The Northern Guardian. — 1898-01-25 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

CINDERELLA" AT THE ALHAMBRA.  SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE.  Ever since this popular Christmas pantomime was billed for the amansbra, it has been looked forward to with interest, and last night it was preeented to a large house, and met with a inerougnly warm reception. Tile pantomime is written by Mr Joseph L. Barry, and contains additional lines and lyrics by Mr George ilurton. One of the strong features is the music, and this is composed and arranged by Mr Geo. Burton, L.C.M. The scenery and get up are all that can be desired. In the opening, the home of the pantomime, a number of 'immortals" or byegone spirits enter; and Mr Wm. :Vert°, as Ifilario, the genius of the pantomime, awakens, and a mystic confabulation ensues. In the ffllecreding scene, representing a sylvan glade, some good ballads of the 1837 period are sung; and a representation is made of a royal hunting party. The party includes the Prince Perfect, a part taken by Miss Florence. Merry, who decides on matrimony. The decision is hailed with delight by the party, and a family picnic is held. This is quickly follanied-by....theAtivcovery_of Cinderella, who is engaged seeking for sticks. She unexpectedly meets a lover,who wants to kiwi 'her. She does not know what it is; but having been kissed once, wants to take them back again, which she does, amidst laughter, and both ging "Think once again." Miss Bertha St. Ruth, with great wee and naturalness, plays the part of Cinderella; Mr Conn Alister as Baron Shiptalotte, Cinderella's pa, and Messrs Johnny Chippendale and Fred Denman, as Maud and Dthel, as his two daughters, appear in fantastic looking dresses, and add abundanoe of humour to the piety. "Whiskers on the meat," a song given by one of them, creates much laughter. In scene four, Cinderella is disconsolate in her pa's kitchen, and Pimples, the page (Mr Walter Dale) enters and makes gushing love to her. This is intensely funny, and provokes the heartiest laughter. Cinderella refuses Pimples. Be is "sorry, sorry." and throws himself dawn to perish in the "cold, ccld snow—some torn papers he has thrown up. "Are you really dead?" asks Cinderella. "Yes,' replies Pimples, "from this time fourth or fifth, farewell, the anchor's weighed. There is nothing for me but suicide or drink." He tosses up, and it is drink. The nuoceeding scene brings the , spectator to the exterior cf the Prince's palace, illuminated for the fete. Mr Thos. Delaney as Malicio, the spirit of mischief, enters, and in, v( kes the storms, hail, rain, and thunder, to his aid. The representation given of these phenomena are exceedingly good. Here Little Dolly Brough and Ballot of Pierrote penforms a clever dance, and is twiee recalled. Cinderella now makes her departure for the hall in a beautiful silver carriage, lit by eleetric light, and drawn by four highly-trained cream ponies. This collided with one of the curtains, knocking it down, a slight hitch for which Mr E. 0. Waller apolo. gised to the audience. The nest scene, the Baron's rose garden, affords more music from Pimples and the Baron; and the seat, the home of the Fairy Sunbeam (Mies,Lilian Hazleton), a beautiful ballet of dancers, composed of 13 couples of dancers, dressed in fairy costume, the piincipal of whom was Mdlle. Florrie Porter, appears, and perform several dances. On the wily to the tan Tofferme (Mims Maude Western), the Prince's , valet-decebantbre, resolves to resign, and the Baron and his daughters quarrel. The ball- , room is a clever piece of stage representation, and the arrival of the guests is decidedly pretty. The Baron breaks the pledge. and appears a little tipsy. Cinderella enters, and the Lilion trio of dancers perform. Acrobatic specialities by Messrs Houpla and Ffeela are here sandwiched in, and are also highly appreciated. In the concluding scene, the Prince and suite come and find that t4c. slipper fits Cr.ndeiella. and she is declared to be the Prince's bride. The performance closes *Ali a grand transformation scene, entitled, "Zepherus and Flora," designed aad painted by 1 Mr Charles Pell. This is as pretty WS anything of the kind we have seen. A floral wreath is seen, and disappears, leaving a number of fairy nymphs gazing in dreamy fashion at the audience. Then a thin curtain is lowered, behind which is a light, which emts the .harflfAvs of horrible deeds and dimes done by small pigmies and hugh giants, on to the screen. The effect is amusing, and greatly appreciated by the audience. The pantos mime will be continued for a fortnight, and it promisee to have a highly successful run.