MANGAHAO PIERROT TROUPE.

Shannon News, 30 June 1922, Page 4

MANGAHAO PIERROT TROUPE.

AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING PER-

FORMAJNCE. ?

Visitors from Shannon on Wednesday last received an agreeable surprise at Arapeti Camp, when the Camp Pierrot Troupe made their debut. Since the last visit of the Shannon folk Jo the bi-weekly dance, there has been added to the hall at Arapeti a stage with a drop curtain and side screens, giving a good finish for concert work. Commencing sharp to time, there was no break in,a two-hour programme, which was very enjoyable. "Keep Smiling," the opening crorus of the troupe, readily put the large audience in happy Ihumour, which lasted throughout the evening. Mr Shields came next with a ballad, followed by Mr Davis in a banjo solo, which was encored. Mrs, West in "Peggy O'Neil," with male chorus,, was well received. A flute selection by Mr Fearn was much appreciated. Mr West evoked much mirth in the mu- j sic-hall turn, "Cabbages, Gabeans and Carrots," and the audience! showed its appreciation of the step dances of Mr Petherbridge by a double encore. Mr Kelly replaced Mrs Davis in "Miami Shore," with dance chorus, Mrs Davis being absent through illnessThe finale of Part I. was a musical sketch by Mr and Mrs West, which was much appreciated. After an interval of five minutes, Mr Nichol came on with a fine tenor solo, "Somewhere a Voice is Caning." Next in order were Messrs Finlayson and Kelly, who took the audience by storm in a topical song in which all late incidents of camp life and troubles were aired. Messrs. Davis and Hardie, banjo and mandoline respectively, ; Aviere accorded a recall. Mr Petherbridge again responded to the wishes of an enthusiastic audience with step dances; followed by Mr J. Olsen in "Omaha," a song which was well received. A concerted number followed, in which Mr Shields took the solo part, supported by a chorus. Mr Hardaker followed with a' comic recitation that was encored, and Mr Davis supplied a ragtime song- Mr Forth, who has previously made a welcome appearance in the Shannon district,; in a first-class novelty act, held the attention of the audiencfe in no uncertain way. In fact, a. doable encore was insisted upon. I'he closing chorus, "Happy," was a go-od finish to a ; truly happy first perl ordinance, and the readers of the Shannon News will wish a well-deserved "Good luck" to the initiative shown on opening night.

' The costumes, which, are ; a check design in black and white, arb very effective, and are .the design of Mrs Finlayson. They are a relief from the plain white usually associated with pierrots. The lighting effects, under tl i& direction of Mr Wain, greatly add ed to the general success. After supper a very enjoyable dance concluded the evening.