MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 28 September 1925, Page 8

MANAIA.

“BALBES IN THE WOOD.” (From Our Own Correspondent.) “The Babes in the \\ ood Pantomime” was staged in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, and the pertormanee witnessed the crowning ot the etfoits of the promoters, Mr. Cyril Abbott, Llcv A C. Swainson. and members or St. Cuthbert’s Church. The hall was packed to the doors, ancl the frequent nearly applause was eloquent testimony to the keen enjoyment and appreem.tion of the audience. The settings, ot Act 1, “Wicked Unple’.s House, Acts II and Hi., ‘Sleepy Hollow, Act 4, “Forest Palace,” enhanced by the > ice lie i'y and lighting effects, were, very realistic and. picturesque, reflecting trreat credit on those responsible. " From start to finish the performance went with a swing, and was, bright and lueezv. Eileen l’rice, as the White Witch, was the leading girl, and she interpreted tlie part to perfection. Miss Price has a sweet clear voice, and her siiibi.ntr of “Lullaby Laud ’ in the mini art* was most enjoyable. In her character as the. Wicked Uncle, tiinily 13 ft vis undoubtedly find the most- difficult part, and her acting was irreproachable. Her song “A \ Plage of the Deepest Dye,” was wel,l rendered. The Babes, Joyce Hansen and. Keith Davis, looked very pretty, and made an irresistible appeal. Though young, they displayed considerable talent, and Keith Davis in his song “Ragtime Goblin Man,” provided the hit of the evening. The two villvans. Arthur Davis and Bussell Hammonds, introduced a. more sinister aspect, and their acting of the characters was most realistic. Their soiigs, ‘‘Villains were Merrv and Biright, Had Ha!” and “Conie, Mv Little Darlings,’ were sniio* with great vim. Douglas Hayter, in the character of,Faithful John, made a. special appeal by his sincere regard with Nurse Betty (Miss Myra Hansen) for the welfare of the babes. Both sang in part song with pleasing eileot { it I were a Boy Instead of a Girl.” The Fairy leader. .Flossie Lcwin, looked very pretty and her bright nature was most adaptable to the part. “Under her leadership the fairy songs and choruses gave a true touch to the scene. .1 ooflVey Hammonds led his goblins well, and their work enlivened proceedings. Mr C. Abbott acted as accompanist, and to him a word of special praise is due. The children- [ooked well, and their costumes of gay colours artistically blended were the work of /Mrs N. Davis. 1 A line musical programme preceded the pantomime, and the following contributed items, and had to respond to repeated encores : Misses Olga Laidlaw, G. Herbert, Messrs T. Herbert. Matthew Newberry, Elide and T. Lester, of Hawera; Miss Marsha. 1 i, of Wanganui, and Messrs J. Forrester, and M. Walker, of Manaia. A duet bv two members of the Hawera Male Quartette was the concluding 'item. Miss Joll and Mrs Lester, of Hawera, and Miss Willis, of Manaia, played the accompaniments in fine style. Lloyd’s orchestra played several selections during the evening, which were much appreciated, and also provided the music for the dance afterwards. The thanks of the promoters are due to them for their gratuitous services. A sumptuous supper was provided by an organised ladies’ committee. lit all probability the pantomime mav be repeated at some future date, and the citizens of Manaia and district can assure them of a good house.