WILLIAMSON ANNUAL PANTOMIME.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1536, 2 October 1919, Page 36

WILLIAMSON ANNUAL PANTOMIME.

“GOODY TWO SHOES.” The fairy story of the fascinating “Goody” and the magic pair of shoes that after much pleasurable tribulation eventually brought her wealth and happiness, will be told at His Majesty’s Theatre next week, the interpreters being the pantomime company under the banner of Messrs .J. C. Williamson, Ltd. The book (by the famous Drury Lane panto, librettist, Mr. Frank Dix) holds closely to the immortal fairy tale. The production, as is usual with the big firm, is on a grand scale, some of the features easily surpassing anything hitherto attempted in a J.C.W. pantomime. The fact that some 150 people take part in .the play, that there are no less than 700 costumes worn, with wigs, shoes and tights to match, 19 important scenes, hundreds of costly and intricate properties, several miles of special electric lighting installation, two extraordinary attractions in the Kenna Brothers and Jewel’s Marionette Circus, 12 resplendent ballets, with marches and ensembles innumerable, should undoubtedly make for a more than ordinarily brilliant and satisfying entertainment. Miss Dorothy Hastings comes with the most flattering credentials. She is said to be everything that a first-class principal boy should be —brilliant singer and dancer, and possessing a fine and cultured voice. Miss Madeline Harrison will be the principal girl, playing the name part, “G'oody.” Miss Harrison hails from the principal New York theatres. Miss Nellie Wilson is an artist of piquancy and much natural charm, who gives a dashing performance of Ronnie. Miss Maude Gray is another well-known American artist. In Miss Toby Claifde the company have an ingratiating comedienne with a novel style. Ballets in a pantomime are a very essential item, and “Goody Two Shoes” is lavishly supplied with them. To this end Miss Maggie Dickinson has been engaged as premiere danseuse, and she is associated artistically with Mr. Sydney Yates. There are comedians galore. As in past years, • Mr. Arthur Stigant will be the dame, which is sufficient re-

commendation in itself to go and see the pantomime. What is said to be one of the most striking performances is that of Mr.. Fred Walton as the Toy Soldier. Mr. Walton is continuously on the stage, but during the whole of the entertainment he says not a word, everything is conveyed by pantomime. It is said to be an extraordinarily clever performance.