THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1829, 28 December 1875, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME.

A Christmas pantomime at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and with some claim to originality, is a remarkable occurrence, and does not cause any surprise on learning that it was in every respect completely successful. On no siDgle evening during the past year ha 3 the theatre been so largely patronised as on Boxing night of the year 1875 The house was full in every available part, and the pantomime generally was well conceived and well executed. The title might be old, for Bluebeard, the mythical savage, was admired by the children of De Foe's time, who was desirous of subverting the influence of such rubbish by the happier influence of Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday. The grand pantomime at tho Prince of Wales Theatre is called " Harlequin Bluebeard- and the Demon Larrikinos." also the "Good Fairy Maoriana," titles sufficiently distinct to indicate what may be expected. The brush of Mr Thornton, scenic artist, had been previously busy in preparing scenes worthy of the occasion, and that lie succeeded cannot be denied. The parts of the Fairy, 41phabeta. Fatima, and Selim, were taken by Miss Miily Collier, Lizzie Busche, Jonnie Nye, and Miss Patty Holt : while the male characters were exhibited by Messrs Poole, Burton, Searle, Sweeney, Alexander, and others. Mr C. Alexander as Harlequin, Miss Jennie Nye as Columbine, Mr Charles Searle as Pantaloon, Mr Collier as Clown, and Mr Sweeney as Policeman X. The many local hits and touching songs are from the facile pen of Mr Charles Searle, who c»n hit hard or soft as the case may require. The music accompanying the Pantomime is entirely new, the composer being Professor Cope. The Pantomime is full of life and vivacity, and full of local interest, scarcely a thing Js_ missed even thß Auckland milkman comes in fora friendly nudge, hence there is a notice of the milk-trade, Queen-street sausages, (genuine), Sergeant Mulveal after a dog, Sir George the patriot, Education rate, about JTish, Snider, Good Templar summer drink, brandy and lemonade, with Joey and Patchy's suburban retreat in the paradisaical glades of Mount Eden. The pantomine really deserves great credit. Tne transformation scene was first-rate, considering toe space and means at hand. T.he painter was unanimously called for, ,-ts on the'previous occasion, and in acknowledgment of his services made his bjw to the audience. .