ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5082, 31 January 1927, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GAIETY THEATRE PICTURES. TO-NIGHT AND TO-MORROW NIGHT NELL GWYN. " Although Nell Gwyn has no conspicuous place in history, she was, and still is, a popular character in the story of England, because; she was the friend of the people. Thisj love was eloquently proved in the part she played in the foundation of Chelsea Hospital for maimed and aged soldiers and sailors. In this interesting British picture, “Nell Gwyn,” which is to be shown to-night and to-morrow night, it is shown how Nell Gwyn demonstrated to the King the manner in which a hospital could be formed out of the old Chelsea Palace. The delighted Monarch readily acted upon this suggestion, and thus the gallant old warriors who form such a picturesque figure in their red coats may be said to owe a debt of gratitude to “Sweet Nell of Old Drury.” ‘‘OLD MOTHER HUBBARD-” PANTOMIME IN PAEROA. Laughter, song, and dance are the. key notes of Mr Stanley McKay’s big pantomime, “Old Mother Hubbard,’ to be staged at the Gaiety Theatre, Paeroa, on Wednesday next, at 8 p.mThis production by Mr McKay’s cie.ver English and Australian company has been a big success everywhere, so a musical and comedy treat is in store for Paeroa theatregoers. The dressing and scenery are on a sjcale of magnificence seldom attempted outside the. large cities, and the company of some SO 1 artists, has been specially selected. The four principal comedians are Maudie. Stewart, Australia’s funniest girl ; Frank Perryn, English character comedian; Arthur Meredith, funniest of .dames; and Will Raynor, who, in the part of old Mr Hubbard, has plenty of opportunities to display his fine tenor voice. The plot df the pantomime concerns principally the love affairs o’f handsome. Laurie McLeod and charming Madeline Knight, ending in their marriage after overcoming the many obstacles placed in their way. A number of clever and pretty girls are included in the bal-. let and chorus, and a first-class orchestra is under the baton of Mr Waiter George, the well-known and capable producer. Special attention is drawn to the musical act of the Four Little Kellys, a quartette of little girls ranging in ages from eight to ’fourteen years. These wonderful little people play violins, ’cello, and piano with uncanny ability, their offering being undoubtedly the greatest of its kind ever brought to New Zealand. Seats for “Old Mother Hubbard” may be reserved at Flatt’s.