AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1922, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

“OLD MOTHER HUBBARD.”

The local theatre was crowed last night for the opening production of Mr Stanley McKay’s pantomime season. The change from the eternal pictures was appreciated to the full, patrons gathering from far and near | to enjoy the spoken entertainment. “ Old Mother Hubbard ’ proved a pleasant vehicle for thef artists to en- j tertain the large audience. There was not much to recognise of the old nursery rythme, for the composer of the pantomime had exercised free license in camouflaging the whole story, and revealing something more pleasant than an empty cupboard. There was a very evenly balanced cast for the play, which followed the convential lines of a well-ordered pantomime. The Dame and her attendants were as to the manner born. The hero and heroine were replicas of-what those charming pivots should be. The bold bad villian and his attendants were never too villanious, and were just bad enough to divert the trend of the story, till at the appropriate moment (before the hour got too late) the villany was vanquished, and virtue reigned triumphant. This, however, does not exhaust the cast, for there yet remains the chorus, a very clever and versatile tabloid chorus, whose every ladvont brightened every scene. The, scenery and dressing were appropriate, and tbe music led by the denionstrotivo conductor was a feature of the all round evening’s success.

There were several enjoyable features about the production. The special items were all very acceptable, i The dancing specialities were good, and the weird Egyptian presentation bordered on the superfine. The lady i.n tho gems of opera was missed very greatly, but tbe management apologised' for an absence which was unavoidable. The talking violinist was a novelty item, very much to the tastes of tbe audience. His spoken part was humourous, as liefittcd his surroundings. but most folk would prefer tlie clever manner in which be made bis borrowed violin talk. The transformation scene was another memorable item, tbe living tableau of spring, summer, autumn and winter being represented by tbe graceful pose of the performers. Tt was a very effective stage picture. The patriotic tableau of the Empire, also, left a very pleasing impression. Those and many other scenes were heightened by the handsome dressing and magnificent bearing of the stage principals. Tho qomedv was all done in a. pleasing manner. There was nothing unduly boistcifous, a.nil the quiet reserve of the actors was really more effective than tbe noisey element often introduced to cover other shortcomings. Altogether, the entertainment provided was very cheerful. The audience appreciated .the excellencies of the performance, and it is safe to say when the talented and evenly-balanc-ed company reappears to-night in a. change of programme, another full house will greet and encourage tho performers to repeat last night’s marked success.

“LITTLE 80-PKEP-”-TO-NIGHT. Judging by last night’s enthusiasm the performance of “Little 80-Peep” I to-night by the Stanley McKay Pantomime Coy., should draw another Dumper house. This pantomime is noted for the charm of its music and the fun keeps the audience in a simmer of merriment from the rise to the fall of t..e curtain. Miss Lulla Fanning will appear as “Jack Straw” ; Miss Audrey Carlyle as “Little 80-Peep”, Miss Rubee Raymond the "Sally Horner” of last night will have a chance to display her versatility as “The Princess” ; Miss Bycl Austin plays “Hafiz” and Miss Eileen Madigan "The Fairy Queen”. Mr Geo. Hnrpur plays the dame “Belinda Bumpkin”, Mr Arthur Bertram “The Shah” ; Mr Fred White as “Simple Simon” will l>e seen in an entirely different characterisation to that of “The Emperor, last night. Mr rthur Meredith play's “The Rooster” and cast is completed by Mr Maxwell Copestake in the important part of “the Witch”. The ladies of the chorus will have plenty of work to do and will appear in many charming costumes, those worm in the gavotte in the second act being exceptionally beautiful. The plan is at Misses Mclntosh’s.