BRILLIANT REVUE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 245, 4 December 1940, Page 5

BRILLIANT REVUE

PUPILS OF MISS KATH WALTON

HIGH CLASS ENTERTAINMENT

ASSISTING PATRIOTIC FUNDS

It is very true that war conditions a,re often responsible for the discovery of talent and en-

tertainment ability in the most unsuspected quarters. This was never more demonstrated than at last Monday's splendid recital by the pupils of Miss Kath Wal-i ton, who their combined efforts presented to the public of Whakalane n show which, would have done credit in any metro-i politan. theatre. Few had guessed the nature or the extent of the work of Miss Walton in training these young dancers, but all who attended will join, wholeheartedly in extending to her their* heartiest congratulations on her remarkable achievement. The work of promoting a programme embracing no less . than thirty-seven items Avas something to be proud of, apart from the vast labour involved in the selection and making of the costumes which lent

the various scenes such a remarkable sense of grace and colour. The Avhole programme Avliioh Avas carried out Avithout a hitch Avas a gIoAV ing tribute to Miss Walton's creative and organising ability and it is to .be hoped that Whakatane Avill be afforded the pleasure of a repeat order at an early date as there were many hundrds Avho, unable to attend the first performance Avould Avelcome a further one. The programme embraced the entire extent of the dancing taught by thei Walton School, from noA~elty, ballet and classical steps to the National Scottish and Irish dances' with .which the average person is more com r ersant. The grouping and posing AVas hoAveA'e>r a very taste ful feature Avhich was.not lost upon the audience. The effective opening choruses and ballets provided humour as Avail,-arid though the singing Avas a little shy, the dancing ,and actions were ahvays vigorous and well carried out. "Wings over the Navy" Avas a prime favourite and recei\ r ed' the applause it richly deserved. The dances-by the tiny, tots made great appeal. FeAV Avill forget the daintiness of Anne Prater in the "Valse Lente" or the cleverness of

tiny Janice Bell in the character study "The Pink Pearl." A particularly fine piece of work was presented by Verna Head in the "Little Match Seller" while the skipping rope ballet was also another highlight. Valerie Hanah gave the eccentric 'golliwog dance' with her usual aptitude and finish. Lois Wardlaw shone in her operatic solo, while Jsobel Martin gave a clever character sketch "The Pirate" in which she certainty created the romantic atmosphere. A pleasing interlude opened the second half in which the action portrayal of a pretty fairy story was provided by Phyllis and Nellie Rivett (The Princess and the Prince) and Lennie Butler (a very active and capable frog). Marion Raymond as the Scottish fisherwife, sang "Caller Herrin' with just the right execution and tone. The graild finale was a patriotic assembly of all classes, with appropriate choruses, costumes and staging. The whole effect was very colourful and inspiring, and the entry of Brittania, helmet and trident com plete avus the signal for Avarm applause. The solo Avork Avas very capably carried out by Mrs H. Armstrong.

Miss Marjory Thatcher excelled herself as song leader in several bright choruses while Mr Malcolm Burke, a newcomer to the Whakatanei stage, proved himself a soloist of 110 mean ability. Another bright spot on the programme was Miss Pepperell's elocutionary item. Mr R. Twcedie provided much appreciated Scottish humour. The Programme/ The programme was as under:--Opening number "Anchors Aweigh"' Seniors; Sailor's Hornpipe, Juniors; "Pop-Eye" Nora Watson; Tap Duo, Huia Park, P. Haultain: "Wings over the Navy," Ramola Winstone and Seniors; "Don't Give up the Ship" Marion Raymon and Shipmates; Seann Truibhais, Joyce Hodgson; Tiny Tots Attempt, Gabrielle Wright; "An Apple for the Teacher," Monica Boynton and Jun-

iors; Valse Lente,, Anne Prater; Parade of the Tin Soldiers, Seniors; Song, Mr Malcolm Burkei; Irish Reel Seniors; "It's a Hap-hap Happy Day" Miss M. Thatcher and Seniors; A Pink Pearl, Janice Bell; Highland Fling, Juniors; The Little Match Sei let 4 , Verna Head; Staircase Number, Isobel Martin; Character Sketch, Miss Pepperell: "Ten Pretty Girls" Pam Frazer and Juniors; Russian Ballet, Juniors; A Golliwog, V. Han- J nah; Black and White Ballet,, Seniors; The Princess and the Enchanted Bail., Princess: Phyllis Rivett, Frog: Lennie Butler, Prince: Nellie Rivett; Highland Reel, Seniors: Baby Tap, Janice Bell; Irish Jig, Jim iors; "Vienna Woods" Miss M. Thatcher and Seniors; Hot Rhythm, Betty Flavcll; Simultaneous Soft Shoe Routine, K. Walton and J. Hodgson; "Over the Rainbow," Mary Mitchell and Juniors; Waltz Tap, Anne Prafer; Alexander's Rag-time Band, Marion Raymon and Seniors; Operatic Solo, Lois Wardlaw; "A : Wee Bit o' Scotch, " Mr T'wefdie, Little Mr Baggy Breeches, Baibara Brecken; An Irish Washerwoman, Betty Flavell; The Pirate, Isobel Martin: "Caller Herrin' Marion Raymon; Militaire, Joyce Hodgson and Seniors; Gillie Callum, Marion Gillanders. Grand Finale: The Army, Navy and Air Force, Mr Burke; The Band, D. Wardlaw and Babies; There'll Always be an England, Mrs H. Armstrong; Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory, Company.

Special-thanks are, clue the following for their co-operation and assistance: Mrs Norman, for supervision of dresses; , Messrs F. W. Lj'-saght and L. Drube, lighting; W. Henderson, stage props; Mrs Hayter, loan of piano; Messrs E. Ramson and T. Harland, stage managers. The honorary secretary of the Borough Patriotic Committee!, Mr D. V. Saunders, has expressed his committee's appreciation of Miss Walton's Avork and expresses its gratitude to her.