DLA095-0065  Transcription

‘Empire Ball. Brilliant Pageant at Hampstead’, Daily News, 1 May 1924

The Empire Ball, in aid of the People's League of Health, had a brilliant setting last night at “The Hill,” Hampstead, lent for the occasion by Lord Leverhulme.

Over 300 dancers filled the ballroom, where the star-sprinkled ceiling showed the fine effect in the light of several candelabra.

Among those present were the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Birkenhead, Miss Gladys Cooper, and Mr. and Mrs. Owen Naves.

Mah Jong and bridge claimed a number of devotees, and during supper a Spanish cabaret was given by a number of well-known society women.

At midnight a Pageant of Empire began, and for half an hour a magnificent succession of figures famous in the history of the Empire passed across the platform to the accompaniment of music specially written by Mr. Fraser Simpson, composer of “Nell Gwyn.”

Among those taking part were Miss Lilian Braithwaite, as Mrs. Siddons; Miss Sybil Arundale, as Truth; Mr. Fisher White, as Wellington; and Mrs Hilton Phillipson, representing Politics.

Paul de Lazlo [sic], as Henry VIII, made a striking figure, as also did his son [sic] Stephen in the part of Charles II.

Miss Viola Tree was Boadicea.

[Photographs]

Mr. Paul de Laszlo as Henry VIII. and Mrs. H. Kelly as Mme. Latour at the Empire Ball held at Lord Leverhulme's Hampstead house last night in honour of the Dominion visitors to Wembley.

MD

11/11/2007