AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1914, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

“OLD MOTHER HUBBARD.” TOWN HALL, TO-NIGHT. “Old Mother Hubbard,” the gorgeous pantomine which is to be produced to-night at the Town Hall, has been very successful throughout Australia and the Donumon. A contemporary in the south refers to this pantomine as follows:—“A packed house—many hundreds having to be turned away—greeted the second of ,tho pantomimes of the StephensonLinley combination last evening at the Opera House. ‘Old Mother Hubhard’ proved an unqualified success. The humor from start to finish was of the most robust nature, and there were no dull moments. ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ (Bruce Drysdale) and ‘Archibald’ (Victor Loydall) make an ideal pair, and the rapt devotion pf the latter for the former is sustained through many extremely trying though immensely funny ordeals. Mr Bruce Drysdale is the life of the piece, and Air Victor Loydall is resoonsihle for much of the violent frivolity which characterises the absurdity. Miss Kathleen Mack was simply charming its Robin, the principal boy, her singing, dancing, and merry manner being the envy of all. As Sally Horner, Miss Bertha Aschman was very amusing, her quaint dancing and antics bringing down the house. As Sybil (queen of the fairies), Miss Cora Terry sang and acted to perfection. Miss Elsie Nicolas, as the principal girl, sang and acted daintily. Miss Esmee McLennan looked particularly nice and bewitching as Hafiz. The Gresham four appeared in a coon song and dance, the latter being particularly smart. ‘The Ragtime Revue’ came as a novelty, the latest style of dancing, including the well-kijmyn tango dance, being introduced. Tlie double dancing of Chrissie and Ivy Anderson was much ailmired. A special feature of this pantomime is the dancing and dressing, while the scenery and general setting is gorgeous. The words and music are written by the musical director, Mr Harry Taylor, who conducts an efficient orchestra.” The box plan is rapidly filling at Grubb’s, and a large house is assured. ' WITHIN THE LAW. “Within the Law” will serve'to introduee to Stratford , the gifted young American actress, Miss Muriel Starr who comes, heralded with the most glorious criticisms ns an artist of the very front rank. Miss Starr is a'disciple evidently of the modern American school, never ; 11. J. ' . . , ’ seeking “to tMVa, passion-to tatters” but getting her effects by those quiet, intense, natural methods made familiar by those brilliant artists Ethel Irving, Margaret Anglin, and Catherine Gray. Miss Starr has youth on her side—she is only 24—and is described as having a k haildkome 1 stage presence and possessing in full measure persona! charm' and magnetism. One enthusiastic Australian critic described her as “A blend of Ethel Irving, Margaret Anglin and Katherine Gray, iml a, finer actress than- any of the three.” This is high praise indeed, and makes one keen to see an artist so bountifully equipped. Aliss Starr, moreover, has had a long stage experience. She was only six when sue made her first appearance in the old American comedy drama “Shore Acres.” Since that time she has played a big round of characters ranging from farce to tragedy.

“Within the Law” will he staged !>y the J. C. Williamson management at the Town Hall to-morrow evening. The box plans are now open at Grubb’s. HIS MAJESTY’S PICTURES. Last nights fairly large audience were capivated by the superb new series of pictures screened at Bernard’s popular' picture Theatre, the star feature “Sacrifice at The Spi 1 !- way,” introduces characters from Mark Twain’s famous book Hncklebury Firm and Tom Sawyer. The dramatic sensations are true to life. The comedy element throughout the picture is not overdone. This evening will see the last of this magnificent series. On Wednesday night “Foul Play ” an adaption of Chas Reado’s immortal book, will be screened by Edison’s players. The drama is shown in three parts, the principal characters being an idolised young college spendthrift, Arthur Wardlaw; his tutor, Rev. Penfold; and Helen Rolloston, daughter of General Rolleston. Young Wardlaw forges his father’s signature to a cheque which he hands to Penfold, and whim the forgery' is discovered he leaves Penfold to face the accusation. 11l with brain fever on account of worry, Arthur is not present at the trial, and Penfold’s plea of innocence is disregarded. The unjustly convicted man is deported to Australia, and is eventually released on parole as gardener to Helen’s father, and he manages to fall head over ears in love with that young lady, who knows nothing of this. Helen and Robert afterwards land on >n uninhabited island, and the film portrays vividly their struggle for existence. Pity being akin to love, the love of the ox-parson, ex-convict is returned, and when at last General Rolleston’s search vessel approaches the island, Helen is loth to leave her companion, who is recognised by her father as las convict gardener. Wardlaw is eventually arrested, but takes his own life