SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3527, 21 August 1926, Page 2

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.

The concert organised by the Sports Carnival Committee, and staged at the Royal Theatre on Thursday night, was an unqualified success and merited the approval of a large audience. The first part of the programme took the form of a minstrel entertainment, the performers being seated in a semicircle on the stage, the four cornermen appearing in characteristic costumes and blackened faces, contrasting with the evening dresses of the others. The chorus work was well-balanced and tuneful, Avliile the jokes, antics and funnyisms of the corner-men kept the audience in a simmer of laughter. The concert opened with the chorus “How do you do,” individual members singing a verse with local allusions. Mr Powell sang “Old Virginnia” with fine expression, the chorus being well-balanced. Mr. Knewstubs was in good form with his dance item. Mi'. King took the solo in “Old Folks at Home.” The chorus “Moses,” with more local lifts, was a great success as was Mr. Mason’s rendering of “Dublin Bay,” the chorus movements lending animation to the song. At the request of the corner men, the interlocutor’s little terrier showed how lie eoulcl wash his face, say his prayers, smoke a pipe and sing, to the evident delight of the audience. Mr. Barron was in good voice and gave a fine rendering of “Roaming,” the company taking up the chorus with a swinging movement. “Old Kentucky Home,” by Mr. Hinds and company was another acceptable item. “High Street Africa” by Mr. Hornblow with Mr. H. Hutchins as “the # belle of Zanzibar,” fairly brought down the house, the roar of the audience as the cannibal bride paraded the stage fairly drowned (lie chorus. The corner men kept the fun going between the items, their antics and jokes causing much merriment. Those taking part in the company items were: Mrs Scott, Misses Stevenson, Chalk, Patterson (2), Walsh, Martin, Messrs J. K. Hornblow (interlocutor) Mason, Barron, lviftg, Hinds, Powell (‘conductor), M. Cook and the four inimitable corner men, Messrs D. Knewstubs, W. Williams, H. Hutchins and IL Hornblow. The second half consisted of vocal items. Miss Brereton (Palmerston North) sang “Spring eomes Laughing” and in response to an undeniable recall, sang “The Rosary.” Mr. Powell displayed his versatility by putting on a cheapjack salesman and pennies littered the stage as he quitted his cure-all nostrums to buyers in 'the audience. The Maori quartette—Messrs. Ellers, Hakaraia and McGregor (2) — had to respond to a double encore for their unaccompanied singing of “Annie Laurie” and responded with “Chicken Pie”—these items called forth vociferous applause. Miss Chalk gave a nice interpretation of the old favourite, “Coinin’ through the Rye.” Mr. G. F. Smith was in good voice and won a well-deserved recall for his rendering of “There’s a Land” and responded with a humorous recitation “Mindin’ a ’ole in the road.” In this he was equally successful, his cockney accent being perfect. Mjr. Billy ’Williams contributed some clever impersonations and had to respond to calls for more. Miss M. Patterson’s singing of “My Prayer,” wa*s very acceptable.

Before the last item, Mi'. Hornblow formally introduced the Sports Queen candidate, Miss Mona Stevenson, who was given a flattering ovation, and on her behalf thanked the audience and performers for their assistance and attendance. .

The company then sang the chorus “Good Night”-—one of the best concerted items of the evening, followed by the National Anthem. The accompaniments were played by Messrs Jensen (piano), Corn (violin) and Mrs Ellers, Misses Patterson and Wloods. '

The performers were subsequently entertained at supper at Perreau’s.