AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5355, 15 January 1879, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

Theatre Royal.—This placc of amusement is at present closed, but it will not long remain so, for we observe that it is to be reopened on Monday night by Mr. J. P. Hydes's Gem Burlesque and Comedy Company. Tho opening piece will be the "Snow-white Pantomime." This company has played a very successful season in Wellington, and although it might be considered that the pantomime season is over, we have no doubt it will be welcomed in Auckland on the consideration that it io better late than never.

The Circus.—ln addition to the other attractions of the circus last night—and thoy were of no ordinary merit, —the novelty of a pantomime iu the arena was introduced very successfully. While there are many disadvantages attending the production of a pantomime in a circus without the aid of rapidly-shifting scenes and coloured lights, it must be admitted also that the arena possesses its advantages over the stage, because the acrobatic feats are more cleverly performed, there are well-trained, clever clowns to take the roles of pantaloon and clown, and the introduction of trained horses, with, as we had last night, a trained pig and a trained dog, could not fail to prove effective. The pantomime was, "Ride *a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross." It was brimful of humorous incidents aud provocative of the most uproarious mirth amongst the large audience assembled, aud it passed off without a single hitch. The proprietors made a good hit in selecting Mr. Glover and Miss Raymond as Harlequin and Columbine. They dressed well, and the manner in which they performed their dauces was all that could be desired, although they danced on sawdust instead of boards, and they were repeatedly applauded. Mr. Benhamo as clown, and Mr. Hayes as pantaloon, were grotesque and humorous, and the other members of the troupe, in their several roles, combined to make the performance a thoroughly enjoyable one. The pantomime will be repeated nightly during this week, the last of the circus in Auckland, and on Saturday afternoon there will be a matinee, for which a special programme has been arranged.