AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1922, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

“OLD MOTHER HUBBARD” PANTOMIME.

PRINCESS THEATRE TO-NIGHT.

‘Laugh aiul the world laughs with 1 you” was the truism tho author had in mind when writing “Old Mother Hubhard,” which is to he staged at' the' Princess Theatre to-night at 8 o’clock and Thursday afternoon at-3.15. Those who don’t enjoy a good hearty laugh are advised to stay away from the pantomime, because from the opening chorus to the final tableaux there is one almost continual peal of laughter, ( relieved here and there with bright dancing, pretty songs and choruses, and excellent specialities. The scenery and dresses are on an elaborate scale, and nothing has been left undone in endeavour to make “Old Mother Hubbard” the brightest and best entertainment that has ever toured New, Zealand. The fact of it running for, 22 consecutive performances in Aurk-, land is sufficient guarantee that the management is bringing round something really worth while: When forming the company in Sydney a few weeks before? Christmas particular attention was paid to the selection of artists, talent, youth, good looks, and dash being the essential qualifications. Judg-' ing by the glowing reports in all the, papers the selection has been a very, happy one. No better principal boy has been seen in New Zealand than Miss Lidia Fanning, and her sweetheart, Miss Audrey Carlyle, as Bluebell, liasj a charming personality and a beautiful soprano voice. The fun of the piece is, entrusted to Mr George Harpur, a? Old. Mother Hubbard, Mr Arthur Bertram as. the drunken old husband, Miss RubioRaymond as Sally Horner, and Mr Arthus Meredith as Ponto, tho dog. These four artists get every ounce of fun out of their respective comedy parts. Introduced into the performance are some excellent specialities—Miss; Ethel Osborn in gems from opera; Mr. Fred White in his funny talking violin, act; Miss Laurie Macleod, the beautiful Egyptian dancer; and Arthur and Rubie Bertram in a clever dancing turn. Besides the principals there is a full ballet, chorus, and orchestra, thus completing the compact production that is meeting with wonderful success. The prices are a special feature, and are. well within the reach of till. The box plan is at Miss 'Mclntosh’s sweet shop,' where seats may be reserved without extra charge. Particular attention is drawn to the matinee performance for school children on to-morrow afternoon, to which the little ones are to he admitted for the modest sum of Is Id. The final production of the short season “Little Bo Peep,’ a pantomime which his been staged in England, France, and Australia, with great success, is to be staged to-morrow (Thursday) night.