ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 202, 14 August 1911, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. "The Princess Theatre, Hastings, was filled to the walls with an expectant audience on Saturday, when the J. C. Williamson Company staged its now famous production ‘‘Jack and the Beanstalk.” Old and young, sober and gay, town and country representatives of all classes crowded to the theatre to see the pantomime, and their appreciation of the performance was distinctly marked by the continuous peals of laughter and rounds of applause heard right through the evening. The main feature of the play was its gorgeous spectacular effect, excelling even the best production hitherto staged at Hastings by the Williamson Company. “It was ripping,” said a youngster of tender years, “and the jokes were great, but it wasn't Jack and the Beanstalk.” He evidently expected to see more of Giant Blunderbore and less of the charming ladies of the ballet, but he soon satisfied himself with the belief that “Old Blunderbore” was compelled to stay outside, owing to his enormous stature. He, however, soon forgot about the giant as scene after scene, picturesque and startling, followed one after the other in rapid succession. Hfe also found in the brilliant company before him plenty of characters to claim his friendship and attention. There was Miss Mabelle Morgan, who filled the part of “Jack,” who is always an attractive personality and sings excellently. Her best numbers were “The Garden of Roses,” “The Naval Cadet,” and “I’ve got the Time.” There was the Princes® {Miss Firmin) who paired charmingly with “Jack,” giving with him a delightful duet “Looking for a Sweetheart,” and singing a pleasing solo “The Aeroplane.” Then there was the fairy, lanthe, who certainly could with advantage to the production have been given more to do and more songs to sing, because in our opinion b *;■ vocal number “If I had the wor’J to give” was one of the gems of the piece . There were also the Misses Anna and Lilian Doherty who soon won popularity by dancing cleverly, by their smart patter, and by their vocal specialities. And how the comedians amused not only our little friend, but everyone young and old, in the audlernce. There was King Stonevbrokish (Mr. Rupert Darrell), and Dame Trot (Mr. Jack Cannot), the former displaying boisterous, and the latter quiet humour. Both were excellent in their own way, but an occasional and rare lapse to the verge of vulgarity somewhat lessened the good impression created by their clever acting. The Pantzer troupe of acrobats provide a novel feature of the performance. Undoubtedly they are the cleverest acrobats that have visited Hastings. Four in number, they perform feats that hold the spectators spellbound and again and again their clever tricks on Saturday elicited hearty applause from a delighted audience. In addition to the remarkable feats performed, they were fountains of quaint comedy, and when they finished their performance thev were recalled to acknowledge *he applause of the audience.

The report of the production would beincomplete without special mention being made of the charming and numerous ballets, the most ntable of which were the “RUh i of the Beanstalk.” “The All Nations Military Ballet,” “The Winer Ballet.” and the May Pole Dam e. The “Military ballet” was received with loud applause .particularly when the representations c.f England, Australia and America put in their brilliant appearance. The Maypole dance was also remarkably good, especially the electric light effects amidst the flowers hanging in close festoons to the ropes. The Doll and Glow Worm Ballets were also most effective, whilst the aeroplane scene and chorus met with an instant and gratifying reception. The pantomime will be repr >- cuced at the Theatre Royal. Xa pier, to-night. A matinee is a 1 vertised to commence at 1. !5 o clock to-morrow afternoon, ami the Napier season will end wi’L th'.- performance to-morrow nm.i.