ROBINSON CRUSOE PANTOMIME.

Western Star, 10 February 1922, Page 4

ROBINSON CRUSOE PANTOMIME.

I. f m • fn . • ft • It is not'often that , Riverton is visited by such a talented company as appeared in the Empire Theatre on Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, there was / only a moderate attendance, which was to bo regretted, as first-class companies of tbits description should be patronised to a larger extent. The story of Robinson Crusoe is too well known to need any reference, and the performers fulfilled their respective parts with a vim that created laughter throughout the the work of the principals being particularly funny. The principal boy is Invariably one of the main centres of attention in a pantomime, andl in Miss Dorothy Manning there is a graceful personage who- made an excellent “llob. - ’ Miss Manning i& a splendid boy physically and added to this she is the ■,possessor of vivacity >ll6 a useful voice. As indispenable as the “boy” irs the “dame,” and the company is fortunate in having Mr Harry Graham to fill this role. It cannot be said that Mr Graham has departed to any extent from the well-trodden paths of diameilom, but he was always sure of a laugh on his appearance 011 the stage. His dresses in themselves do much to tickle the sense of humour, but it is hiis drolleries that set the laughter ringing. The . passages between “ Mrs Crusoe ” apd pother members of the company bristled with humour, his work with .Vliss Manning and George Titchener being ‘worthy of special mention. Reference to George Titchener calls to mind his excellent work ais “Will Atkins.” Humour of the variety that one might expect was supplied by him, and it was humour of which the public could have enjoyed more. .Miss Wyii Faulkner made an impressive Fairy Queen and the parts of Follv Perk inis (Christine Andrews), Bill * Bulwarks (Will B. Kea'n), the Captain (Reg. Moore) and Friday (Charles Cousins) were filled acceptably. As “Bill Bulwarks” Mr Kean might; have been tempted to overdo the pirate part, but this he avoided, presenting an interpretation that, while involving a good deal of work,

never grew monotonous. The “ Haivaiiaa Moonlight” • chorus by Christine Andrews was exceptionally good. Although not large the chorus was always pleasing, and it was evident that no effort* had been spared to enhance the effect by means of simple effective dressing.