... PORTSMOUTH 'ALF'S BUTTON' ALF'S BUTTON at the Royal must rank as one of the most courageous productions by the versatile Hector Ross company. The actors and actresses have entered into the light-hearted spirit of the piece with plenty of gusto and the show goes with a real swing. Robert Thompson's settings are impressive with pupils of the Mavis Butler and Brenda Horner Schools of Dancing ...

... SALISBURY 'CINDERELLA' THE Playhouse company has never been stronger in talent than it is now, and so this year's pantomime Cinderella is the best ever, and that is saying a lot when the high standard set over the years is considered. It is a first-class if unambitious show, and once again the tradition of paying chief attention to the tell ing of the well-known story, and seeing that the ...

... BLACKPOOL ICEDROME SINCE modern pantomime derives from the old-fashioned mime without words, it should not be surprising that a show which depends more on action than on song or dialogue should prove outstandingly successful. And, of course, ice spectacles rely primarily on beautiful sets, graceful perform ance, and lively knockabou comedy. But though Pantomime Parade' 1 at the Icedrome ...

... Dance Organisations at Park Lane Hotel MEMBERS of the International Dancing Masters' Association gathered at the Park Lane Hotel for their President's dinner-dance on Sunday last, when many representatives from other dance organisations were also present. Indeed, it was very noticeable at the proposing of the toast to the guests, tnat tney rar ouinuinntrra their hosts. The affcction in ...

... BRADFORD 'ROBIN HOOD' THIS pantomime at the Alhambra is on such a high level of excellence that it is impossible to say which is the outstanding feature. Some will plump for the singing; others for the scenery and mounting, and others for the comedy. But all will agree that it is a remarkably good production, and one which .stamps Mrs. Gwladys Stanley Laidler as well qualified to carry on ...

... EXETER 'JACK AND THE BEANSTALK' THE pantomime at the Royal has all the familiar ingredients expected in the seasonal show. Indeed, the script has been adapted by Cliff Gwilliam (who also pro duced the show and is orchestral director) from his original of 1950. That it is a success is undoubted. In Charlie Ellis there is a Dame Trott wilh a great sense of fun and. what is more important, a ...

... GUILDFORD 'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' A BRAND-NEW pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, is being given by Guildford Theatre this year. The script, bright and unusually eloquent, is by local writers. Mollie Liggett arid Jack Penycate. George Hall's music helps to make the show a buoyant affair. with Jack Rodney s deft and imaginative production lending it enchantment. The show opens with a candle light ...

... CAMBRIDGE 'CINDERELLA' STAGED lavishly, and telling the old story in a straightforward manner, the pantomime at the New is of special attraction to the children and the still-young-at-heart. Producer Davy Kaye makes an engaging Buttons. Whether inducing children lo conjc on to the stage and Mng. trjing to play a drum bigger than himself, consoling Cinderella, or thwarting the Ugly Sisters, he ...

... PRESTON 'THE OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE' JACK GILLAM'S production of The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, which opened a fortlight's run at the Hippodrome on Boxing Day, is satisfying from start to finish--perhaps the best pantonine seen in the town for four years. It is smartly dressed, well >lagcd. and thc action never falters. The story is not a strong one, but he talented principals ...

... KING'S LYNN 'LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD' LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD opened a two-week run on Boxing Day at the Royal. Good rollicking fun abounds but, as successful as it is the comedy team does not steal the limelight. That goes to 12-year-old Jennifer Burch, of Colchester, who--appearing in only her second pantomime is Little Red Riding Hood. She captured the hearts of everyone with her sweet ...

... EDINBURGH 'LITTLE BO-PEEP' AT the Gaiety, Leith, on December 26 W. M. and S. L. presented Fraser Neal's pantomime. Little Bo-Peep and Her Real Live Sheep. Fun for the children is the key note of this brightly staged, well dressed show, which keeps up a merry pace, containing all the ideal features to delight audiences. Tommv Morgan, as Simple Simon, has the children responding lustily ...

... BOURNEMOUTH 'ALADDIN' WILL HAMMER'S Aladdin, at the New Royal, is the best pantomime staged there since he took the theatre over seven years ago. It is ihe complete family show, with good, clean fun, lovely costumes, spectacular scenes and all the traditional pantomime features and characters. The show moves with admirable speed and has a gaiety which cannot hut apnea), and the whole ...