WEST END SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1921, Page 5

WEST END SCHOOL.

SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT. The Empire Theatre was packed last night for the opening performance of the West End School entertainment. Soon after 7.30 p.m. the sale of tickets had to be stopped, and some hundreds could not secure seats. The performers at once pleased the audience, who showed their appreciation of the various items by demanding encores, which were readily acceded to. From the opening item to the close there was not a dull moment, the performance going with a swing. There were no unnecessary delays between the items, and each performer entered into his or her part with a refreshing abandon, and the result was a tribute to the performers' aptitude and the painstaking care ol those responsible for the entertainment.

The programme opened with a pianoforte duet, “Waves of the Ocean,” well rendered by Misses Rita and Ruby Sole, Then followed the Sailors’ Hornpipej gracefully danced in costume by a number of girls, who had to respond to a recall, as they also did later when they danced the “Irish Jig” and the “Cochuca,” both in appropriate costumes. The effect in the dances was very pretty, and was enhanced by the limelight. The character duet, “Little Mr. Baggy Breeches,” by Ella Thomson, aad Roy Sole, was one of the gems or the evening, their fresh young voices and quaint costumes proving irresistible. A pianoforte solo, “Love’s Dream,** was nicely played by Maida Jones, who gave as an encore, “The Rosary.” Ella Thomson, the possessor of a fine voice, sang “The Great Red Dawn is Shining,” and as an encore “Daffodils From My Garden.” Gerald Hoskin gave a recitation, “The East Wind” with great forcefulness, giving as an encore the humorous item, “The Quarrel in the Oven.” Mr. J. Lovell, the Westown comedian, was in great form with, “A Farmer’s Boy” and “Turn Over.” Norma Beat recited, very feelingly “The Cripple Boy,” evidencing careful training. As an encore she recited a humorous piece with equal success. ‘The sketch, “In and Out of a Punt,” by Mr. and Mrs. Rountrde, proved very entertaining, the performers showing considerable ability. The second part of the performance opened with a pianoforte duet, “Westward Ho,” well rendered by Misses Rita and Ruby Sole. Then "the West End Blackbirds took charge, and a striking scene they made in their vari? ous quaint costumes, with J. Lovell occupying the central position as Massa Johnson, and the remaining twentyeight performers being children, with Masters Roy Sole and T. Petty as tambos, and F. Page and P. McMahon as bones. They played their parts splendidly, exchanging jokes and repartee with Massa Johnson in a manner that would have done credit to much older performers. The general effect of the choruses and ‘‘business” was very good, whilst the jokes, and particularly the local hits, were remarkably good. Several of the solos were very well rendered, including “Gwine Back to Dixie,” and “When Uncle Joe Plays a Rag,” by Roy Sole, and “Let the Rest of the World Go By,” by Dorothy Coleman, both being encored. Massa Johnson’s songs, “Golden Slippers” and “Laughing Song,” were in his own inimitable style. Miss Sole acted as accompanist throughout the performance?, in addition to assisting with the overtures.

The entertainment was a distinct success, and too much credit cannot be .accorded the promoters and conductors, Messrs. J. Hoskin, T. Petty and J. Lovell. The concert will be repeated this evening. Mr. Medley’ (chairman of the comYuittee) announced that ;n order that ticket-holders might be assured of a seat-, it had been decided to admit tkket-hoWcrs only up to 7.30 p.m., after which the ticket office would be opened. During the interval the Mayi ;• (Mr. (F. E. Wilson) presented the shields won by the school in the -wimming relay races. In congratulating West End on their win, the Mayor referred to the great interest the school ’had always taken in swimming