COSTUME RECITAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 190, 1 November 1927, Page 5

COSTUME RECITAL

j HAMILTON ENTERTAINMENT The Hamilton Town Hall was crowded on Saturday evening when Mr. W. Russell-Wood presented his advanced pupils in a costume and dramatic recital. From the opening scena, “Bedtime,” to the final curtain the audience was kept thoroughly entertained. Not only was the work of a high standard, but the programme was delightfully varied, containing such widely diverse selections as “Matri Dilectissimae” (Henley), the whimsical “Children of the Rainbow,” the broadly comic “Blossom Writes a Film Scenario.” A feature was the manner in which everything was presented, the effective lighting, the beautiful

costuming, the artistic setting and other details being unusually satisfying. The opening scena, “Bedtime,” written by Miss Audrey Perry, of Auckland, was charmingly given by the tiny tots, who also appeared with great success in “Children of the Rainbow,” a fairy play with deepest meanings. “The Princess Innocence” was a very popular item, with Miss Thelma Judge in the name part. Songs were introduced into this play by Miss Rose Moule, who also contributed Barratt’s ‘‘My Ships,” and as an insistent encore, “Big Lady Moon” in the second portion of the programme. Mr. Russell-Wood made an impression with “Matri Dilectissimae,” a poignant poem of grief by W\ E. Henley. To this number a violin obligato was played by Miss Isabel Leak. Perhaps of the children’s items Miss Zoe Faville’s interpretation of “A Beautiful Dream” was outstanding. The visualisation of this tiny child and her interpretive powers amazed and delighted the audience. Miss Doris Mildenhall as the saucy “Puck” also gave a very charming, whimsical per- ! formance. Miss Enid Hosking, of j Auckland, impressed her hearers in j

the dramatic "Story of the Arena.'* Miss Hoskin? also contributed the “Prologue from Henry V.” Excellent comedy was provided by Miss Edna Smeaton and Miss Kathleen Rapp Mrs. E. B. Lovell, L.T.C.L., was warmly received for her story of “A Safety Pin.” and Miss Norma Shepherd in “Earthenware,” and Master Hector Anderson in “Speeches” ga\ • creditable performances. Miss Ruth Lindsay Johnstone and Miss Eileen Hill created much amusement in the sketch “The Crystal Gazer,” and Miss Johnstone also appeared in the corned • “The Reason Why/’ with Mr. A. Donovan. The concluding item was “Blossom Writes a Film Scenario,” by Miss Eileen Hill and Mr. Russell - Wood, who convulsed the audience with their clever and humorous work. Miss Gladys Hill and Miss Marjorie Green were the accompanists. Mr. Esmond Sharp, stage manager, Mr. Ainsworth Donovan, business manager, and the excellent lighting effects wore provided by Mr. John Loughlin.

Numbers of the newest “little” hats are adorned with the resuscitated nose-veil, a fashion best left to the piquant-featured, insouciant type. But others, less happily dowered for this particular mode, seem only too determined to adopt it. judging by the number of these little veils on the market! Incidentally, they are dyed in colours to match the hat they decorate, and are composed of net.