ENTERTAINMENTS,

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13750, 12 September 1908, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS,

-HUMPTY IH'MPTY."

There was not a vacant seat at the Theatre Royal last night when the curtain rose on "Humpty Dunipty." which was presented by the J. C. Williamson Company. It was an expectant audience; for the company came with a great reputation, 'the pleasureabio anticipations lormed of the pantomime were speedily justified. "Humpty Dunipty" possesses a charm for both young, and old, with sparkling music, graceful ballet, dainty tairies, a demon, tlie introduction of auima! representations, and tho humour of the comic artists, added to a wealth of spectacular beauty. "Humpty Dunipty" is a I good type of pantomime, and even the most sober ol" mortals would lind it difficult to resist laughing at the humour introduced and applauding enthusiastically many of tho scenes. The story itself, oi course, js absurdly nonsensical. The principal characters anKing Sollum, a monarch without a smile, and Martha, mother of Humpty Dunipty, and between them most oi tho merriment is created. Mr Rupert Darrell played the former part with considerable spirit, and Mr \ icu>r Loydall's portrayal of Martha was extremely clever. The burlesque sketches given by them were among the most diverting items of the evening. Mr. Harry Shine, as Bison Bob, a circus proprietor, was also responsible for oomo lively comedy. Mr Geo. Young's: Humpty Dumpty and Mr C. Haward'p Soaro (the Demon King) were creditably sustained. Miss Mabello Morgan in tho role of Rudolph was very succesful, as also was Miss Pressy Preston as Prince Spritely. The ladies in the leading roles all acted vivaciously. Miss Nance Maher wad charming as Princess Auroa (the King's daughter) and Miss Irene Dillon as Cherry (a Pierctte) made a pretty and piquant performer, whilst Miss Beatrice English as Claribel, played her part perfectly. The minor characters were all represented to the general satisfaction of the audience. The staging and dressing was brilliant. Striking tableaux and pretty ballets were presented by a large number of young ladies most of whom wer< expert and graceful dancers. The introduction of little children in several gave them an" unusual interest. In Nursery Rhymes the little tots showed to great advantage and were warmly applauded. For spectacular eifect the Hall of Ten Thousand Lights, in which a number of girls were seated on swings and see-saws outlined in coloured electric globes was perhaps the beat. Thei Congress of Nations, Coral, and Australian States ballets also received vi ry hearty applause. Numerous songs were introduced by tho 1* .u'ung characters and. tlm choiiis was well balanced. "Himipty Dumpiy" will long be remembered by tho.se who witnessed last night's performance.