"MOTHER HUBBARD."

Timaru Herald, Issue 170298, 17 August 1920, Page 8

"MOTHER HUBBARD."

A GORGEOUS EXTRAVAGANZA

SEEN BY A PACKED THEATRE

Among the nursery rhymes, perhaps none stands out in our memories: more insistently than the quaint tale of •Mother Hubbard, who "went to her cupboard to get her x>oor dog a bone." The pathos of Mother Hubbard's unfortunate predicament always enlisted childish sympathies, and we championed her dog .as ono of childhood's heroes. Unlike'the dame's sad bewilderment on discovering a bare cupboard, the. the-atre-going public last night were not disappointed in G. and N. Tait's splendid production of this quaint old tale. After a somewhat lengthy absence, this company has once again brought to New Zealand a pantomime which for gorgeous ensemble and serength of cast iiimn-'tains-the high standard of excellence for which the management is noted. From the first act to the grand finale there was not a dull moment, and the tale was embodied in an extravaganza interwoven with a. medley of quaint turns, original, and with at times gorgeous settings. Perhaps the most outstanding feature was tho strength of the cast, the solo singing and dancing being often well above what is usually I beard in pantomime. Mr Colin Crane's ■song3 wero splendidly rendered, Miss I Daisy Yates, as principal girl, was j a favourite in her several numbers, while Miss Ethel Walker, Dorothy : Leigh, and Elsie Parkes were decided successes with their different musical numbers. While the singing was of an exceptionally high order of merit, atd was strongly supported by a good chorus, the ballet and solo dancing were quite a. triumph in their originality and in the grouping of the general ensembles. The Autumn Ballet was, a study in tones, and the costuming- and artistic groupings produced a quaintly pretty effect. The "Pipes of Pan" will perhaps linger as the most beautiful ballet .conception of the evening, with its Ariel-like dancing, quite elfin in its spritely grace, unexpectedly "v.eleome m these days of acrobatic dances. Every pantomime has its acrobats and jug- ■ glers, and "Mother Hubbard" is most ■ fortunate iu possessing the Creightou Brothers, who seem to be boneless marI vols, and provide some juggling feats of breath-taking cleverness. As comedians Barry Lupino and Jack Cannot arc household names throughout Australasia. As Mother Hubbard, Mr Barry Lupin 0 is inimitable, and Mr Jack Cannot, as the good dame's husband, completes a mirth-provoking combination which could not fail to ensure the success of the extravaganza. Quito a novel presentation was the fleck j scene of the good ship Skull and Bones, in which the'pirates good humouredly bombard the audience with cannon balls,- quite a- vigarous cannonade being reciprocated from the auditorium. Another amusing turn was the Mutt and Jeff caricataure, and the sueco-'ding dance specialty was accorded a great round of applause. The theatre last night was packed to its utmost capacity, and the splendid success of the production guarantees another packed auditorium on the return visit next Monday night, when the same company will again present "Mother Hubbard."