THE ENGLISH PIERROTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3180, 3 September 1917, Page 8

THE ENGLISH PIERROTS

The English Pierrots need no introduction to a Wellington audience. Their last season in tho city inuilo such a favourable impression that immediately uoon their return they have had tho gratification of opcninc to a crowded house, baturuay evening's performance (giveji iu tho lown Hall Concert Chamber) was Quite lip to the standard of excellence previously observed. There was the fia-nio atmosphere of oosihess and ease, and there were the same deft little touchcs that never tail to charm; and in addition there was the same entire abeencc of anything tnat one could say was risque or in unquestionable taste. The entertainment was therefore one to be enjoyed without reserve by any person proseut. The little company has no weak spot in its personnel, but there are one or two Derformers who, more thnn the rest, arc responsible for tho success of the' show as whole. It would be difficult, for instance, to replace Miss Billio Wilson and Juiss jjlßa Langley, whose exquisite charms aro among the bigEest nßsets that the Pierrots possess. Miss Wilson's impersonations of little children are wonderfully true and amußine. while all. Miss Laneley s work is distinguished by a rare decree of piquancy and daintiness. On Saturday evening 'Miss "Wilson sang "Swine, Me. Charlio," and cave a most la.ueha.ble imitation of three children rendering the immortal "Mary's Lamb." She was also very successful in a auainti performance entitled 'Tho Toy Soldier." in which she was supported by a number of Pierrots whose motions duly • .suggested wooden joints beneath the scarlet uniforms. Miss Lamrley'e "Dutch Lullaby" was a charminc little sons rendered taste and delicacy. "Maudy Lee." a. duet, with Mr. Austin, provoked a demand for more frivolity of tho same sort', and befdre the audience was satisfied Miss Langler awl Mr. Austin had rendered a special favourite. "Down in M.v Heart I've Got a Feeling For You." There wcro many humorous items on the bill, most of the occasions for laughter being provided by Messrs. Lawrence and Turner. Mr. Turner.' with a look of pained regret, discoursed upon the weak points of the modern novelist, while Mr. Lawrence lamented tho failings of the telephone girl, and also related how a diminutive fish becamo the centre of wonderful rumours. _ Tho two comedians performed a comic interlude entitled "Toasts," and, with the aid of Mr. Mitchell, staced a ludicrous "Nautical Bcena." Miss Shirley Cooke, at the piano, sang entertaininely of love. Messrs. Mitchell. Lyle. and Cooke rendered several serious items, which met with keen appreciation. A' duet that found particular favour with the audienco was "I Arise From Dreams,'* Buns: by Messrs. Ijyle and finnke.. The programme included a Rketch "At the Races." and a plantation scena, "The Earlttown Cabaret." Tho whole will be presented again this evening.