SPITFIRE REVUE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 06, Issue 96, 6 August 1943, Page 5

SPITFIRE REVUE

EDGECUMBE TALENT TO THE FORE COLOURFUL ASSEMBLIES

A CREDIT TO DISTRICT The much talked of 'Spitfire Revue* produced from, local talent in the Edgecumbe district, by Miss Lorna Bristow, has been well up to expectations and though it has been staged three time already it is stiM the talk j of the town: and district as one of the brightest shows seen here for many a day. Our one regret is that we failed, owing to unusual pressure on our limited space, to record its success in our last is&ue. Launched last Monday to a packed audience in the hcav Edgecumbe Hall the Revue Avhich is split into six Avidely varying sections, was particularly Avannly received and reflected the greatest credit on, all concerned. Cramped a little on account of the limited stage space,, the assemblies were seen to far better effect in the Grand Theatre: last eA'cning Avhere the third performance took place, before another delighted audicncc. AVe noted Avith pleasure the intermingling of the tAvo races in the national assembly Avhich opened the programme and congratulate Mr H. Mio the leader of the haka group on his spirited portrayal. The staging of the groups representing the lighting units was particularly effective and the chorus "N.Z. Calls for Men," "The Army, the Navy and the Air Force" and "Maori Battalion" well sung. The interlude "Bells of St. Marys" provided a daintily enacted wedding scene, Avhich Avas prettily carried out.. The farewell sccne AA r as also another striking performance in which the figure of 'Britannia' figured in a dignified background to the. singing of "There'll Always Be An England." The Avell knoAvn and popular playettc "The Bishops* Candlesticks" Avas the next feature for which Ave luwe only the fullest praise, for the characters. M.r E. List as the. hunted convict Avas outstanding. His interpretation Avas one of the finest pieces of amateur Avork avc have seen. The Bishop,, played by Mr M. Yercx, Avas another line portrayal Avliile Miss Jean Burgess taking the part of Persome, the Bishop's sister also performed consistently and avcll . The minor parts Marie (Miss Margaret Simpson) and the gendarmes, Avere also avcll handled. Something straight from the heart of Cockney London Avas presented in the 'Coster Group' Avhich portrayed' an hilarious band of buttonsmothered and bcfeathcred songsters avlio SAvaggcred about the stage to such tunes as "Lambeth AValk,," "Beer Barrel Polka" and "Hampstead Heath." The accordion solos bj* Mr Stafford Pearsc in this set were particularly good and Ave certainly enjoyed the enthusiasm in Avhich the young "Arriets and Lizas" threw themselves into the. fun. Mrs Mona Carter's line soprano Avas the classic feature of the section headed 'Modern romantic group' and her clear registration and soft harmony in "Loves Cigerette" Avas definitely one of the highlights of the eA'ening. The chorus, assemblies and the costuming Avere also picturesque and charming. Comic relief folloAved in the short farce "Mr Hacketts Prize"—another splash of down-town London life. AA r e were greatly taken Avith Mr J. H. Russell's role as the hen-pecked Mr Hackett Avho 'Blimy' had Avon a £10 crossword prize. He never ceased to be consistently doAvn-trod-den by his battle-axe of a wife (played by Mrs Spcirs) and the linal show-down in Avhich he outwitted her by simple means was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The part taken by Mrs Chickenbotliam (Mrs E. Patience) Avas another bright addition to the cast while the salesman —the conspirator in the act was well taken by Mr J. Spcirs. A fitting conclusion- to the. programme Avas the Plantation Assembly in Avhich the. company assembled as a gang of coiourfully attired coons and presented the choruses "Swanee," "Playing on the Ole Banjo" and "Goodnight." Here again Mr Eric. List led the singing and. Mr James Riini supplied two light saxophone solos. The. finale portrayed Miss Beryl CressAA T cll as i (Continued foot next column)

the "Mammie of de Shimmy-shake" and her performance fairly brought, down the house. •• We have no hesitation in warmly congratulating Miss Bristow ore the splendid success of her effort and must also recognise the work of Mrs R. F. Blair, the aocompaaistc throughout.