CONCERT AND PLAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 13 July 1907, Page 3

CONCERT AND PLAY.

Despite the most unfavourable weather on Thursday night, a very good attendance of the public was present at the concert and play organised by All Sainst’ choir, for the purpose of augmenting its funds. The vicar, Rev. G. YoungWoodward, in opening the proceedings, said the concert had been organised for the purpose of reducing the debt on the church organ. He specially thanked the promoters, and all who had lent their assistance. In conclusion, he said there was no reason why a series of dramatic pieces should not be staged. The orchestra, under the able conductorship of Mr Berthold, opened the progamme with a well-played selection. Vocal items were contributed by Mesdames Robinson, Clemett,. Barnard, Miss O’Connor (pianoforte solo), Messrs Fowler, Cook (encore), F. Woods, Fowler and Shadbolt (duet), Mr Moorman (flute solo), and recitations by Messrs Burnard and Hornblow. The accompaniments were played by Mesdames Leslie and Young, Misses O’Conner and Cook. After an interval, the humourous breach of promise case, Bardell v, Pickwick, was staged, and, judging by the continuous ripple of laughter, was thoroughly appreciated by the audience. Mrs Barnard (the Judge), although not Dickens’ irascible, snuffy individual, was a typical modern dignified judge, and acted her part to perfection. Mrs Rodie, as the plaintiff Mrs Bardell, created roars ot laughter b\ 7 her funny “make-up’’and judicious business, and Master Moran as her “ little boy,’’ fell into his part as to the manner born. Mr Rodie, as the defendant, was the ideal character, and his concluding remarks to the widow, provided an excellent finale. Miss McMillan, as Sergt. Buzfuz (counsel for the plaintiff), did remarkably well, possessing a good stage appearance, and clear enunciation. Mr Phillips took the part of Sergt. Snubbin, at short notice, in a manner which stamped him a first-rate amateurMiss Jenks, as Sam Weller, created roars of laughter bj r her actions and cockney interjections. Mrs Clemett, as Mrs Cluppins, simply brought down the house, her “ make-up ’’and antics from the time she sent the Court crier sprawling on the floor, till she left the witness box, kept the audience intensely amused. Mr Shields, as Perker, and Miss Waldmann, as Winkle, made the most of their minor parts. Mrs Stewart, as foreman of the jury, was enough to make the proverbial cat laugh, and she was ably assisted by the other members of the jury, namely, Misses Fraser and Voysey, and Messrs Shields and Mitchell.

The singing of the National Anthem by the whole house brought a first-class entertainment to a close.

The affair will result in a net profit of /10.