ROYAL PANTOMIME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 8 January 1944, Page 3

ROYAL PANTOMIME

PRINCESSES’ AUDIENCE OF SOLDIERS The King and Queen, accompanied by the Duchess of Kent, and the Princesses Helena and Victoria, attended a Christmas performance of the pantomime “Aladdin,” in which Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret took part. Princess Elizabeth, wearing tights, played the part of Aladdin, and delighted the audience of several hundred soldiers. It was the third Royal pantojnime show, and was well staged and colourfully dressed. Princess Elizabeth acted well and sang with plenty of confidence. Princess Margaret, playing the part of the princess, introduced a lot of comedy and did several clever tap dances. The audience joined in the choruses, which Elizabeth led, with such remarks as: “Now, boys, sing,” and “Let’s raise the roof.” In the finale, Princess Elizabeth, addressing the audience, which also included Court officials and villagers, orated: “Once more, kind friends, we meet upon this festive season. Despite alarms of war, we had our mead of fun. Before another year has passed, let’s hope that reason will enter into the hearts of men—with this war won. Then will we welcome home triumphant Briton’s sons. Salute the soldier, then sound many drums.” Princess Margaret orated: “And to our kin in far-flung Empire—greetings. In Africa’s torrid heat, or Canuck’s rolling lands, in Zealand’s vernal isles or Australia’s arid bush, be meetings of brothers and neighbours: friendships linked with steely bands. Then let us welcome home triumphant Empire’s sons. Salute our brothers, then sound many drums.” Empire flags were grouped round the stage, and the Union Jack was broken ever the scene, with the cast singing “All Men Shall be Free.”