THE FAMOUS “DIGGERS.”

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1920, Page 1

THE FAMOUS “DIGGERS.”

V MERRY AND BRIGHT PERFORMANCE.

There was a capital attendance at the Princess Theatre last night to witness the first programme of “The Diggers,” the New Zealand Divisional Pierrots, who helped to make life merry anclj brighter for the lads at the. front. The visitors came with a considerable reputaton, and it was well sustained last night. The company numbers about twenty, half of whom constitute the orchestra. There was never a dull moment, nor an idle- one, for if the stage was not occupied the orchestra was filling tlio breach with bright music. The performers did excellently, and the audience made heavy demands upon them. All the items were encored, and every phase of the evening’s programme was enjoyed. The applause was hearty and the laughter frequent and free. The audience certainly enjoyed itself.

Tlie programme was in lighter vein with much characterisation of a most amusing kind, but always clever, and the pater that was bright and catchy. The troupe has plenty of talent, and whether in concerted efforts or in individual numbers ,cach member won very hearty approbation. Mr Tano Fama is a most capable actor, and played many parts exceedingly well. Mr Stan Lawson in female impersonations, was to the manner born. The costumes and frockings were all choice, and the player boro ‘herself” with a charm and a dantiness of action which quite deceived the audience as to the sex of the performer, till in the finale the wig was removed, and ‘“plain man” stood revealed. Mr Lawson’s efforts were most pleasing, not to say captivating. Mr (r. P. Hama was another who achieved high distinction. His charcoal sketches have long been famous, and his work last evening ,Mr Massey, the digger’s “bag,” the “Digger” himself, and finally a speaking likeness of a well-known •local citizen, sustained tlie artist’s repu. tntion. In some character acting, Mr Hanna added to his laurels, his business being mirth provoking. The male voice quartette and the vocal solos were all much appreciated. All the performers were capable and pleased the audience greatly with their renditions. The sketches by the company were very humorous. “The Pride of the Drer ’ was very pleasingly done from every point of view, while the “Leave Train” and the “Music Hall’ ’ were mirth-pro-voking. Further variety was added by the dancing, and altogether the stage craft of the “Diggers” proved to be

very thorough. The very capable orchestra lent splendid aid, hot forgetting the cornet in the Salvation Army item. The orchestra played three or four selections, and these together with the accompanists,. and the incidental music, were all- very, acceptable to the audience, which applauded so heartily each item.

TO-NIGHT. The “Diggers” conclude their short season here this evening, when an entire change of programme will be given. No doubt another good house will greet the company in appreciation of their service abroad, and to enjoy one of the brightest forms of entertainment put upon the local stage. The company deserves every credit for the stage management, which retains the unbroken attention of the audienco from rise to fall of curtain. There is not a dull momen during the whole evening, asi the very pleasant satisfied audience test,fled last night hy the frequent applause and almost constant laughter.