HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1418, 28 June 1917, Page 30

HIS MAJESTY’S.

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S (LTD.) PANTOMIME. “THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT.” The pantomime season with all its gaiety will be ushered in on Satur day at His Majesty’s Theatre. Each year the noted firm has tried to achieve greater success than formerly. Of this class of production a Mel bourne critic has thus expressed himself: —“Nowadays, while the element of fun is retained, the constituents of pantomime have undergone a change. A higher artistic standard is aimed at, schemes of colour are evolved in endless variety, and the stage has become a glittering array of beauty of form and movement. Grace and refinement receive a larger measure of attention, and the eye is charmed with the succession of pictures glowing with life and animation, while expressing an enlightened sense of the beautiful; and in these qualities ‘The House That Jack Built’ production has surpassed all its predecessors.” The principals are everything that is required of them and more. In addition, there are an unusual number of clever and pretty children who go through their delightful performances as if it were a joy to them. In short, the pantomime will be found a light and wholesome refresher from the worries of the day, and one that will divert concentration of thought from the serious drama of the world. The cast comprises a brilliant array of pantomimists, including the newcomers Hilda Guiver (principal boy), Gretchen Yates (principal girl), Constance Cayley (Prince Regent), Harry Roxbury (principal comedian), Ernest Langford (Farmer Barleycorn), Frederick Hearne (Lord of Misrule) and William Fullbrook (policeman); also those established favourites Arthur Stigant (Dame), Amy Murphy (Fairy Queen), Charles Albert (Demon), Dorothy Firmin (Madge) and Maggie Dickenson (danseuse) will appear. The wonderfur costumes are a special feature. There are 18 scenes in the two acts, offering numerous elaborate stage settings, novel and attractive; and ballets, marching and groupings. The book has been written by George Slater and Frank Dix, with additional scenes by Harry Taylor. The scenery was designed and painted by W. R. Coleman and ballets arranged by Minnie Everett. The box plans are at Wildman and Arey’s.