J. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIIII, Issue 3626, 12 September 1912, Page 7

J. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME.

SIN BAD THE SAILOR.”

Tlie box plans for the two nights and one (Tuesday) matinee of the big J. C. AA'illiamson annual pantomime extravaganza to he presented here on Monday and Tuesday next will bo opened at His Majesty's Theatre this morning, at 10 o’clock. ‘‘Sfnhad the Sailor” by all accounts, is ail especially line production. It is said that tlie company is exceptionally strong numerically, and the costumes, grouping tartfi dancing are all very effective. One of the most beautiful scenes is the Ballet of Roses in the Persian Garden. 3his scene closes with the Flying Ballet, where the dancers soar out- over the heads of the' audience almost to the rail of the dress-circle scattering flowers beneath them. Tlie Diamond Ballet in the A alley of Diamonds, is another very beautiful feature, the lighting effects being wonderful. The dancers emerge from the mouth of the 'Serpent, which guards the valley, and the whole effect, elaborate costumes and blazing lights, is particularly fine. There are many other scenes and ballets of great beauty, while a touch of variety is added by the Sleedes in their illusion, “The Mysterious Hotel.”

Afu-sioally the performance is remarkable. The work of the orchestra is undoubtedly good, particularly in connection with the ballets. It is upon the rollicking comedy and the gorgeous mounting that the pantomime depends particularly for its success, and upon this score there should be little doubt- of its proving a favorite with the public. Air Fred AYinn. as tho Emperor of Sahara, and Aiks Alarie Eaton, as his imperious sister, both add a very acceptable touch to j the performance, while the appearance of Air Hassan as Dirk the Dog Detective is another successful feature. Special mention must be accorded Mr O. E. Lennon, whose performance as the vindictive “Old Alan of the Sea” is an exceedingly clever piece of work and the concentrated malevolence he reads into the part occasionally produces a. tenseness of atmosphere which really requires something to provide a. contrast, hut this is always provided either by Aliss Ala her, as the Fairy Spirit of Adventure, j working to foil him, or by some of the comedy members of the cast. Artists who will' make first appearances here are Air Pip Powell (Airs Sinbad), Charles Howard ' (Sinbad). Florence Imeson (Hinbad), Nell Finnis (Ruby). Air Powell is a comedian who comes with a fine reputation as a pantomime artist, having appeared at Drury Lane, London, three years in succession as “Dame.” The curtain will rise each night at quarter to eight.