“DICK WHITTINGTON”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20115, 8 December 1939, Page 5

“DICK WHITTINGTON”

CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME OPERA HOUSE SUCCESS MISS M. KEANEY’S PUPILS The Christmas pantomime "Dick Whittington,” presented in the Opera House last evening by Miss Maureen Keany, with the aid of her dancing pupils and ex-pupils, and of several adult players, scored a distinct success, the large audience greatly enjoying the production, and finding much 10 applaud in the manner in which the old tale of the boy who became Lord Mayor was moulded to make the best use of the talent represented in the numerous company.

It was a now vi.-ision or Dick Whittington's story, but it contained the essential elements of the principal boy. the principal girl, the cat which won tire fortune for Iter master, and the dame whose slapstick comedy always helps to make a pantomime popular. The play wound up with the friends of Whittington celebrating his success and the prospect of his living happily ever after with the bride of his choice.

a majority of the patrons were children, and they were especially delighted with the antics of Dick Whittington’s cat, while the appearance of a ballet of kittens in one of the scenes was equally delightful for adults and children alike. Another success was the performance of Pluto, the almost-human dog, in a dance bristling with comic situations. Difficulties of Production

Some striking ballets and solo dances were included in the production, and these showed the results of a great deal of careful preparation. The atmosphere ol' a Christmas pantomime, with its dame and its animal characters, is perhaps not the most congenial for the performance of classical and operatic ballets, owing to the many distractions to which the young performers are subjected. However, these items were perlormed last evening with a facility and grace which left little to be desired, and those who realised the difficulty of tne production were warm in their congratulations concerning Miss Keany's work. A considerable burden rested on the shoulders of Mr. Will B- Keany, in the character of Dame Cookie, a principal contributor to the comedy for the pantomime. His entrance was intriguing, and from his first song number, through a long career ol fun-making to the end of the show, Mr. Keany was to tower of strength to the production. Wide experience enabled him to bolster the plot with witty gags at moments when weaknesses of other characters seemed likely to develop, and he had much to do with steering the production through the hazards of presentation. Creditable Performance Miss Margaret Shone, as Dick Whittington, also gave a polished performance, matched by that of Miss June Williamson as Alice, the principal girl. Miss Sneila Munro was convincing in the character of the wicked witch, and also appeared as the princess, a highly decorative role thoroughly contrasting with her earlier role. Gwen liarkess. as Dick Wittington’s cat, gave a sterling effort, with some valuable bits ot comedy, and Mrs. Edith Hale, as the fairly queen, Miss Ngaerc Neal, as Sally, Miss Veronica . Sexton, as Susie. Miss Ursula Quinn, as Ethel, and Master Paul Pollard, as PopEye, all acquitted themselves well. A capable chorus, of which the audience saw all too little, was provided by Misses M. McCalTerty, M. Bean. V. Lewis. C. Munro, M. Rossbotham. P. Parker, Z. Prendergast, S. O’Donoghue, F. O'Gorman and E. and M. Gousmett. Members ot the ballet comprised T. Rapley, N. McCafferty, P. Main, M. Burke, J. Riley, M Williams, R. Wright, M. Kernahan, M. Ellis, P. Burke, B. McCafTerty, D. Ingram. A. Muir, G. Simmons, C. Ardern, L. Lewis, C. Muir. M. Dudley. G. HarKess. E. Rogers, S. Lindsay. B. Rogers, P. and J. Connop. T. Tuttenbcrg, J. Aitken, D. Scanlon, J. McErlane, B. Knox, M. Green, N. Markey, P. Clouston, W. Jeune, and Masters P. Pollard, C. Wilcox, J. McCafferty, F. McFadyen. The stage appointments and lighting were excellent, -and the success of the performance owed much to the assistance given by Mrs. P. Carr and Mr. Wilfred Kohn as accompanists.

The pantomime was produced in aid of the funds of St. Mary’s Church, and the proceeds should be substantial, despite the modest scale of admission charges.