“HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT”

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 149, 20 March 1931, Page 2

“HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT”

So great has been the success of the pantomime, “The House That Jack Built, now attracting large audiences to the Grand Opera House, that its season has been extended to conclude there to-morrow evening. This extension has resulted in slight alterations in the country tour, which begins willi a show at Masterton on Marell 23. The success the pantomime lias met with in Wellington is easily understandable —it would be difficult to find a show more crammed with every type of delightful vaudeville entertainment. The. over-popular Jim Gerald, of revue fame, cast in one of his inimitable feminine roles, Dame Barleycorn, keeps the house in roars of laughter from the rise to tlio fall of the curtain with his seemingly inexhaustible repartee. He is ably supported by Nick Morton, as Farmer Barleycorn, Roy Rene, as Sammy, ami I nil Smith, as the policeman. Amy Rochelle, whose singing is always a delight, is the principal boy, .Tack Bilder, and Nell Taylor makes a charming Princess Susette. The Fairy Queen is played by Kathleen Goodall, whose number, “Fairy Laundry,” is one of flic 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 Moncricff. together with Eric Bush, are responsible for some decidedly clever workin the colourful “Ballet of Hie Seasons,” and the almost grotesque “Eve'- 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 tlie number, variety, and colour of the scenes Is at times bewildering. Excellent music is supplied bv an efficient orchestra, under the baton of Will Redstone.