“HUMPTY DUMPTY” PANTOMIME.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18293, 9 July 1921, Page 12

“HUMPTY DUMPTY” PANTOMIME.

TO-NIGHT. To-night, will sec me production hero in His iViiLjosly s jLlioatre ol uie d. u. Umiamaon ;Mu amply Dumpty ‘ pan loin une, said to be tno best and most expensive piouucuon oi Us kind yet seen sonui ot the ime. A Sydney cntlo miles ot tno pantomime as loilows: —"icany ‘ the breacn between tiio old pantomime and the new grows wider. Little indeed is now loit, except perhaps a havour ol those distinctue attnoutes winch gave to paiuomnne a special place in the history ot the theatre. The changes have been stupendous, the only unaltered circumstances LG.ng that tho pantomime continues to be deiigniiui, and just as likely a loundation lor engaging reminiscence as ever belorc. Of mis year's pantomime it may be said at once tuat the producers have evolved an entertainment tor which a great popularity was assured by me opening perlormifnec. it imroduces a number ot very clover people, is deiiglutully staged, brings bright music into combination with alluring spectacle, and stimulates expectancy by dexterously substituting the unexpected ior the obvious. Enters the Queen 01 llumptiland (the dame of the piece], and the child, accompanied by a band ol fairies, who emerge Irom a dock, is carried olf by Her Majesty on a dreamland holiday. Meanwhile the performance moves happily on from scene to scene of gorgeous colouring, whimsical dialogue, adventure, and triumphant anticlimax. The only appropriate description for 'Humpty Dumpty’ would seem to be a. note ot laughter on a ray of sunlight. Uf 1)10 players, Mr Le Ere (tlio dame], Mr Edwin Brett (King Ptolomey), and Mr Hector St. Clair (the youth who had greatness thrust upon him as Humpty Dumpty] had most to do, and did it all’well, with that easy bearing and adroitness of manner that impart spontaneity to comedy. At tho Honeymoon Hotel, of which the King and the Dame were licensees, Mr Brett and Mr Le Ere were in an environment which gave opportunity for some capital comedy. Tho part of principal boy was taken by Miss Beatrice Allen, who, disguised as Prince Elorizel, made a dashing, attractive ligure. The maiden of his affection, Princess Ainaruntho. was demurely portrayed by Miss Marie Farichonotti, whose tin© soprano voice was well suited to the music allotted her. Miss Vera .Savage made the wicked sorceress an impressive locking conspirator. One ot Iho specialties int roduced into tho action of the piece is that of ‘the Lazy Bakers,' tho brothers Lecardo. They give an astonishing exhibition of strength, skill, and daring. The scenery is admirable nil through; tho dressing splendidly varied, and sometimes, it must bo confessed, daring. The Wedgwood Rotunda is a really beautiful scene. So also is that on which tho curtain falls at the conclusion of the first act. The chorus and ballet are among the largest seen here. ‘Humpty Dumpty’ has all tho vim, grace, and rollicking humour that had been promised by the producers.” Tho box plans for the five nights and the Wednesday matinee are now open at the Bristol.