HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18871, 25 May 1923, Page 2

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

“THE PEEP SHOW.” Another very appreciative audience was attracted to His Majesty’s Theatre last night, when the popular “Peep Show” was presented for the last time. The play, which appealed instantly to the audience, earned the performers, both principals and the chorus, well deserved applause. “THE FORTY THIEVES” TO-NIGHT. FIRST PRODUCTION. This evening at 8 o’clock, and three following nights and to-morrow afternoon, tho J. O. Williamson (Ltd.) Management will present their phenomenally successful and best of all pantomime productions “The Forty Thieves,” which comes with the reputation of being the best extravaganza yet staged in Australasia. It was originally', intended to ’begin the present season with “The Forty Thieves,” but it was impossible to get tho scenery to Dunedin in time for this to happen. In any case so stupendous is the production of "The Forty Thieves” that it takes at least three days to prepare for the spectacular effects. It takes no less than four of the largest railway trucks to convoy the scenery and effects for “The Forty Thieves,” and quite an army of mechanists, electricians, and property experts to handle the representation. Tho latest pantomime outclasses “The Peep ■Show.”* particularly from the comedy point of view. The brilliant comedian, Mr Jack Cannot, has unlimited scope for his comedy proclivities, and it is said that he has his audience in roars of laughter'the whole time he is on the stage. In his first song it is said Mr Cannot displays the fact that he has a baritone voice of exceptional quality, and he invariably receives three encores for his rendering of it. In the second act the popular comedian presents a song, entitled “Are You Working, No, Are You?” In this number he asks the audience to sing the chorus, and he pits the dress circle against the stalls. The* result provokes genuine competition. As the dame, Mr Joe Brennan proves himself to be an exceptionally fine comedian. Dunedin is Mr Brennan’s homo town, so he should receive a big reception when he appears in this important role this evening. Playgoers of this city have already installed Mona Magnet in their affections, and they are eagerly looking forward to her representation of tho principal boy, as it is said that this charming and wonderfully talented artist is at her best in the pantomime. Mis* Phylis BoadiAi was specially engaged in London for the part of the principal girl, her singing and acting of which been highly commended by crjtics in other centres. Those brilliant pantomimists, Messrs Edgley and Dawei worked for three months on specialities and original comedy scenes for “The Forty Thieves,” -and their performances are big features of that pantomime. That dainty and delightful personality, Miss Daisy Yates, is a firm favourite with local playgoers, and they will be glad to know that she receives eve 17 opportunity in “The Forty Thieves” to demonstrate the fact that she is one of the best in her line that we. have enjoyed in New Zealand. Messrs Nello and Mello give us a taste of their talents as brilliant and wonderful acrobats in “The Peep Show,” but it was for the pantoniime they were specially engaged, and in it they prove themselves comedians of a high order, and their acrobatic effects will amaze playgoers of Dunedin as they amazed theatregoers in Melbourne. Auckland, and Wellington. That dashing young actress, Miss Ida Newton, will appear ns the captain of the Forty Thieves, and Joe Morris will represent Hassan, ihe donkev. The cast will also include George Willoughby. _ Reginald Roberts, and Norman Lee. A big feature of the production is the dancing of Miss Phyllis Amery and Frederick 3 lack ay. There are 250 people in the production. The magnificent scenery, gorgeous costumes, and brilliant electric effects are features of the pantomime.