"THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT,"

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12059, 14 July 1917, Page 9

"THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT,"

OPENS ON MONDAY NIGHT. The pantomime senson is at hand, and on Monday night, it will be ushered in at the Theatre Royal with all itsrevelry of colour and jest and its carefree atmosphere of fairyland. Tho J. C. Williamson pantomime always suggests tho biggest theatrical event of the year—and " The House that Jack Built " appears to havo completely fulfilled tho suggestion, judging from Australian reports of its splendour, merriment, and great success. Its four outstanding features are said to bo the notable new artists introduced, tho gorgeous costume rovelations, s'aperb stage settings, and extremely funny comedians. The new artists comprise Miss Hilda Guiver (principal hoy), Gretchen Yates (principal girl), Constance Cayley (Prince Regent), and Harry Roxbury (the celebrated English comedian), whose impersonation of "Sammy" is said to bo tho funniest played part in any pantomimo for years. Then there' ar o reported, inimitable comedians in Frederick Jlarne, Ernest Langford, and William Fulhrook, all of whom como with big London reputations. Other established favourites are Arthur Stigant (damo), Charles Albert (demon), Amy Murphy (Fairy Queen), Dorothy Firmin (Madge), and Maggie Dickinson (Australia's brilliant young dancer). A few of tho novel and attractive specia-. ties are: —'Ihe Children's Gathering, " The Rescue of the Princess, the Fairy's Magic Gold," Sammy and tho Cow with tho Crumpled Horn, the Animated Dolls, Building a Chicken House, Musical Making, Procession of Vegetables, the Family Tree, Dance of the Emotions, the Uproarious Telephono Scene, tho Minstrel Show, the Haunted Mirror, Characters that Come and Go. tho Terrifying Tanks, tho Allies and the Anznes, the Bacchanalian Banquet, the Cornedv Duel, Jingle Johnny, the Beautiful Seasons Ballet, introducing Arcadian Lovers, Autumn Leaves, Demon Hunters, Wood Nymphs, Snowflakes, Fairy Skaters, Robins, Butterflics and the Wonderful Rainbow, Pretty Bnby, Grand Patriotic Pageant, the Destruction of tho Farm, Our 'Boys, the Navy and Army, the Palaco of Empire, representing commerce, agriculture, industry, science, art, invention, navigation, and terminating with the March Past of tho Allies and Grand Patriotic Scena, "Otir oi\n Dear Flarr."

The box plans are at Messrs Milner and Thompson's, and the first matinee performance will bo given on Wednesday next.