THE PANTOMIME SEASON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1013, 5 August 1909, Page 16

THE PANTOMIME SEASON.

“JACK AND JILL.” Pantomime seems naturally to suggest the Yule log, snow-covered .landscapes and Christmas cheer, for such

are. the surroundings in the Old Land, where these merry entertainments first see the light. They conjure up memories' of young days, woen fairies, demons, giants, jand all the people of the pantomime wonderland were rea 1 and actual beings; since those young days this class of play has grown in

magnificence and spectacular display till it has become the most costly of all theatrical productions. Mr. J. C. Williamson’s latest pantomime extravaganza, “ Jack and Jill,” which will be produced at His Majesty’s Theatre next Monday night, is said to completely eclipse any former achievement of the firm in this direction, even outshining the brilliant record of “ Mother Goose.” The cast is an exceptionally strong one, and includes Mr. J. Al. Campbell, character comedian; Mr. Fred Leslie, the popular comedian and eccentric dancer. The principal boy is Miss Stella .Gastelle. who has been a reigning favourite from the moment of her first appearance in Australia last Christmas as Jack. Miss Betty Ohls needs no introduction; her dainty and polished work when here with the ivxerrymakers will not soon be forgotten. But; the cast throughout is remarkably strong. Conspicuous among the other names are Miss Stella Seibourne, Miss Olga Grey, Miss Nance Maher, Miss Lena Ericson, Baby Seaton, Mr. Victor Loydell, Mr. Clyde Cook, Mr. Geo. Young, Mr. Rupert Darrell, and a host of others. The production is full of novel specialties. Foremost is Mr. Walter Stanton, the unique bird impersonator; Alessrs. Morris and Wilson, the famous animal impersonators; the Butterfly Ballet, Grand Snowstorm Ballet, the Palace of Precious Stones, Grand March of the Jewels, the famous Pony Ballet, and endless other novelties. A matinee will be given on .Wednesday afternoon, and each Wednesday and Saturday during the season. Box plans will be opened at Wildman and Arey’s on Thursday morning, August 5.