HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 914, 12 September 1907, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“MOTHER GOOSE.’’ That the popu arity of Mr. Williamson’s magnificent pantomime remains unci'minished is amply proved by he huge crowds that assemble nightly to witness “Mother Goose.” And when the matinees are on the young, cnes gather long before the advertised time of the performance and: wait pa iently in the hopes of securing seats. Truly do the kiddies look upon the lavish , produc ion as . a ; g imp e of fairy land, and the r hilarity is .supreme when the donkeys or Mother Goose’s ; hunter are on the stage. The pantomime runs evenly and smoothly, and although every iem is rapturously ■ en rt cored sometimes to the . third and fourth : tirng, yet it is generally . oyer by-, eleven o’elbck, in spite of the magnitude of the production. Such a favourte has the pantomime become that even now, when we 1 on in its second week, it is drawing enormous hou'es. “Mother Goose” is the talk of the town and those who have seen the pantomime once are anxious 'o see it again, arid those who have not seen it are hurrying to the box office to secure seats Mr. Harry Phydora, in the name part, s the life and sou! of the panto.; his merry quips and gags, his eccentric dancing, his supremely funny costuming, and his personality, all combine to make him the most enjoyab’e of comedians. There is never a du'l moment in the whole production, but when Mr. Phydora s on the stage hilarity reigns absolute. Hi s song, “Waiting at the Church,” is whistled everywhere, anid the youngsters are playing at Mother Goose and her hun er in every backyard in our suburbs. Harry Shine is deservedly popular, and his quaint foo‘ ng with Gretchen is very entertaining. Mr. Loyda’l as the Scotch laird, contributes a large portion towards the entertainmen t and his song, though done here before, goes as well as anything, in the pantomime. Lennon, Hyman and Lennon this week give a sp end d juggling turn with clubs. Really one of the best seen here. Messrs. Queen and Le Brun are 'he heroes of the kiddies and their animal impersonations are very clever. Miss MabeUe Morgan is as charming as ever, her handsome figure and beautiful face making her one of the most “fetching” of principal boys. Her songs, “Moon Dear,” and her sw ng song duet with Mirs Olive Godwin, will long be remembered by Auckland audiences. Miss Godwin still remains the ever-fascinating Jill, and her best effort, “Li’acs,” is wor h going a long way to hear. M’ss Irene Di'lcn is full ol charming vivacity. .and her vitality is wonderful. She is abso'utely alive and as volatile as quick-silver She is a sweetly “ch c” little actress, and her representation of Gretchen is znjatural. taking, and very delightful. Gre chen will long be cherished , as an entrancing reco'lection. The ballets are superb, the meet at the Laird’s and the ballet of flowers being worthy of especial approbation. A word of pra semust be given to the ’ittle fairy in .green who dances the hunting ballet at the Laird’s and after in the ballet of the flowers. A more shapely little lady it would be hard tQ find.; she is as light as a feather on her feet, and her dances are ever welcome. The choruses, and ballets are superb the children are the most delightful and cleverest little performers we have seen here, the scenery is magnificen , the music catchy and tuneful, and the whole production the finest that has •ever v'sited New Zealand. “Mother Qoose” will remain n the memories of Auck’anders for many a long day as a delightful and fascinating pantomime.