ST. JAMES'

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21412, 2 March 1935, Page 9

ST. JAMES'

| PANTOMIME AND REV IE I Pantomime, the most popular of children's entertainments, with its funny old dame, its handsome principal boy, and charming principal girl, will be presented at St. James' Theatre this afternoon at 2.30, and the house will be a scene of much merriment when Frank Perrin, Ike Delavale, Ted Stanley, and Dot Arnold hold the stage. "Old Mother Hubbard" is an excellently constructed pantomime, which gives unlimited opportunities to the comedians, singers dancers, and acrobats. The old lady is played by

Frank Perrin, the part of her husband, Archibald, being entrusted to Fred Argyle. The comedy role of Sally is expertly handled by the diminutive comedian, Ted Stanley. The prizes to be given away during the afternoon I include a beautiful pony, which is accustomed to children, and is valued at £lO. Other suitable gifts will be distributed and each child has a chance of winning the valuable presents. The eighth revue of the season, "Oriental Nights," will be staged for the first time in Christchurch to-night, and theatre-goers are promised a feast of comedy by Frank Perrin and Ike Delavale, the English and Jewish comedians, who have been so popular here. Many delightful song scenes, including "China Boy," "Musical Tea Shop." "The Moonlight Madonna," "All the Rice in China," and "The Girl from Tennessee," with their beautiful staging, will be interpreted by Victor Burke. Ray Foster. Nell Fleming, and Cecil Perry, backed up by the talented sun-kissed ballet. Much laughter results from the snappy sketches, "Your Honour." "The Honeymoon Hotel." "The Good Old Days," and "An OldFashioned Drama," in which Perrin and Delavale share the comedy honours'. Esma Roach will be; heard in new violin solos, and the Yodelling Newtons in fresh numbers, while much good work is also contributed by the producer, Fred Argyle. A word of praise must be given the acrobatic ladies of the ballet for (heir "Few Minutes in a Gymnasium." Entirely new speciality turns will be staged by the Three Alecs in "Wheels Within Wheels," Abdullah the Eastern Magician, who will be seen for the first time in this city, the Alexanders in a novel and spectacular hand balancing display, and Laurifa, the brilliant Continental dancer, who will demonstrate "The Dance of the Trees,"

with vocal accompaniment by Victor Burke. Seats may be reserved at the D.I.C. until 11.30 a.m., when plans arc transferred to the theatre. Day sales may be obtained at Knight's Milk Bar and at the theatre sweets shop.