THE INNOCENTS ABROAD.

Evening Star, Issue 6478, 20 December 1883, Page 2

THE INNOCENTS ABROAD.

Tho first production of thia psnoratra in Dunedin will take place at the Qaeen'a Theatre on Saturday night next. It is by far the largest and most oompltte of any panorama hitherto seen in New Zealand the number of paintings being moro than double that of any previously known here, and all the pictures larger. The glorious work of Maik Twain's " New Pilgrim's Progress," or, as it in hotter known, "The Innocents Abroad," offers tplendid opportunities not only to the artist, but to the lecturer or improvisltore; and in Mr Willis's hands on tho one side, and Mr Pickarfgill's on tho other, we think the patrons of the Qaeen's Theatre daring the coming festive season will feel satisfied. ..

Mr Willis has bean for a long period associated with u3 In Dunedln and New Zealand as our leading scenic artist. It was from lis brush that the panorama of Zealandla, ecpecblly prepared to illustrate New Zealand scenery, emanated. This Zealandia was still being most successfully exhibited In England at latest dates, He has, with a large staff of assistants, been at work upon "The Innoconts Abroad" for the past eighteen months, and his efforts have bepn highly praised by tho Presß of the towns where tho panorama was recently exhibited. The views embrace the noblest scones on the Continent of ancient, classic, and modern history, the whole of the Holy Land and Palestine associations of this great excursion, and the stirring eventa cf tho recent war in Eg) pt; and the whole of the accompanying music is original. Mr Pickersgill, who lectures upon the moving scenes of the panorama, is so well known as a humorist, a raconteur, and a literateur in these coloDies that anticipations upon his successful efforts are only a guarantee of an evening of wit, humor, and cheerfulness. The management distribute valuable gifts each night—a custom whioh seems Incidental nowadays to panoramas. Tho prices of admission are popular ones.

The Victorian Chamber ,of Manufactures is described to be rapidly degenerating into an association of twaddlers and self-seek* rs.