CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 193, 15 December 1941, Page 6

CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME

Pantomime acting is ages old. The Romans carried it to a stage of perfection in the reign of Augustus. But that, except for the word, has ver.v little to do with the modern show which is produced at the Christmas pantomime. The last touches, which in any way entitled the latter day production to be connected with pantomime disappeared when Harlequin and the clown with his sausages were dispensed with. Chis could only have been new, however, in its'difference' of production, as masques "in the high style of Italy" were among the attractions of the theatres as early as 1770. To a certain extent Rich seems to have instituted the later craze for decoration in scenes and dress, as well as mechanical device. With his serious acts he interwove comic acts when stage' tricks were performed by the magic of Harlequin's wand. This ay as a feature that modern producers exploited with greater and greater freedom. The success of this form of entertainment was immense. Garrick voiced his disapproval of the "depraved" taste. "They in the drama find no joys. But doat on mimicry and toys: Thus, when a dance is in my bill, Nobility niv boxes fill; Or send three days before the time, To crowd a new-made pantomime." The years, however, changed- the old pantomime beyond al! conception. "Red Hiding Hood." "Dick Whittington," etc., came along to infuse a children's element. All true pantomime disappeared. Harlequin, Columbine, and the Clown became mere clumsy buffoons, relegated to a final act, and eventually discarded altogether. The. Christmas pantomime became a form of entertainment that had nothing" at all in common with pantomime. It was specially produced for children, but it needed a political education to understand the jokes. But change is ever working. The Christmas show to-day is a vast improvement upon yesterday. It maj r not be pantomime, but the world has gathered such a Christmas touch to itself that it Avould be a pity if it were allowed to fade from Christmas shows. I