Florrie Forde (1876-1940)

Variety performance at the Hackney Empire
Reviewed in The Mercury [London, UK], 16th April, 1904.

Among the good things in this week's Empire programme, certainly the most novel turn is furnished by Piwitt, the large Pierrot head, which, although it is but a creation of mechanical art, expresses in a most lifelike fashion the human emotions. It is stirred by anger, it smiles with joy, it presents the higher qualities, it pays to human frailty even the tribute of tears. It is one of the most original, as it is one of the most artistic performances that the music-halls have produced. The McConnell Trio meet with good receptions in their rendering of a most ingenious medley of popular songs, and the Brothers Artois combine great skill with genuine comedy in their performance upon the horizontal bar. Miss Julie Mackay is in the best of form this week, her three songs being "Under the Bamboo Tree," "My Daddy is as good as yours," and "Goodbye, my Lady Love," this last being received with especial favour. The ever-popular comedian, Mr. T. E. Dunville, is also in evidence, and provides much merriment by his quips and grotesque action. His song "Enquire Within" is an old favourite, and his appearance as a Scotchman, let alone his recital of the fate which had overtaken his eight gallant companions, is calculated to convulse the most sedate.

Miss Alma Obrey sings with feeling and expression a sentimental ballad, "The Old Love," and Miss Florrie Forde has success in her two songs, "What is the use of a man?" and "Always in the way." Mr. Bob Baxter proves himself a true comedian, while Miss Eily Adair has some good dancing to show, and sings "I didn't want to be a honeysuckle" in a most convincing manner. The end of a pleasant evening is arrived at when Carle and Carmanelli present their performance, which they entitle "Modern Electricity."