POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3314, 22 December 1897, Page 2

POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY.

' THE COMING PANTOMIME “DJIN-DJIN.” It may well be doubled whether there over was a child who did not lovo pantomime. Like toffee, pantomime id a feti&h of oar early years, and when wo grow up and it has lost somewhat of its charm, it still pleases in* dirootly through the plcaso/e it occasions others. In the Old Country, theatrical managers, from the principal London theatres down to tho-emall lessee of the provincial playhouse, know this; right well, with the result that the pantomime is as established an institution as Representative Government, and oomoa with the regularity of the seasons But until lately the poor, benighted children of New Zealand have, had no “good fairy ” to minister to their wants in ibis direction. Mr Pom Pollard was the first to open our, eyes to the fact that we had long been neglected. When he brought ‘ ‘ Aladdin * ’ to our doors some four years ago, we thought the acme of stage mounting had boon reached. Then, later on, h' startled us with that magnificent produoTho Forty Thieves,” which fairly outsliofio “Aladdin.” For tho last few weeks whispers of gorgeous dresses, charming ballets, marvellous mechanical effects and wonderful Japanese scenery have been going the rounds', until the air is as full of “ Djin* Djin ” and, pantomime as it is of the infinenza microbe. We have had a glance at some of the dresses, scenery and properties, and lot it suffice to say that those who wish a 'cheap trip to - fairyland, those* who • ■wish to soo tfao Baimio of Japan in all Lis glory, with 1 a host of. brilliant satellites revolving round him, those who desire the acquaintance of goblintf, demons, fairies, haunted temples and the maeician knows what besides; thoso who would wander in enchanted gardens, in the picturesque streets of Nagasaki or iu the precincts of the Hall of Storks, or would witness the devastation caused by a full-grown earthquake, let them hie to the box-office and secure seats for the forthcoming plan in now open at Holliday’s, and already a large number of seats have been secured. Rehearsals have -been the order of both day and night, and as. Thursday and .Friday nights will; be dovoicd to full dress rehearea’sjvUh scenery and effects complete, the opening ‘performance should go with that smoothness that; has characterised all Mr Pollard's previous productions. Afcatucc of the performance will be tho ballets, there being no less than,. three, the dressing of which will bo of .unusual magnificence. There -will be* a' specially augmented orchestra of 16 performers under the batqn of Mr H. T. Harrison. The' entire'production is in the capable bands of Mr John Wallace, while Mr Pollard walks round, keeping hie experienced eye on the little matters of detail, the attention to which in tho past he has to thank for tho position that his company holds in the estimation of theatre-goers.