AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 49, 1 March 1915, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

“HUMPTY DUMPTY” PANTOMIME

Tii original Humpiy Dumpty who had a grat fall from a wall was hardly i vognisible in the Humpty Dumptv -.v.;0 had-’ a great reception at the Stratford Town Hall on Saturday nigi.t. Indeed, it was hardly to he expected that lie would he very similar to the old nursery favorite considering the age of the egg!—and, continuing the methaphor further, no one likes to contemplate such a state of addleness! But } then, of course, there is a natural and unending demand for fresh stuff in more directions than ill the fowlyard! Two notable exceptions, however, may bo mentioned: All of us liked our “mother” better as the years rolled on, while it would be nothing short of utter heterodoxy not to apply the same sweet sentiment to our one and only Stephenson! “George” is always fresh—with his jokes and his pantos. The fact is, we don’t see enough of the clever companies that the linn pilots round the Dominion. This is proved by the increasing support accorded to successive theatrical ventures headed oy me genial George. Saturday night, though wot, produced a very respectable audience —in number itmust be voted as well is in any other material, and the reception accorded the players must nave been gratifying to the management.

The extravaganza of “Humpty Dumpuy” is a brigut, tuneful, catchy affair, and as produced by the company was highly diverting. Plenty of scope is afforded the profession in the way of introduced scenes, chief among w.nch was the March of the Allies; Coe setting of this was first-class and in keeping with the reputation which the management has earned for itself, the gorgeous dressing of the ■haracters being generally remarked upon. Representatives of Russia, France, Poland, Belgium, Britain and few Zealand paraded upon the stage, md the greatest of the great applause bestowed upon them was showered upon gallant and suffering Belgium, though New Zealand is never slow to recognise that she’s “It!” The acrobatic feats of Lennon (2) and Hyman were fair puzzlers to the audi. ence, their eccentricities of evolution and devolution (so to speak) calling forth thunderous applause. The balets were well staged, which is saying all there is need for in the way ol praise. As to the panto, itself, it will be sufficient to mention that the principal characters of HumptyDumpty (Miss Ingersole), King Dazzlum (Charles Howard), .Widow Buttercup (Gon Moreni), Jack Buttercup, -li6 widow’s son (Miss Olive Robiu.on),Tiddly Wink, the Barber (Ermie .ashbrook) Lolita, the barber’s dau4.iter (Miss Mollie King)—these were •n thoroughly capable hands, and Liieir presentations met with the le.irty approval of the audience. The a alow and Tiddly Wink were responeule for most of the fun, which was whole-hearted and of wholesome variety, and palatable to all tastes. In tbs patriotic song (with tableau) “Empire is Calling,” Miss Olive Robinson’s acting was capitally effective, md her full round voice was heard to .ea! advantage. The choruses were attacked with spirit and the general ensemble was particularly well sustained and pleasing. Special mention may also be made of the popularity o! the duet, “Love that makes the World Go Round.” hy Miss Mollie King and Miss Olive Robinson, and of the waltz song by Miss Mollie King entitled “Love Me Just a little longer.” Before the close of the p.'ntomime, Mr Stephenson took the opportunity to thank Stratford for its kindly patronage on every, but particularly on this occasion, and he announced that the convpay would return on Friday evening and play the musical extravaganza, “The Jam of Cathay,”

H.M. THEATRE. “The Girl from Prosperity" is the star on to-night’s picture bill. It is a sweet story woven around the lives of a young country girl and her sweetheart. Another fine drama is entitled “Turned Back.” Max Linder makes his re-appearance to-night in “Max’s Marvellous Cure.” “Let no -Alan put Asunder” is a pathetic story of a heartless man and how he is saved by bis wife. The “Topical War Budget” features scones from the big war, and includes the attack on Antwerp. Edison present a laughable comedy “Hnstof and Ins Goat.” Fatly Arbuckle is well featured in “Those Happy Days,” Keystone comedy.