instrumentalist, attracts considerable attention. Hia performance is unique and evokes rounds of applause. Wun Hi Lung, illusionist, is wonderfully clever, and secures approbation. Irme Hayman and Company, in the midnight episode, "Christmas Eve," display fine dramatic art. The burglar scene is very smart, while the change is very pathetic. Flo Inman, with, new isongs^ is charming, and her dancing superb. Miss Amy Anderson and Company, in their great oomedy scena, Troubles On and Off the Stage," is also loudly applauded. The quarrel scene is particularly good while the singing and dancing are also first- class. The Palascope pictures are quite up-to-date. The tableaux, A Hard Taskmaster and HI Pillules í, being both pathetic and humorous, and augment a good show.