ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“OLD MOTHER HUBBARD.” A BRIGHT PANTOMIME. A feast of good things was provided by Mr. Stanley McKay’s pantomime ‘‘Old Mother Hubbard,” which opened its New Plymouth season at the Empire Theatre yesterday afternoon and evening. A crowded house greeted the production of the piece on each, occasion, and “Old Mother Hubbard” may be written down as an instantaneous success. The pantomime is an elaborated and modernised version of the wellknown nursery rhyme, opportunity, of course, being given to introduce various side features not connected with the usual story. All the scenes were beautifully staged, whilst the costumes worn were on a lavish scale. The role of Mother Hubbard was well sustained by Mr. George Harpur, who time and again provoked roan oi appreciative laughter from the audience by reason of his original ancT humorous whimsicalities. Mr. Arthur Bertram, as the drunken husband of Mother Hubbard, was distinctly clever, his ’droll humor appealing greatly to the crowd. The principal “boy,” Miss LuHa Fanning, was a commanding figure on the stage, her acting of the part of Bluebell’s love}* and her leading in several choruses being alike excellent. Bluebell herself, “the beautiful daughter of ac impossible mother,” was well played by Miss Audrey Carlyle. Other leading roles were borne by Mr. Fred White (Gammadella, a mighty ruler), Misi Byrl Austin'(Hafiz, of the Guards), anc Miss Rubee Raymond (Sally Horner). The difficult role of impersonating “thi poor dog” was entrusted to Mr. Ar thur Meredith, who performed his ar? duous part excellently. A bevy oi chorus and dance girls added charm anc grace to the show, Miss Laurie Me Leod, in an Egyptian dance, bein; worthy of special mention. Included in an excellent musical pro gramme were several songs by Mis: Ethel Osborne, the possessor of a fin* soprano voice. Her rendering of “Th< Nightingale’s Trill” gave her full op portunity to show her wonderful range of voice. Another song from the same singer was the evergreen “Annie Lau rie,” which was enthusiastically received. Mr. Fred White kept the audience at once amused and captivated by nib violip .items. He demonstrated his ability to produce both the swelling not«> of the organ and the stirring strain* of the bagpipes from the violin, whilsl his manner of presenting his number! , soon established him in popular favour The whirling jazz scene gave the company an opportunity of still fur the J showing its versatility, whilst the passing of the seasons was very effectivelj staged. “Old Mother Hubbard” will show at a matinee performance this afternoon whilst the final appearance of the pantomime takes place at the Empire Theatre to-night.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT. At the West End gymnasium or Saturday evening a full edress rehearsa: in connection with the above concert was held, and proved beyond all doubt that the concert will be an excellent one. The full programme was gone through. The dancing by the senioi girls, which will be led by Ina Uanteft is expected to be very attractive. The junior girls also acquitted themselves splendidly, particularly in the Ha waiian sketch. This will be a very~ pretty little item, especially when th< girls have their pretty frocks and'thc special lighting effects. A very pleasing little duet will be sung by Mastet Jim Harper and Sheilah Sturmey Gerald Hoskin was again to the fort with his recitations and also in his comic songs. For so young a boy h< possesses wonderful confidence. In hh second song he will be very ably assisted by a little girl, Olive Ericksen. Patrons can look forward with pleasure to seeing these young comedians. The pianoforte duet by Maida Jones an<? Olive Ericksen was beautifully played The songs sung by Miss Keitha Loveridge. Kila Thomson, Emily Hoyle Mr. P. A. Tunbridge, and Master Stan ley " atson are splendid items. Mrs George's orchestra will assist with tb< programme. Patrons will be well ad vised to get their tickets early, ns i! is confidently expected that the Em pire Theatre will be packed. The h©s. plan is open at Collier's. There will b» no extra charge for reserving the 3(