Ethel Sydney (1874-1967)

"Puss in Boots"
Pantomime, by Jay Hickory Wood and Mr. C. W. Johnson
Produced at the Alexandra Theatre, Stoke Newington
Reviewed in The Mercury - 12th January, 1901.

PUSS IN BOOTS, AT THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE

There can be little doubt on the subject that this year's pantomime at the Alexandra Theatre, Stoke Newington, is one of the best Christmas annuals that have yet been produced by Mr. Purcell, the proprietor and manager. Mr. Jay Hickory Wood, who has written the book, tells the story simply. Soon after the opening we find Colin, the miller's younger son, turned adrift by his elder brother, and sent out into the world to seek his fortune with no companion but his cat, Slyboots. King Grabbus, his Lord High Chamberlain, and his daughter, the Princess Ivy, are travelling disguised as gipsies, and Colin and his feline companion, who has in the meantime been endowed with speech by the Fairy Queen, fall in with them, and, naturally, Colin, who is introduced as the Marquis De Carabas, and the Princess fall in love with each other. The main points of the story are faithfully adhered to, and everything goes smoothly till the final scene in which everybody is made happy.

Paul Cinquevalli, the juggler, in the character of Fritz, the waiter, introduces his wonderful performance, and bewilders and astonishes all by the almost incredible tricks he performs with such ease and neatness. Miss Minnie Jeffs, as Colin, is a first-rate principal boy, who thoroughly enters into the spirit of her work, and sings and dances with much acceptance. Her performance throughout is bright and animated. Miss Ethel Sydney is charming, and as Princess Ivy she finds her way into the good graces of the audience. Miss Sydney also scores with her clever imitations of Mr. Hayden Coffin, Miss Connie Ediss, and Miss Marie Lloyd. Mr. Fred Williams is not unknown in Stoke Newington in pantomime, and his quaint representation of Dame Shortly is a tower of strength to the production. Mr. Wilkie Baird plays with humour as King Grabbus and Mr. Colin Mackay, as Muggles, completes a trio of comedians who may safely be entrusted to put the audience who will visit the Alexandra during the present holiday season, on thoroughly good terms with themselves. Mr. Ben Nevis as the cat, Slyboots, will undoubtedly establish himself a favourite with the children, and a pretty little exponent of the fairy queen is found in Miss Clarice Netta. Miss Nellie Stratton makes a winsome Phyllis, and Miss Alice Oppitz is good as Prince Rudolph. Mr. J. W. Wilkinson does well as Baron Rumphiz.

As a scenic production this pantomime tends rather towards the rustic than the spectacular. The scenery is good, the costumes are all of the best class, and the grouping and stage pictures are creditable to all who have had the arrangement of the same; in fact, in this respect the Alexandra pantomime may certainly be described as one of the very best that can be witnessed in North London. Miss Lottie Stones' Royal Troupe of Dancers please immensely. The music for this production has been composed and arranged by Mr. C. W. Johnson.