DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18217, 30 October 1924, Page 2

DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT.

At the Caledonian Hall last night the pupils of the F. Beadc Wauehop School of Drama won golden opinions for their acting from the very large audience, and at the same time considerablv augmented the funds of the St. Anne's Home for Girls. In the first poignant play. "Little House-bound." pathos and gaiety alternated freely. The Hon. Mrs Tahu Rhodes, in a pure white pierrette frock, gave a fine impersonation of the elfin, spritelike, care-free coquette, whose winsome ways and genuine love of her vagabonding life were enough to lure any man from the paths of hard, commonsense. And there was real pathos in the predicament of Prosper (Captain Tahu Rhodes) torn, as he was, by the "wanderlust" in his blood, and his love for Collette (Miss Xgaio Marsh), in her colourful peasant's dress, whose interests were bounded by the four walls of her home. Mr F. Eeade Wauehop had undertaken the heavy task of appearing in three out of the five plays staged, aud to him the honours of the evening certainly fell. As a white-clad pierrot, as a fine, brawny Scotch soldier, which was perhaps his cleverest piece of the evening's works, or as "he" in "Gaspers," he acted capably and convincingly, and deserved unstinted praise. Mrs Beswiek, in her white frock and vivid red hat, parasol, and earrings, did the ingenue-cum-vamp part to perfection, and Miss Madeline Vyner, in a becoming frock of ilamc taffeta, with kilted panelled skirt and floral ceinture, kept the balance nicely poised between her husband, and her youthful but poetically ardent lover. Miss Dorothy Jenkin played a difficult role well in "The Old" Lady Shows Her Medals," and was assisted greatly bv the comedy work of Misses Iliffe Lawrence, Ruby Richards, and Thelma Thompson, all of whom assumed their best manners in the parsonie.al presence of the Rev. Willings (Mr N. S. S. Batchelor).

Attractive and businesslike was Miss Dorothy Quill's neat brown jumper suit with white collar and euffs, in which she played the part of the efficient typiste, and delivered an astonishing number of home truths in the shortest possible space of time. Many beautiful bouquets we're presented to the performers, and during the interval, Mrs Henderson-Begg, on behalf of the Council of St. Anne's Guild, thanked the performers, the members of the orchestra (Misses Eileen, Joan, and Charlotte Carter), the girls who assisted in the sale of programmes and sweets, and the men who had acted as ushers.

BALL AT NEWLANDS. A very pleasant time was spent at the fancy dress ball held in the Newlands schoolroom. The attendance was good and many quaint and original dresses were to be seen. The schoolroom was decorated with streamers and bowls of roses and the floor was in excellent oTder. Mr B. Donnelly made an efficient M.C. and the music was provided by Mr W. Rankin, with an extra (waltz) by Mr L. Doig on the pipes. Among those present were: Mesdanies T. Wakelin (Gaiety Girl), H. Andersen (Irish Lady), B. Donnelly (Folly), R. Hampton (Eastern Lady), Kinnard (In dian Lady), T. Kermeen (Victorian Lady), Misses Lee (Superstition), W. Kcrnieen (Good Luck), K. Clemens (Dutch. Peasant), Lundy (Scotch Lassie), Foster (Hospital Sister), E. Kermeen (Registered Letter) Dwyer (Orange Smile), A. Rankin (Spanish Maiden), M. Bennison (Flower Girl),, also Messrs T. Kermeen (Clown), T. "Wakelin (Charlie Chaplin), 11. Hampton (Harry Lauder), W. Clemens, L. Doig (Highlandman), E. Lundy (Commercial Traveller), G. Baynes (Steward), A. Anderson (Irish Gentleman), B. Donnelly J (The Dean), .S. Pennall (Toreador), W. Shim- ■ mins (Shepherd), C. Giles (Jockey), L. fhurck (Bushranger), W. McAliater (Sailor), T. Dwyer (Viscount Wirklow), T. Kermeen (Cowboy), J. Lundy (Policeman). SI. Bain j (The Kid), G. Kinnard (Migktv Monster), A.»| Bennison (Pedlar), J. Mitchell (Stockman), J. Parkin "Auctioneer). The novelty dances of the evening were: i Excuse-mo waltz, tho lucky-spot waltz, won I by Mr J. Church aad Mis 3 E. Kermeen, and tho rose waltz, won by Mr G. Baynes and Mrs B. Donnelly. |

BALL AT ASHBURTON FORKS.

The spinsters and. bachelors of Ashburton Forks held their annual ball on Friday evening, when a "full house" was recorded. The hall was beautifully decorated with coloured streamers and greenery. The lucky-spot waltz, for which Mrs Cass provided prizes, was entered into with keen interest. Sheila Campbell and Percy Hyde were the lueky winners of the children's event. Excellent music was supplied by Messrs Campbell, Green, Morri3 and Kandel, while Miss Evans played extras. During the evening Mr F. Evans, on behalf of the benedicts, thanked the spinsters and bachelors for the very enjoyable evening. The duties of M.C were carried out by Mr A. Langdon. Among those present were: — Miss Ascher white fugi silk; Mrs Horsey black satin; Mrs M. Evans, Miss A. Evans, apricot racrv satin; Mrs W. Hyde, fawn jersey silk; .Miss C. O'Shea, black taffeta, with"Oriental trimmings; Mis W. T. Smith, black satin lace overdress; Misa I. Hyde, white crepe silk, radium lace; Miss M. Hyde, cream fugi silk; Miss K. Hyde, pale blue crepe de chine; Miss N. Smith, apricot crepa de chine; Miss J. Clarke, white and blue sponge voile"; M.ss M. Lamb, blue shot satin; Miss Frisby, henna crepe de chine; Miss Kathleen Donald, pale blue marocain; Miss Viola Lamb, blue shot Mrs R. Whiteman, grey georgette; Mrs T. Green, brown eilk taffeta; Misa J. Cleland, pink crepe de chine; Miss L. Cleland, biue taffeta with Oriental trimming; Misa Hydes, blue silk, radium lace; Miss L. Hydes, pink silk with radium lace.