THE PEEP SHOW

Evening Star, Issue 18281, 22 May 1923, Page 7

THE PEEP SHOW

Tho second performance of the Williamson revue ‘The Peep Show 1 at His Majesty’s Theatre last night was witnessed by a large audience, which frequently demonstrated its enjoyment of a distinctly original and highly entertaining production. ‘ Tho Peep Show ’ is tho earth, but tho visit of a stranger from another world is, of course, so arranged that the glimpses which she obtains of tho passing show are all cheerful views. Pound this centre tho producers have built a whirling wheel of pleasure. Tho scenes are constantly changing; fresh novelties do their turn in the fight, and then vanish to make place for others. In effects, staging, dressing, song, and comedy, ‘ The Peep Show ’ holds its own with any other entertainment of the kind which has visited Dunedin, and a visit, to tho theairo during its season passes an evening very pleasantly. It will be staged again to-night. ‘FORTY THIEVES’ PANTOMIME.

‘The Forty Thieves,’ which is to be staged hero by J. G. Williamson, Ltd., on Friday next and following evenings, and on Saturday afternoon, created a sensation in Wellington. During tho hist four nights of tho season there it is estimated that 2,000 people wore unable to obtain admission, so great was the demand for seats. Unfortunately for tho management, the Wellington season could not possibly bo extended, because of tho fact that Harry Laudor had booked tho theatre; but it is possible that ‘ Tho Forty Thieves ’ will bo revived there before the company returns to Australia. ThiS success of the pantomime throughout Australasia is attributed to tho following facts:—Tho comedy is irresistibly humorous, without a semblance of vulgarity in itj tho music is of a high-class order; tho melodies aro tuneful and catchy; the dresses aro magnificent ; tho scenery is rich; there are some beautiful and original ballets. Tho specialty acts have created a sensation. Altogether there are 250 people concerned in tho production of ‘The Forty Thieves.’ Tire principal characters will bo portrayed by tiro artists who have made such a signal success in ‘The Peep Show.’ As tho principal boy Miss Mona Magnet scored a great triumph in Melbourne, and Miss Phyllis Boadon ia said to be dainty and delightful as the principal girl. Playgoers and critics alike have been unanimous in declaring that Jack Cannot is at his very best as Ali Baba. He has tho audience with him from the moment ho appears on tho stage, when ho sings a number that would tost tho voice of a comic opera baritone. As the Dame, Air Joe Brennan has scored his greatest success t« date, which is saying a great deal, as playgoers of this city will admit. Miss Daisy Yates receives every opportunity in tire pantomime to display her- high-class talents, botlr as a dancer and as a comedienne. Messrs Edgley and jJawo aro always excellent, but they, too, it is said, are at their best in ‘ Tire Forty Thieves. ’ Messrs Kollo and) Mello gave us a taste of their powers in ‘ The Peep Show,’ but it is stated that they perform some amazing acrobatic stunts in Die pantomime. The box plans opened this morning at The Bristol.