J. C. WILLIAMSON’S PANTOMIME “CINDERELLA.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1312, 17 June 1915, Page 38

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S PANTOMIME “CINDERELLA.”

On Wednesday night next and eight following evenings, and on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons, June 26 and 30, playgoers of Auckland are to be afforded an opportunity of witnessing J. C. Williamson’s pantomime “Cinderella,” which has been described as the greatest, funniest and most stupendous extravaganza which has yet been staged in Autralasia. An idea of its attractive powers may be gauged by the fact that despite the bad times in Australia occasioned by the war and the drought, the pantomime succeeded in breaking al! previous records in Melbourne and Sydney, and so great was the rush for seats that matinee performances -were staged every day, and even then the theatres proved quite inadequate to accommodate the numbers which daily and nightly endeavoured to gain admission. One of the outstanding features of last year’s pantomime (“The Forty Thieves”) was the comedy

material introduced by that prince of pantomime artists Mr. Barry Lupino. It is said he simply revels in the role of Billy the Buttons, a part created by him in London, and his dancing and acrobatic feats fairly astounded playgoers of the Commonwealth. For several years past the J. C. Williamson management has been endeavouring to induce Mr. Arthur Stigant to visit Australia and New Zealand, and their efforts were eventually successful. This famous London comedian made a big success as the Dame in Sydney and Melbourne, where he was described as one of the most artistic and most genuinely humorous pantomimists that had yet been enjoyed in the Commonwealth. Another noted English comedian is Mr. Jack McArdle, who, it is said, creates much merriment by his droll characterisation of the eccentric Baron Beauregarde. Miss Minnie Love, the principal “boy,” is an established London favourite. She has a good singing voice, is a clever dancer and a dashing actress. Miss Dolly Castles is favourably known in the Dominion principally through her brilliant performances in the soprano roles in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Playgoers who recollect Leslie Gaze’s excellent representation of Bumerli in the “Chocolate Soldier” will be glad to again welcome this talented young actor. Miss Celia Ghiloni, who plays the part of the Fairy Godmother, is one of the most popular actresses the

Australasian stage has produced, and Dolly Harmer. Gert’e Latchford, Dorothy Firman, Rupert Darrell, Charlie Albert, Bert Watson and George Young are all established favourites. A feature of the pantomime is the exquisite dancing of Miss Maud Amery. Grown ups and children alike will be glad to welcome back the old-time Harlequinade, which will be included in the matinees.