“HUMPTY-DUMPTY ”

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 218, 9 June 1921, Page 6

“HUMPTY-DUMPTY ”

A FINE SPECTACULAR PANTOMIME "Humpty Dumpty,” a pantomime in two .acts, presented by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Gast: — King Ptolemy Edwin Brett Claudiana Albert Le Fro Prince Florizel -Beatrice Allen Estrella Marie Fanehonettl Armida. Vera Savage like Primo Minister of Humptiland Les Stirling Pipehin Hector St. Clair boslle Eileeu Dunn Mrs. Treuian Emmeline Orford Page of the Honeymoon Hotel Ray M’Lean Mrs. Hootem-Flootem Emmeline Orford Premiere Danacuseß Josie Melville and Huey Sullivan Premier Danseur Alec M'Phereon Shepherdess May Harris Among* the essentially British qualities New Zealanders possess is a love of pantomime. This form of theatrical potpourri has been an established form of entertainment for nearly a century, and there is not tho slightest sign of any slacking in its popularity. They love the merry make-believe they can all see through; they love the jolly music, the bewilderingly pretty dresses. the enchanting dances, the clover specialties, the good fairy, and the funny old dame who must fall over in the first five minutes to establish her frivolous identity. All these many attractions are served up artistically and lavishly in "Humpty Dumpty" which commenced a season at the Grand Opera House last evening. Coming to the particular graces of tha pantomime it would be simple for anyone to nominate the most outstanding—the dresses. They are really wonderful in their richness and variety of design, whilst the resource employed in harmonious blends and striking contrasts makes one realise that in this department there is a presiding genius who spins a fabric of amazing loveliness for our delectation each year. Another outstanding feature is the dainty elegance of Miss Josie Melville’s dancing. Here at last is a dancer who makes one forget every other pantomime solo dancer of recent years. She is a lightsome fay, with the spring of early youth in every movement of her dainty feet,, and the essence of poetic motion in her being. Tearing ourselves away from the enchantment xif Miss Melville’s dancing, we must single out the brilliant acrobatic performance of the Lecardo Brothers, who, whilst simulating the habit of chronic go-slow bakers, present an act that scintillates with novel achievement. They give the lie to the statement that nothing is new under the sun, for their astonishing back-to-back balancing, catching, and body juggling, their clever falls, and humorous posturings, all have; a fresh interest, born of brains and Drawn in the happiest association. As to the pantomime itself, "HumptyDumpty” is a mascot at the court of King Ptolemy, but when he falls from his historic wall within the palace, Armida, a wicked sorceress, displaces the King and his dishevelled spouse, and turns them, out into a cold, unfeeling world, and sets up in their place a country yokel, Pipchin by name, who drags the dignity of royalty m the mud, but Prince Florizel, a gay and gallant youth, who loves the beauteous Estrella, gains possession of the enchanted sword, and brings about the restoration of his royal pa and ma L their throne in Humptiland, bringing the story to a happy-ever-afterwards conclusion* Chief among the characters that make the show live are Mr. Albert Le Fro whose quiet style yet penetrating humour are distinctly effective as Claudiana, th royal dame, and Mr. Edwin Brett a ? King Ptolemy, an unctuous and experienced comedian, who will bo remembered here as Mr. Hook in the original performance of "Miss Hook, of Holland, and also in "Cinderella,” under the Meynell and Gunn management, of mor than a decade ago. This well consorted pair are largelv responsible for the merriment. One of the funniest scenes they present is the hospital scene entitled "The Rest Cure,” in which there is un rest for the actors or audience. Tile were successful, too, in the comic duet "Lota of Loving,” and the etunta Changing a Cheque” and "George, the Fireman," whilst Mr. d-e Fre scored m his song "The Gipsy’s Warning/ Miss Beatrice Allen made a robust and spirited Prince Florizel, and Miss Mane F anchonetti looked charming as his lady lore. The latter sang tho solo in which was given a pretty choral setting, and also in "Rose of Love and Th. Blue Lagoon” (which is 03 ven a becking of canoeing lovers on a moonlit lake). j distinctly clever and unusual ' ■ performance was that, of Hector St. Clair ns Pipchin, whose voice has the boom of the hour notes of a town clock. lis "sillv boy” song was good in its class. Mr lies. Stirling figured in the character ro le of the Prime Minister, and Miss Emmeline Orford was amusing as Mrs. Hoofem-Floofem. The agile contortionistio dancing of Mr, Ray M'Lean was of the highest order. There are many delightful ballets, executed' with rare verve by a pony ballet of exceptional charm. Among three are the "Chicken Ballet" with Lucy Sullivan and Alec MTherson as the hen and rooster; end the gorgeons 'Toppy Land ballet, which presents a riot of colour thgt must be seen io be appreciated. This is followed by that pretty fantasy, "The Awakening of the Lovers, and the "Dunce of Butterflies.” in which Miss Melville dances alterably. Then there are the "Kutu Kids,” Tom Tiddlei (charmingly sung by little Nellie Barnes), the march of the "Phantom Amy among the many glittering attractions. .Mr. Robert Keels conducts a capable orchestra (which played too loudly throughout), and Mr. J. C. Whitfield! controls the stage. Tho first matinee will bo given on Saturday afternoon, when the old-time "Harlequinade” will bo included tn the bill.