AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 26, 24 September 1912, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

"WHO'S WILLIAM?"

STRATFORD—TO-NIGHT.

In the matter of presentation_says the "News"; the company was shown at'its best. Mr. Reginald VV'ykeham and Mr. Edward IS able are both, pastmasters in the art of comedy, and both' are widely known and populai favourites in many well-remembered roles. A reputation is not always an easy thing to sustain, but both these versatile actors were seen at their best last night, and commendation could say no more even with the aid ol .i whole' dictionary of superlatives. Miss Pressy Preston, too, played ar= admirable character part as Mrs. Jack Carruthers, the key-note of which wai its delightful naturalness, whilst Misi Maud Chetwynd recalled memories oi lots of. othor happy jollities as Mrs. sinith. The remaining characters weiv titippily sustained, tlie bright and dever book giving one and all ;>

•Jiance in some quaint direction or an other. Good dressing, pretty seen ovy, sweet music, and clever dancing all helped to make everybody perfect iy satisfied with the mysteriotts identity of "William,': and the audience tsffc ithe theatre careless of his pedigree, but thoroughly satisfied with hi: performances. A bumper house shouk. greet the company at the Town Hal to-night. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

A very large audience went away delighted last night with the new pro gramme screened at Madame Per lard's picture theatre. The great ma [ority of the films proseuted'noveltie: )oth entrancing and fascinating, am aone more so than the "star" dram;'Honour and the Sword." The hero ine is.a charming actress and an ex ,)ort with the foils. She leaves tin .itage and marries a millionaire's son but leaves behind her a bitter cnera; of both her husband and herself—th fencing master. The millionaire, how over, as millionaires sometimes do cuts his son off without a penny, am the heir sets to work in a jeweller. TirffiT^lfC^.M m a railway station, and the forme his revenge by stealing the lat uer's jewel case, the property of tin li imond merchant. Faced with gaol lecause his employer refuses to be itwe the story of'the stolen jewels, the'millionaire's son thinks of suicide How his wife savos-him, defends he lonour by the keenness of her eye ant islie strength of her lithe ; supple body and how the millionaire watches tha grim battle, are alii told in realistii fashion by "Honour and the Sword.' A gripping photo drama is that en •itled "The Ones Who Suffer." I

Soils of an escaped convict, his effor to loud a better life, and the appallhn results. Another pathetic drama if "The Old Actor.'.' The brighter side ii well catered for by "Hypnotic Nell,' "When the Fire 'Bells Bang," and others. They proved themselves to Ik i - oal laughter raisers. The same bill will be given this j veiling. I. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME.

"SIXBAD THE SAILOR."

Saturday next will see the production hero of the J. C. Williamson nauagemeht production of "Sinbad too Sailor," when the curtain will rise it a quarter to eight. It is said that the company is exceptionally strong numerically, and the costume's, group tug and dancing are all very effective. One of the most beautiful scenes is the Ballet of Roses in the Persian Garden, This scene closes with the "Flying Ballot," where the dancer* soar out over the heads of the audi 3UC6 almost to the rail of the, dress scattering flowers beneath -hem. The Diamond Ballet in the Valley of Diamonds is another very beaurii'ul feature, the lighting effect's being wonderful. The dancers emerge from the mouth of the Serpent, which guards the valley, and the whole ef feet, elaborate costumes and blazing lights is particularly fine. There are many other scenes and ballets of great beauty, while a touch of variety : s added by The Sleedes in their illiision, "The Mysterious Hotel." Music-

illy the performance is remarkable'. The work of the orchestra is undoubtedly good, particularly in connection ivith the ballets. It is upon the fol- . inking comedy and the gorgeous mounting that the pantomime depends particularly for its success, and upon this score there should be little doubt -)f its proving a favourite with the miblie. Thro is little doubt that in sending "Sinbad the 'Sailor" to Stratford Mr. J. 0. Williamson is offering [■he biggest attraction that has ever here. The company numbers -lose upon 200 people. There are 22 T'enos, all of winch require ''nil stage. There are throe fine ballets, s ; x bio; '•m relies, a magnificent transformation scene, and many novel effects. The. box plans will be opened at Mr. Grubb's to-morrow morning.