"THE LAST ACT."

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1124, 11 May 1911, Page 5

"THE LAST ACT."

EDINBURGH THEATRE FIRE,

MUSIC-HALL ARTISTS BURNED TO DEATH. THE AUDIENCE ESCAPES. By Tolccrart— Press association-Copyriebt (Rec. May 11, 0.27 a.m.) London, May 10. During the last act of the performance at the Empire Palace Theatre, Edinburgh, which the- King had intended to visit as cabled on March 30, the stage properties caught fire. The fireproof screen between the stage and the auditorium was insUmtly dropped, and the houso emptied in admirable order. . Many of the performers were in their rooms. Some fainted, but the majority escaped safely. Mr. Lafayette and several members of his company, however, were overwhelmed. Sove-n bodies, including' that of Mr. Lafayette, have been recovered among the ruins of the stage. The fire was confined to the back of the theatre, which collapsed.

In response to a letter addressed to the King on behalf of the music-hall proprietors throughout the country asking that the King would "command" a performance either in London or Edinburgh, the following reply was. scut:— "March 29, 1911. "Dear Sir Edward Moss,—l have had the honour of submitting to the King and Queen the request that their Majesties will be pleased to command a musichall performance during the coming season either in London or in Edinburgh, as may be suitable to their Majesties' convenience. "I am, in reply, to express their Majesties' thanks for this very kind proposal, and to say that, while existing and unalterable arrangements do not admit of such an entertainment taking plaeo before their Majesties in London, the King and Queen will have great pleasure in being present at a command music-hall performance iu Edinburgh during the visit (here in July next.—l am, yours truly, "(Signed) W. Carrington. "Sir Edward Moss, Cranbourne Mansions, W.C." The music-hall command performance at which the JCing and Queen were to be present during their visit to Edinburgh next July created extraordinary interest among the managers and artistes of the variety theatres. The Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, at which the performance was to be given, has a holding capacity for about 3000 persons and as there is also good stage room, tho facilities for such an event are excellent.