Entertainment in aid of the Fire Brigade.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1673, 1 April 1886, Page 4

Entertainment m aid of the Fire Brigade.

The Palmerston Musical and Dramatic J Society gave their sixth* entertainment J m aid" of the funds of the Palmerston J Volunteer Firo Brigade last evening, m I the Theatre Royal, and considering the state of the weather drew a well packed house upstairs and down. The performance commenced with a brilliant overture by the Club's orchestra under the leadership of Herr Norberg, ably assisted ' by Messrs Curreen, Kendall, and others. The curtain then rose on the highly amusing farcical comedy, by J. M. Mor ton, entitled "Done on both sides." The characters taken were as follows : — Mr Whiffles, retired exciseman Mr Gr. E. Hawkins, Mr Jno lirownjohn, an adventurer, Mr : E. Johnston, Pygmalion Phibbs, a veterinary surgeon, Mr W. J. Haybittle, Mrs Whiffles, Lady Amateur, Miss Lydia Whiffles, Lady Amateur, The piece went from first -to last without a single hitch. Mr G-. E. Hawkins played his part remarkably well, and exceeded the expectations that had been j formed by most people with' regard to his stage ability, his correct acting being frequently applauded. Indeed, as a matter or fact, we have seen but few amateurs appear to better advantage. An amateur, as Miss Whiffles, played 1 her part admirably, and received wolldeserved rounds of applause. Heir song, . " Take me back to Switzerland " was very sweetly rendered, and added greatly < to. the success of the piece. Mr W. J.* Haybittle was capitally got upland his spirited acting infused genuine life into the piece. Mr E. Johnston was most • successful m \liis representation at ■. the nart of Mr John Brownjohn, who was m love with Lydia. Mr Johnston has, without doubt; improved considerably since -lris""forme"r appearance m public. Lydia played fier part correctly andwith confidence^ und m th« second piece displayed her natural ab l«ty to still greater cdVantae-e. The violin performance by Mr Cohen was a genuine treat, and the effect was considerably enhanced by the faultless execution of a lady pianist, to whom we have not before had the plea sure dt listening, but who, we trust; will m future frequently delight a Palraeretbn audience. This was followed by the screaming farce by Neville Robinson, entitled--*' Joffins' Latcukey," the characters m which were taken as follows :— Mr Joffins, 17, Magdella Terrace Mr J. S. Jolly, Mr Sloggs, 18, Magdela Terrace, Mr Fred Pirani, Mrs Sloggs, ludr amateur, Elizabetb Ann, a maid servant, lady amateur. The farce went capitally throughout, and really earned its right to be called a screaming farce, as it caused unlimited merriment with cash succeeding comical and mirth-provoking situation. Mr Jolly, as Joflins, fairly surpassed all previous efforts, and the other characters were ably sustained, the curtain falling amid hearty, , laught«r and prolonged j applause. The Mayor, A. Ferguson, ] E^q., here came before the curtain and thanked the audience for their attendance, and also stated that the Club were willing: to repsat the entertainment next Friday j evening, on account of th«> present night ' being somewhat unfavourable, to a larger attendance. The Mayor further expresseda hope that Friday evening would see the crowded house which the Societyso well deserved. The performance con eluded with a fire tableau;, skillfully and successfully carried out by the stage manager, Mr Jolly, assisted by the members of the Fire Brigade, and which proved a capital conclusion to the entertainment. Mr Jolly deserves the highest credit for the able manner m which he brought out his cornpan;; last evening. The performance ran smoothly from be-, ginning to end, and it is rare indeed that an amateur entertainment succeeds m so completely securing the favour of a mixe I though often critical audience. After last evening's performance, so well did those who took part therein establish themselves m public, favour, no fears as to, possible failure need be apprehended m future, and bumper houses may invariably be looked forward to.