ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1921, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

DE SPONG’S ENTERTAINMENT. Th* elocutionary recital given by Mr. T. De Spong was greatly enjoyed by all v’ho attended the Empire Theatre * last night. Patrons were treated to a variety of selections, tastefully chosen, and Mr. De Spong held the interest of his audience throughout. Well-known extracts from the works of Byron, Longfelhs^* - * Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Tennyson and Shakespeare were ably delivered. “The Bells” (Poe) was a fine piece of work, and other recitations which found much favor were “Listen to the Water Mill”, “Our Glorious Dead", and “Not Understood”, al! being sympathetically delivered in artistic style. Lovens of this class of entertainment welcomed Mr. De Spong’s items whole-heartedly. In lighter vein he was equally successful, and as a raconteur of humorous stories had the audience in a bright mood. Monologues and sketches were given in variety, demonstrating the versatility and cleverness of the performer. At the, eonelusion of the programme Mr. De Spong was called on for a couple of extra items, and gave a ready response. Vocal items given by Mr. 0. Firkin (baritone) were deservedly popular, and on each of Iris appearances )< was doubly encored. His songs included: “Because , “Invictus”, “The RosarjJ' and “I Know of Two Bright r