Les Living Pictures des frères Downey (Royal, 19 mars 1899)

James John et Frederick Downey présentent des vues animées au Royal en mars :

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Royal (Proprietors, the Middlesbrough Theatres Co., Limited; Managing Directors, Messrs. George and Charles Imeson). On Sunday evening Mr. Valentine Smith, the well-known tenor, and his Opera Co. gave Rossini's Stabat Mater before a numerous audience. Mdlle. Zumac (soprano). Miss Belle Rosa (contralto), and Mr. Edmund Faber (bass) were the soloists, and Messrs. Downey's Living Pictures of the Passion Play were also greatly admired. On Monday Messrs. Armadale, Dempster and Warren's Co. commenced an engagement with The Face at the Window. Mr. Edward Vivian scores as Paul Gouffet, a detective, and Mr. E. Hoggan Armadale as Lucio Delgado makes a capital stage villain. Miss Marion Turner is a sympathetic Marie, Miss Louie Scott a vivacious and pleasing Babette, and Miss Jeannie Dempster a highly picturesque La Pinaud. The play is well staged.

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The Stage, Londres jeudi 23 mars 1899, p. 8.

Les Animated Photographs de la Maskelyne & Cooke's Provincial Company (novembre 1899)

Lorsque David Devant arrive à Middlesbrough, il tourne depuis le mois de juillet avec une véritable troupe où la magie et la prestidigitation se taillent une place de choix. Quelques jours plus tôt, l'équipe se trouve à Darlington où elle est resté une semaine. Chose peu fréquente jusqu'alors, un article nous apprend que les recettes qui seront réalisées le jour de l'inauguration des séances seront versées à la Middlesbrough fund for the Wives and Families, afin d'apporter une aide aux combattants du Transvaal :

TRANSVAAL CAMPAIGN.
(To the Editor of the Northern Echo.)
Dear Sir,-Messrs Maskelyne and Cooke, of the Egyptian Hall, London, have generously agreed to give the whole of the receipts of their entertainment in the Town Hall on Monday next, the 20th inst., to the Middlesbrough fund for the wives and families of the reserve men belonging to Middlesbrough now serving with the colours. The patronage of several members of the Corporation and many influential residents has already been secured, and I sincerely hope that the public generally will lend their support on the occasion, so that a substantial sum may be received for this most laudable object. The prices of admission are 3s, 2s, 1s, and 6d. Tickets may be obtained and reserved seats booked at Mr Hoggett's music warehouse. Albert-road, Middlesbrough. At the request of Messrs Maskelyne and Cooke I have consented to appoint the money-takers. Yours faithfully.
W. J. BRUCE, Mayor.
13th November, 1899.

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Northern Echo, Tuesday 14 November 1899, p. 3.

Cette générosité va donner lieu à un autre article, le lendemain, où le journaliste fournit de nombreux détails et évoque également les vues cinématographiques que présente la Maskelyne & Cooke's Provincial Company :

[...] Then there are the animated photographs, so far up to date as to include Kruger, caught as he was going down the street, smoking. This is so lifelike that in not a few places the audience have allowed their patriotic feelings to run riot. It is the only one of Kruger known, but there are others of scenes particularly interesting, and relating to the most recent events.

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Northern Echo, Wednesday 15 November 1899, p. 2.

C'est le 20 novembre 1899 qu'a donc lieu cette séance de bienfaisance, au Town Hall. L'équipe va y rester une semaine avant de partir pour Stockton.

Répertoire (autres films) : Castle Liner, The Transvaal Crisis, General Buller and Troops Embarking for South Africa, President Kruger leaving the Wolkraad, etc., etc. (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 21 novembre 1899, p. 1).