Phyllis Broughton (1862-1926)
"Camaralzaman"
By F.C. Burnand.
Produced at the Empire Theatre.
Reviewed in 'Lloyds Weekly Newspaper', London, 24th August, 1884.
Miss Farren, Mr. Royce, Mr. Elton, and their companions at present located here, on Monday appeared in Mr. Burnand's burlesque-drama, Camaralzaman, a piece thoroughly adapted to a house at which song, dance, and spectacle are more highly prized than closeness or clearness of dramatic action. Next to the elements of the performance that appeal to the eye, the most powerful attraction of this handsome building appears to be the foyer with its balcony overlooking Leicester-square. It seems strange that people should visit the theatre with the deliberate intention of turning their backs to the stage and going out at every opportunity, but this has nevertheless become a fact.
Camaralzaman is given here much the same as it was at the Gaiety. Mr. Royce plays the Djin Danasch - formerly rendered by Mr. E. Terry - and treats the character after his own peculiar and laughter-moving method. Miss Farren is as brisk as ever in her embodiment of the roving Prince. Miss Phyllis Broughton is as charming a Peri as the assiduous reader of the "Arabian Nights Entertainment" could imagine. Mr. W. Elton cleverly fills in the part of the Shah with personal oddities, and Miss Constance Gilchrist looks well under the limelight. The band is good, and the dresses as resplendent as the most exigeant patrons of showy extravaganza should desire.