HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1314, 1 July 1915, Page 38

HIS MAJESTY’S.

“CINDERELLA.”

Despite the hypercritical, pantomime continues to keep its hold on the affections of the public, and one is reminded of the lament of the parent who regretted his son growing up as it robbed the father of an excuse for going to a pantomime. Of all the fairy stories of our childhood days, none perhaps is more popular than that of Cinderella, and all the trappings of vaudeville which go to enhance the modern pantomime productions could not obscure interest in the wearer of the proverbial glass slipper. »T. 0. Williamson s company which is interpreting it at His Majesty’s is particularly _ strong _in the comedy element, while artistically staged ballets and an abundance of picturesque scenes illustrative of the fable make up a riot of colour and effect. An outstanding feature is the Floral Ballet, in which a bevy of dainty dancers represent a forest of flowers, now radiant in sunshine, and again beaten down by a realistic storm. Miss Maud Amery, as Red Poppy, the reviver, figures conspicuously in her graceful interpretation. The Boudoir Ballet, with Cinderella’s transformation; the magic appearance of the crystal carriage, and the Prince’s Palace and the Period Ball all give scope for dazzling scenes ol splendour and sumptuous dressing, while most quaint is the Kitchen Ballet, in which the various household commodities materialise in happy dance. The spirit of the times is present in the grand patriotic finale sus tained by a representation of our Allies. That prince of comedians Mr. Barry Lupino is the prime factor in the fun making, and his unexpected entries and exits from here, there and everywhere would alone have marked his specialty in that line without his other numerous propensities for making genuine comedy out of nothing. H gollywog dance with Mr. Rupert Darrell his “conversations” with Miss Gertie Latchford, his inebriated scene in the tango dancing lesson, and his entry into the castle are only a tew of his avenues to create shrieks o laughter. The dame has a clever and amusing counterpart in Mr. Arthur Stigant, who creates uproarious la_Ut>h ter with his weird costuming and inimitable delivery of snappy repartee. Mr. Jack McArdle is another newcomer of English reputation to score his first laughs wit New Zealanders, and he invents the part of the Baron Beauregarde with a dry humour that suited him most happily His “Sister Susie’s’ song puts the audience in merry vein. The principal boy has a oe witching interpreter in Miss Minnie Love, a Prince Charming in every degree. Miss Love made an instantaneous hit on her first a PP with a captivating figure and a pe sonality to match, and she sings and acts with undeniable charm Irish Eyes” she makes one of the vocal successes of the piece. Goblin Man” is another number she popularises. Cinderella herself cou d have chosen no daintier and more p pealing figure to represent hertha Miss Dolly Castles, and the fairy ta loses nothing in her sympathet c characterisation. Her singing capability finds expression in two melo dious numbers, “Candle Ligh “Peg o’ My Heart- Miss Celia Ghiloni, as the Fairy Godmother, does effective work with her magic wand and her own gracious personality, and sings a patriotic song with spirit. Miss Dorothy Firmin and Miss Gertie Latchford hide their natural charm in the guise of the ill-natured sisters. Mr Leslie Gaze, remembered ot “Chocolate Soldier” days, makes an admirable Dandini, and has his big gest success in the song “I’ll Never Miss Another Girl as I Miss You.” Mr. Rupert Darrell gives the right touch of comedy to the role of Snaffles. An additional attraction is the introduction of an acrobatic act by Tiny Tot Marjorie and Little Eileen, two wonders in the tumbling

line, who meet with an ovation. The old-time harlequinade, arranged by Barry Lupino, was presented at the matinees and struck a wildly hilarious note with the clown (Mr. Lupino), the columbine (Miss Maud Amery), the harlequin (Mr. Charles Albert), and the other essential characters. “Cinderella” will have its 'final presentation on Friday night, the company leaving for Gisborne on Saturday.