TROUBADOUR ENTERTAINMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1919, Page 3

TROUBADOUR ENTERTAINMENT.

REVIVAL OF STAR MINSTRELS. The revival of the Star Minstrel troupe of entertainers, who appeared at the Good Templar Hal last night, iu a troubadour turn in the interests of St. Mary's Mart Day for the Parish Peace Memorial Fund, met with a popular reception, and the large audience that filled the hall showed enthusiastic appreciation o[ the efforts of the company. The nine ladies and'gcntlemen who formed the party entered into the proceedings heartily, and succeeded in presenting a j bright and sparkling programme of ' ballads, quartettes,, and choruses in a manner which betokened an understanding ; of the requirements for an entertainment of that nature. 'Songs were sung by Mrs. Wilkes and Mrs. Newton, Messrs P. Frederic, S. Dunstan, and Sergt.-Major Gill, the others of the partv being Misses Chong and Bcllringei', Messrs Okey and Bellringer. In addition to the vocalists, there were also some dancersj who delighted the audience with their efforts "Madam Sophie Carmen" (whose voice was of unmistakable masculine quality) appeared in a comic song entitled "Mrs. Brown," and earlier in the programme led a cake walk with the company. A Cachuqua dance was given by Misses Clarke and Palmer, in which the company also joined in singing a chorus. One of the most successful ( items was that given by the male voices of the company, assisted by "Madam Carmen" (Mr. McEwan), entitled "The Cottage by the Sea" Mr. 0. E. New made a good hit as a comedian, and his "Fireman" turn and in "Archibald, Certainly Not" he entertained the audience to some droll humor. Miss Palmer also gave a very pretty butterfly dance, for which she was enthusiastically encored. The programme ■ concluded ' with an operatic melody (which" was really a medley of airs from the operas) by' the company, in which they sang their "Good Night" to the audience. A feature of the entertainment was (ho costuming effects, these adding greatly to the general presentation of the programme. In addition to the performers, a number of gaily dressed children sold flowers to members of the audience. During an interval Mr. Webster disposed, by auction, of a three-tier cake that had been presented for the occasion, the auction realising about £l2. Mng Webster, on behalf of Mrs. Hu,sh Baily, who organised the entertainment, publicly thanked those who had given any assistance towards its success. The entertainment was produced under the direction of Mr. Baily, Mr. C. Renaud was musical director, 'and Mr. C. E. New stage manager.