PANTOMIME OPENS

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25580, 23 August 1948, Page 3

PANTOMIME OPENS

“PUSS IN BOOTS” The story of “Puss in Boots” has always been a favourite with children, and those who saw the pantomime which opened at the Theatre Royal on Saturday obviously enjoyed it It is a pity that it cannot be shown every afternoon rather than at night to give more children the opportunity of seeing it. Although it is designed to have a wide appeal, its very nature and atmosphere is such as catches a child's fancy. Nevertheless there is graceful dancing, clever mimicry, and rich humour in this show for adults to appreciate. The cast is a large one, about 130. Eddie Martin, the producer, provided most of the fun as “Mother Hubbard,” and his clowning and bur* lesquing were excellent. He was well supported by Charles Summer ®s “Squire Skinflint" and Ernest Jones as “Happy Go Lucky.” Some of the best humour was in a scene called ‘Poems.” in which “The Quaker" (Noeline McAleer), “King Cole” (L. Roberts), “The Sporting Girl” (Janet McDonald), and “The Sailor” (Eddie Martin) each recites a poem and then combine them to produce comic and unexpected results. The story of “Puss in Boots" is interwoven with the comedy and dancing, and although quick scene changing facilitated its development, it was difficult to follow at times. As “Pubs" Jill Calvert spoke clearly, as did Chryl Lea as “Colin.” This cannot b® said of some of the others, who were inclined to rush their lines at the expense of clarity. Robert Lake was commendably ferocious as the “King Rat,” and Grace Torkington sang charmingly as the Fairy Queen. The dancing was refreshing, and the children took their parts well. The duet danced by Harlequin (Jean Ward) and Columbine (Paulin® Coburn) was particularly good, as was the acrobatic dancing of Jo-Ann Gibson. The scenery and lighting effects were well arranged, varying from the grandeur of the king’s palace to the gloomy depths of the Lost Forest The pantomime is being presented by the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association to rpise funds for a memorial stand at Wilding Park and will be continued this week.