1864: Fun and games on Boxing Day

With few exceptions Boxing Day was observed as a holiday. There were some very good sports of an athletic character got up by mine host of the Victorian Hotel, including wrestling, foot racing, climbing the greasy pole, sack jumping, etc.

The attendance was very large, and the sport appeared to highly amuse those present.

The great feature of the day was the observance, by our corps dramatique, of that time-honoured custom, the pantomime, which always gives amusement not only to juveniles but to children of a larger growth.

Mr Kilgour, the spirited proprietor of the Union Concert Hall, promised us all a treat, and well he redeemed his word. The house was densely crowded in all parts, and after the concert business of the evening was over, and when the curtain drew up to the opening scene of "Harlequin de Boots, or how's your poor feet," there was scarcely standing room.

The pantomime was a great success, and considering the limited appliances at command for getting up such a representation, it was first-rate.

The second scene in the harlequinade, "Syms' Chemist Shop," was an exact representation of that establishment, also the make up of the individual who personated Dr Syms himself was very good.

This part of the performance highly delighted the audience, who were very liberal in their applause.

 

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