CHILDREN'S PANTOMIME

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4632, 6 December 1934, Page 5

CHILDREN'S PANTOMIME

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES. BEFORE LARGE AUDIENCE. The Ritz was. packed last evening for the Chirstmas Pantomime presented by the pupils of Miss A. Docherty, and many highly appreciative comments on the versatility and quality of the children's performances were heard after the function. The work of the children was a revelation even to the parents. Save for a number of givers of individual items, they were practically all local children on the stage. The pantomime opened with a playlet depicting the saving of Minnie Mouse (Olive Morgan) from the clutches of the Witch Snaggletooth (Rema Durbridge) and Oswald (Joan Riley). Aided by the band of fairies and gnomes, headed by their King and Queen (Delcie Graham a'nd Joan Stuart), Mickie Mouse (Roie Docherty) succeeds in rescuing his beloved Minnie. The costuming, ballets, and the work of the performers were of a very high standard, while the songs, especially that rendered by Delcie Graham, were very highly appreciated. A song by Miss Roie Docherty, and hornpipe ballet received vociferous applause. This talented performer during the evening showed her versatility by rendering a hunting dance, "Tally Ho," a tap dance, and a Spanish dance.

Probably the most popular item on the programme was the Russian dance by Miss Patty McMinn. This tiny performer rendered a difficult and intricate dance in a manner which amazed the audience. In her portrayal of "Miss New Zealand" she was again enthusiastically received. Miss Rema Durbridge added to the laurels she had already won as the witch with her song, "Bridget O'Flynn." The dancing of the fling by the diminutive babies deservedly roused loud applause, as did the junior girls' tap dance, the train ballet by the senior girls, the beautiful Hungarian duo dance by Norma and Gwen Gordon, and Beulah Morgan's eccentric tap dance. Especial interest was taken in the sword dance performed by Miss Nancy Howell —the lightness and ease of her dancing was a revelation. As a grand finale the whole company of performers, numbering about 40, marched on to the stage from the back of the hall, each performer being £)resented with chocolates and bouquets.