THE PANTOMIME SEASON.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14634, 18 June 1918, Page 3

THE PANTOMIME SEASON.

"DICK WHITTINGTON" AT THE

OPERA HOUSE,

One of the greatest theatrical attractions for young and old is the annual pantomime produced by J. C Williamson, Ltd., and each year the old-estab-lished firm seems to bring a 'bigger and brighter show than the one that preceded it. Indeed there are so many special features associated with th-a "Dick Whittington" pantomime, and they follow each other in such rapid succession, that for the moment one can hardly fully realise the outstanding merit of the different scenes, though lost in admiration of the pantomime as a whole. The sparkling entertainment was produced in Gisborne for the first time last night, and as might be expected from the heavy booking, many who had not taken the precaution to reserve their seats were disappointed in not being able to gain admission, the hall being filled to the utmost seating capacity. For the great number present the pantomime provided about three hours of crowded enjoyment, the beautiful kaleidoscopic stage pictures, with their exquisite blending of color, being almost bewildering as they passed in rapid succession, and being combined with plenty of good humor, delightful ballets, graceful dancing, most enjoyable humorous incidents, good singing, alluring music, and quaint and clever interpolated turns. The plot of the familiar story of Dick Whittington and his famous cat is given with more coherence than usual in pantomime, and forms the groundwork of a glittering array of charming features. Tlie singing includes many tuneful numbers, and the resplendent costumes, brilliant ensembles, and imposing marches are an artistic triumph, while^ tihe rich vein of comedy maintains a spirit of merriment which becomes very pronounced as the comedians score their points with a responsive audience. The principals in the pantomime are of all-round excellence, and as the principal "boy" Miss Vera Pearce possesses the qualifications tihat eminently fjt her for the role. This bright young Australian actress has a fine stage presence, a good voice, and an unfailing vivacity, and she can act really well. It requires considerable merit to satisfactorily fill such a role for three hours, but Miss Pearce does it with untiring energy and in the happiest manner. A very dainty ■ and charming exponent of the* pleasing nart of Alice is Miss Pauline Bindley (recently with Paul Default), who has a sweet soprano voice and scores a great success in her singing numbers, as well as in the general portrayal of- the role. The best vocal solos of the evening were those by Miss Bindley — "Love. Bring You Safely to Our Arms Again," and "Songs my Mother Sang to Me" (introducing old favorites) — and enthusiastic encores resulted. As Rupert, the second "boy," Miss Constance Cayley so nor well, and acted with plenty of dash, ..suiting the part admirably. The popular comedian Mr. Arthur Stis;ant*is again to the fore as the Dame (Mary, the.cook)r and his droll presentation of the character caused continuous mirth — he makes one of the best "dames" seen on the stage, his burlesque of an elderly "lady" being exceedingly clever as well as, intensely amusing. * Memories of the clever chicksn-house scene in "The House that Jack Built" were revived by the humorous sketch "Keeping Bees." an uproarious act in which the chief participants were Messrs. Stipant, William Fullbrook, niT* Ernest Langford. This comic sketch will be laughed at for many a day by thnse who enjoyed it. Others who contr'bm>d to the gaiety of the evening were Messrs. Harry Roxbuiy nnd Claude BfintooV. Mr. Howard * Vernon (a veteran whose appearances in opera at Gisborne will be remembei'ed by residents of many veins' standing) finely noted the part "of the Emperor of }foroccG. while Mr? Billy le Brun (an exceptionally clever performer of animal parts) pave such a quaint impersonation of the famous cat as to cause much mervimeht. - .Mr. Villiers Arnold, as the Demon King, contributed some fine dramatic singing, and succeeded admirably In the vocal and dramatic work. Thelma Bur ness and Margery Wiggs, youthful oerformers, won much enthusiastic apnlnuse for their capital song and dance numbers: Miss Pearl Ladd. as Princess Rosy- Dawn, and Miss Ethel Walker, as j DHcibello, fulfilled their parts. in an exwllent manner. The famous danseuse, A 'f.iss i Maggie Dickenson, assisted by the English dancer Mr. Sidnev Yates, performed with great success in the ballets, "f which there are eight. "The Spirit of Temptation" (represented by Maude A very), a remarkable conception, depicts tl>o successive temptations in the path of the unwary; no words are spoken, the dance movements indicating the different themes. Solo parts were danced by Miss Maggie Dickenson in a most effective manner. "Pleasure." "The Evils of Gambling," and "The Chimes" are shown, an effective foil being "Industrj* and Enterprise.". Another outstanding Mature is the Great- War Ballet. Miss A rn,ude A vary represented war luring "Civilisation" .(Mr. Sidney Yates) from "Peace" (Miss Dickenson), the vampire of war bem(? eventually repressed by the union of "Peace" and "Civilisation." In this powerful allegory interpreted by. the dancers the Allied countries at war are shown in the ballet. "The Vogue," p.nother brilliant ballet, showed in a fascinating way the manner of dressing in various past ages up to recent Parisian models. Another exceedingly bright attraction is the butterfly ballet, in which n number of little girls, dressed as blue, brown, and jrreen butterflies, flutter about the stage in sylph-like style, Hi 3 effect being very pretty. All the songs have charming accompaniments s>nd surroundings, as in the case of the Hawaiian Butterfly number, in which Miss Vera Pearce is assisted by the I rhorus of "butterflies." Among other jlvrr spectacular displays are the wonder- [ fnl universal stores, the dazzling.illuminated ship, and a big Oriental spectaelp, fie grand finale beans a glittering heraldic procession, making a wonderful concluding scene in a great triumph for all concerned in the production. The scenic nvtists, Messrs. W. It. Coleman and George Upward, have done some exceptionally beautiful work, there being seventeen scenes, each one an artistic orhievement. The final scene in the r»ch feast of coloring }B a representation of the old Guild Hall in the city of London, and it is in this that the heraldic napreant takes place. Among the special features introduced . into the pantomime •"<* a remarkably skilful acrobatic performance by the CamiUe Trio, their amazing feats winning great applausp and the comedy element introduced "■uisine roars of laughter. Their iexhibifinn on the horizontal bar was' reallv ••olendid. Included in the musical numbers were : Song, "Where Do We Go from Here, Boys?". Harry Roxbury; "When the Boys Come Back," Vera tJ earce and chorus, "Hong Kong." Vera T'oarce and chorus : "King of the >r ight," Villiers Arnold;,-. "Won't .You rVime and Shuffle .Your TTeet?". Vera Pppvce: "Cheer Ho!", Matroie Dickenson n nd chorus : "T Don't Want to Get Well." Tliplma Burness ; duet. "By and *'v You Will Kips Mr," Vwa Pearce and Bindley ; "Monarch of Morocco." toward Vernon and chorus ; duet, "My r*wn Tona." Thelma Bnrness and Marprery W«'Qw.q. Thp "Dame's" best song was "Mnrv." with chorus.

A matinee attracted a full house tnis afternoon, the children being delighted, nnd the season will be brought to a close to-niofht, when another full house is as-

sured