EMPRESS THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1919, Page 11

EMPRESS THEATRE.

The Paratta feature, "Maid o' the Storm," in which Bessie Barriscale is featured, commenced at the Empress Theatre to-day. The nature of the story is indicated in the title—romantic fiction throughout. Wonderfully produced and photographed, it is an excellent vehicle for Miss Barriscale, who plays the part of Ariel—an ocean waif, who becomes a great dancer. She runs the gamut of all the emotions in an effective manner. The third episode of Pathe's serial, "The Lightning Raider," is included in the programme.

J KING'S THEATEE. "Innocent" w_» shown for tEs fi_Sß time to a large audience at the King's Theatre last night, and met with instant/ approval. It is the vehicle for some fine acting by Fannie Ward, who has thet support of a splendid -cast, including John Milterns. The premier scenes im this well-mounted drama are in a Chinese setting, showing the girl, Innocent, as the gay, blithe, daughter of a dissolute father, who has kept his child cloistered from the evils which he, of experience, knows beset the world. On his death he transfers the care of the orphan to an old friend. The inquisitiva girl, wishing to taste Parisian life, persuades her guardian to take her to France, where she comes to realise that she is, in her innocence, unfitted for the life, but not before she has almost broken the protective heart of her guardianlover. But finally, happiness comes to both. The bill also includes some fine scenics of English, Italian, and Frenchi beauty, and good comedy, and topical views. The music by the King's orchestra under Mr. L. D. Austin is an outstanding feature. The same programme will be repeated to-night, and throughout the week.