AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 29, 27 September 1912, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

j. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME

“SINBAD THE SAILOR.”

The reign of pantomime in Stratford will commence to-morrow evening at 7.45, when J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will for one night present their 1912 pantomime extravaganza, “Sinbad the bailor.” Says the critic of the Auckland “Herald” “Sinbad the Sailor as done bv the cldver company that J. C. Williamson, Ltd., have sent to the Dominion this year, is a glittering glory from end to end. The standard of pantomime was sot some years ago by ‘Mother Goose,’ from which all subsequent pantomimes have been judged. It is fair to say that ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ is at all points equal, and in many superior to the ‘Mother Goose’ production. The mounting and the scenery are upon a most elaborate scale. The ballets have been provided with a most lavish hand, while the I lighting effects are planned upon an equally extensive scale, so that from a spectacular point of view the performance is in all respects a notable one!, and stands as possibly the best seen in the .Dominion since the reign of the pantomime commenced. The book of the piece is, of course, founded upon t ie ihi mortal Arabian Nights’ story of the advnetures of the famous Persian sailor, and is fairly faithfully followed—and the interest fails to flag. Ihe company is exceptionally well balanced, and is numerically the largest that has yet appeared here in pantomime or any’other kind of theatrical entertainment. It comprises 136 people, and includes names that are famou- in the. United Kingdom/ and America. Messrs. Pip Powell, Drew and Alders, ■Fred AVinn, Charles Howard, and' D. E. Lennons, are all comedians who have on several occasions figured prominently in Drury Lane pantomime, while Misses Florence Imeson, Nell Finnis, Marie Eaton, and Nance Maher are well known to New Zealand. Completing a remarkably strong cast will be found Misses Maud Amber, Mary Sheldon, and Mr. William Hasson. A prominent feature is Mr. George Kirby’s celebrated Flying Ballet, in which a number of girls float over the audience scattering flowers into the stalls. A flue performance is also given by the Sleedes in the “Mysterious Hotel.”

BERNARD’S PICTURES; A crowded and most enthusiastic house greeted the new programme at 1-iis Majesty’s Theatre last night. The films screened Tiro absotuetly the best yet -seeh here.,' The-dramas take the lead with “The Flower of the Mormon City” and “When Kings were Law./’ {-Both pictures being most interesting and higH(art productions. “The Cycle Road Race”, a Taranaki production, holds its own with many of the best film producers of the world. The scenics and comics are the be-.t. This programme will be repeated umil Saturday evening, and also (Saturday afternoon at the usual matinee at 2 TO. Let your children take advantage of that wonderful educator, the cinematograplv,'* National customs, cos annals, and characteristics are vividly "portrayed;;) industries Ulie illustrated, and some;-.oL the grandest scenery in cite world is pictured on the screen. The picture show is indeed a liberal education, 'as well as an entertainment; and the enterprise of Mma. Bernard in giving children and others the Saturday afternoon performances is deserving of hearty recognition and support.

A TINY TOWN ROMANCE. Tiny Town, the village cf remarkable midgets, which will visit Stmtford on Wednesday next, is nob without its romantic side. Four s oars'ago Mr. Zcynard, who is the head and guardian of the troupe of miniature men and women, was startled by one of the tiny men asking permission to marry Miss Ilonka, one of the prettiest and daintiest of the ladies of the party. The gallant was Herr Arthur, a fine looking young fellow of 35 inches or so. The lady is about the same height. Mr. Zeynard, , like a wise guardian, reminded the loving couple of their extreme yo.utli—both wore under 20 at the time—and said that if,-, they were still of the same mind in six months’ time hif would permit the engagement on the condition that the tiny pair wore not to he married until both wore 21 years of -age. The ardour of the midget twain by no- means dwindled, and as the lady attained her 24th hrthday jusl before her arrival in Australia, both were naturally looking forward to the marriage ceremony. Mr. Zeynard, who found them a -model engaged couple, agreed to the proposal, and the_ wedding took place in Melbourne during the return visit of Tiny Town to that city a month or so ago. At the express wish of the young people the ceremony was a private one, but at each performance since they have consented to appear in their wedding clothes. They will do so at Stratford at each of their entertainments on Wednesday next. The box plans foi both entertainments open this morning at Grubb’s Music Depot. Children will ho admitted at half price.