LITTLE BO-PEEP PANTOMIME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2435, 30 May 1922, Page 3

LITTLE 80-PEEP PANTOMIME.

“Little 80-Peep” pantomime ha* travelled far since it was first pi’Oduced in Australia some years back. At Sling Camp a very fine production was given at the end of 1916 by a company of Australians, and English players. The young ladies from the Sling Y.M.C.A., including the Misses Lindsell so wellknown, to the N.Z. boys, played the leading ladies’ parts, while the ballet and chorous were selected from the Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Mr Stanley McKay was the Dame on this occasion, and Mr Robert Pollock, advance agent for the present company, played the Shah of Cashmere. The performance was voted the best ever staged on Salisbury Plains. Again “80-Peep’’ was selected for production at the Grand Opera House, Havre, a little while after the armistice was signed. On this oeeasion all the parts were plaved by Australian soldiers. The proceeds-were in aid of charity, and a big sum was realised, the fine theatre being packed at high prices during the season. So successful were the performances that arrangements were made for its production in Paris but the breaking up of the Havre camp necessitated the return of the Australians to England. The present company is the strongest that lias ever interpreted this skilfully written panto.'so playgoers can confidently look forward to something out of the ordinary at the Town Hall. Foxton, on Friday next. The old favourites of “Mother Hubbard” are to be seen in the corresponding parts of “Little BoPeep.” Miss Lulla Fanning is again the dashing principal boy, who warbles sweetly with the dainty principal girl, Miss Audrey Carlyle. The funny old lady is Mr George Harpur, and his assistants in the fun making line are Mr Arthur Bertram, Miss Ruby Raymond, and Mr Fred White. Miss Ethel Osborn is to be beard in a number of new songs, so lovers of the best in music are in for a rare treat. As in “Mother Hubbard” the ballets and cborouses are features of the production, while the dressing and scenery are on an elaborate scale. Popular prices are to be charged, so a bumper bouse should greet this clever Australian company. The box plan is at Heath’s where seats may be reserved without exti’a charge.