“MOTHER GOOSE.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1365, 22 June 1916, Page 33

“MOTHER GOOSE.”

J. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME

The J. C. Williamson “Mother Goose” pantomime ,is due here on Monday, July 17, and it will, therefore, be of interest to read what the critic of the “Australasian” has to say regarding this latest Williamson combination: “In effects that surprise almost as often as they delight us, in art, where taste and colour invariably agree, in elements that are often quaint, sometimes sporting, and always pleasing, the “Mother Goose” pantomime of this year quite holds its own with the bird of happy memory of seven years ago,” says the “Australasian.” “While the best effects of this pantomime may be praised without reserve might be described as the development of wit and humour. The goose is in itself an original, a wonderful goose, and the magnificent spectacle of “Gooseland,” which terminates the pantomime, has never been rivalled. From an effective beginning, right through the first act the “panto.” is distinguished in scenes and effects, each more delightful than the last. There is a most effective swing scene, in which the boy sings a lilting song, while the girl, her face just faintly illuminated, floats over the auditorium on invisible wires in a manner that looks like magic indeed; then a scene in which a multitude of pretty girls are dangling toy balloons almost within the reach of a tantalised audience, while other balloons and parachutes and toys pour from the roof to be grabbed up by eager hands There is a beautiful

imperial flower scene, and, suggested also by war, a dance and March of the Allies, with a Ball of Gold and a profusion of notes and coins of the realm. Even the filling in between the' scenes is effective. What could be better or afford a more faithful contrast than the English autumn woodland of the Wishing Gate and the Australian glade of the Magic Pool? Into multitudes of such effects, the rapidity with which they go, something like satiety is produced. One needs to reflect that almost the least of them would be a star feature in a variety show to grasp the meaning of all that is of-

fered in this exhibition of vaudeville glorified. Finally Ross and Falls gave their specialty in a balancing turn, as clever as it is funny. One of them seated in a chair surmounting several light tables fixed one on top of the other, sways and balances the frail structure with an ease and skill that leaves the audience gasping one moment and applauding the next. His companion attempting the feat achieves a sudden anti-cli-max which looks like a disastrous bungle but is really nothing of the sort.”