WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME

Evening Star, Issue 20720, 17 February 1931, Page 7

WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME

■— ■ ‘THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT’ There was a largo demand for seats when the box plans were opened this morning for the approaching season of J. 0. Williamson’s extravaganza, which is to be staged at His Majesty’s Theatre for a limited number of nights, commencing Thursday night next. A, special matinee, to which children will be admitted at half-price, will he staged on Saturday afternoon. Half profits of the season go to the earthquake fund. “ One of the memories,” wrote a Melbourne critic, “ in ‘ The House That Jack Built ’ which focused itself aftor witnessing the opening performance •was a bevy of tiny, charming children in white muslin frocks, scarcely more than babies, who gave delightful entertainment in a capital scene in a toy shop. All the world loves a child, and when there are a number of them in a Williamson pantomime tho love increased in more than arithmetical progression. Tho solo dancing, too, was remarkably fine, and ,my toast of the dancers is ‘ coupled with ’ the names or Edna Moncrielf, Mona Zeppel, and Eric Bush.” Tho same critic wrote: “ Although the comedy is very much funnier and much more original than is generally enjoyed in a pantomime, there is not one line one can take exception to; therefore the most sophisticated child can be taken to see it with impunity.” One can readily realise that the comedy is genuinely humorous and wholesome, because tho leading comedy part, that of Damo Barleycorn, is taken by Mr Jim Gerald, whoso genius as a comedian we enjoyed in ‘ Tho New Moon’ and ‘Tho Belle of New York.’ Mr Gerald makes a feature of his work with tho children at the matinee performances, who get to adore tho popular comedian. Another very excellent laughter-maker is Mr Roy Rene, who is making his first appearance hero with aJ. C. Williamson Ltd. company. Mr Rene greatly assisted in making ‘ The House That Jack Built ’ a record breaker in Melbourne. Tho Williamson management was evidently fortunate In tho engagement of Miss Amy Rochelle for the part of tho principal hoy, as critics acclaim her, ono of the best tho public have yet enjoyed. An outstanding characterisation is that of the Pqnlestro Brothers, who present an almost human cow, and in this guise they sing and dance to tho delight of tho audience. It is said that from a spectacular point of view tho Williamson management has never 1 previously staged a more magnificent pantomime, tho beautiful ballets ami the charming ensembles being a triumph for tho producer. The company wilt arrive by special train to-morrow night.