“HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT”

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 147, 18 March 1931, Page 2

“HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT”

From time immemorial a pantomime has always been a source of delight to every age—a real visit to the realms of fairyland for the children, and a reminder of those days of "make-believe" for the grown-ups. liven in these days of superspectacular talkie shows, the pantomime, iu real flesh and blood, more than holds its own, as is amply testified by the record attendances at the Grand Opera House nightly to see J. C. Williamson’s latest extravaganza, “The House That Jack Built.” It would be difficult to find a show more erammed with every type of delight ful vaudeville entertainment than thia production. The evcr-popular Jim Gerald, of revue fame, east iu one of his inimitable feminine roles, Dame Barleycorn, keeps the house iu roars of laughter from the rise to the fall of the curtain with his seemingly inexhaustible repartee. He is ably supported by Nick Morton, as Farmer Barleycorn. Roy Rene, as Sammy, and Phil Smith, as the policeman. Amy Rochelle, whose singing is always a delight, is the principal boy, Jack Bilder, and Nell Taylor makes a charming Princess Susette. The Fairy Queen is played by Kathleen Goodall, whose number, “Fairy Laundry,” is one of the most pleasing of the show. Perhaps the outstanding feature (if discrimination can be made) ‘ is the . splendid dancing throughout—both solo and ensemble. The ballet work is excellent and some really surprising effects are obtained. Two solo danseuses, Mona Zephel and Edna Monerieft, together ’with Eric Bush, are responsible for some decidedly clever work in the colourful "Ballet of the Seasons,” and the almost grotesque "Evo Ballet.” "The Toyshop Ballet,” In which the dolls come to life after the hour of twelve, is a very happy’ little interlude cleverly enacted by children. All through the pantomime progresses wtih a wonderful swing, and the number, variety, and colour of the scenes is at times bewildering. Such favourite . musical successes as "I’d Like to Find the Guy Who Wrote the ‘Stein Song’,” “It Must be Love,” "The Swing Song,” “Strolling Through the Tulips,” “Jig Jog,” and “I’d Like a Little Girl Like That,” are introduced. Excellent musie is supplied by- an efficient orchestra, under the baton of Will Redstone.