AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 83, 6 August 1915, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The change of programme at His .Majesty's last night provided firstclass entertainment, being both in structive and amusing. The star picture is a comedy film of the Keystone Company entitled "Hogan's Annua! Spree" and proved a great laugh raiser. Hogan plays the part of Father Christmas, anil his antics in doming down chimneys and climbing through windows, when not busy fighting with policemen gave much pleasure to the audience. Our Boys leaving Wellington in the transports escorted by warships is a great film. The picture is very clear and the features 'of many well known public men are easily recognised. The Review of the Troops of Egypt, etc., very fine. The programme will be repeated this and to-morrow evening. The usual matinee will take place to-morrow at 2 p.m.

"CINDERELLA." The performance of this popular pantomime by the local juvenile company at tlie Town Hall last evening was not attended by a very large crowd. This is to be deplored, as the object of the pantomime was a worthy one, being the swelling of the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fumr, and although as an excuse it may lie stated that there have been too many calls upon the generosity of the public of late, a complete answer to that is the old instruction : "Be not weary in well-doing." When is remembered the amount of work that has been thrown into l he production by Mrs Mcßeth and her youthful proteges, tbt l public arc shown in a somewhat uncomplimentary light on an, occasion such as last night's. However, the paucity of the attendance notwithstanding, the performance was carried through with a swing and abandon quite equalling, if not surpassing, in many particulars all previous productions by the company. The exceptions wvre the obvious need for the prompter on several occasions, the greatest delinquent in this respect being Prince Armour (Miss Hazel Wolfe) for whom little excuse need be sought. Theie was also noticeable at times a tendency to treat her part with too much levity, otherwise Prince Armour, acted well up to her established reputation. As "Cinderella," Miss Evelyn .Moon was again excellent throughout, indeed her services in the different performances have been invaluable. The work of Mr Bert Davis was the heaviest of the remaining members of the company, and he is to be congratulated upon the success attending his singing and acting. Special mention is also necessary in the case of the performance of Miss Minnie Wolfe as the fairy Godmother, whose finished acting has been a feature of the pantomime. The dancing of the little fairies and the various evolutions under the special tuition of Mrs Mcßeth were, as usual, much appreciated. The orchestra, it may be mentioned, i had been reconstituted, and under the, leadership of Mr <'. H. Rogers created a very favourable impression.

It is quite evident from the histrionic talent brought to light in the production of "Cinderella" thnt there is plenty of room for further effort in the same direction in the future, and there is no doubt that the members of the company will be heartily welnnmoil in any new purls in whirl) they

may decide to again face the footlights. The support accorded last night's appearance cannot be taken

as a safe criterion of public appreciation, for was if not the third production of the same piece within a lew weeks?

THE VIOLET DANDIES. si An entirely new English Comedy i Company. "The Violets," will make i their appearance at the Town Hall, U Stiatford, on Monday under the diree- ' tion of the Kdward Rranscombe Proi prietary. This is said to be the -| i-prightliest and most musical of all i the concert parties yet seen in this • country . Its repertoire covers an surtaxing variety of good stuff. Miss Marguerite Leroy. premiere danseuse with the Arcadians Co., is endowed with the supreme gifts of being able to express with face, hands, and fee* ;:i'd subtle tone colour is given to ine scenas by the aid of special lighting effect. Other specialists aire the Misses Kate Checkett (soprano), Shirley Cooke (souliretteV Dorothy Gardner (commedienne), and Messrs George Brooke (baritone), Howard Hall (bass). Otto Collins (tenor comedian'. Oswald Brown 'light comedian and Nancer). Cuthbcrt Rose (character comedian and inoliologist), Arthur Riscoe ((piaiut comedian). ■ and Kdward Cahill (pianoforte soloist). The box plan is at Grubb's.