ENTERTAINMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2220, 27 June 1891, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENT.

The long-looked-for “ Barnardo concert ” is over at last, and, as predicted, was most successful. Long before 7.80 the ticket-holders had crowded the Oddfellows’ Hall to the doors, and those who came after had either to stand without or go away disappointed. The idea of such a conceit devoted to such a purpose, was first conceived by Misses Alice and Mary Fish, to whom special mention is due for the arduous, yet unassuming, manner in which they went to work to enlist the services of those who could in any way lend assistance. With the valuable assistance of Messrs B>. H. Fearpoini, H. W. Moore, W, M. Moore, J. Wilson Smith, and, in fact, all who took part in the entertainment, they were thus enabled to bring their idea to a successful issue, and Dr Barnardo’s J Home will benefit accordingly. The first part of the programme was opened by an overture, 'Swallow’s Waltz,’ by an efficient orchestra, composed of Miss Fish (piano), Mr T. Sherratt (2nd violin), Mr W. Stonehonse (cornet), and Mr Crow (clarionet). The Bev. A B Todd then mounted the platform, by request, and expressed his warmest sympathy with the object *he promoters of the concert had in view. ‘The Village Chorister ’ (Moscheles) was then rendered: with pretty effect by the eompaay,( .consisting of Misses Flab, and Andrews, Mrs Guy, and Messrs H. Moore and J. Jones. Mr Foster was loudly applauded for his forcible rendition of the song ' Unfurl the Danner.’ The next item was a plaintive little song, 'Nobody’s Child,’ sung in character by Miss Maggie Morrison, with echo accompaniment by the company at the back of the stage. Mias Morrison had to respond to a vociferous encore. Masters W. Berry and B, and E. White, dressed as’ sailor boys, were recalled for the trio ‘ Three Sailor Boys.’ Miss Fish, with much pathos, sang * The Little Match Girl.’ The company then delighted the audience with the glee * Jack and Jill,’ for which they were recalled, and in response sang ‘ Cherry Bipe.’ Mr Foster concluded the first part of the programme with, the song 'They all Love Jack,’ rendered in first-class style, and in return for au undeniable encore sang ‘The Bed, White, and Blue.’ The second part of .-the programme was a musical charade, entitled 1 £ s. n,’ in wbieh Mr H. M. Moore took the part of Moses, the money-lender. Mr Moore’s make-up was excellent, and his splendid acting of the part frequently reminded one of Bhylock and bis pound of flesh, Mr Moore’s imitation of the foreign accent was very good. Mr A. G. Cox was very happy in bis part, that of a young man about te enter the bonds of matrimony, and Miss A. Cox, as Folly, his future wife, was very pleasing. The last part of the programme was opened, with an overture, “ Bitter Sweet Waltz,” by the orchestra, and then came the concluding item of the evening, which sent everyone away in the best of spirits, “ Toby Tweadleton’a Tail Coat.” Mr A, E. Hawkins took the part of the title role, Toby Tweedleton, an exceedingly nervous young -man, in love with Evelina Bracebutton but yery short of ' coin.’ Mr Hawkins’s part was a very humourous one, and his acting of it created roars of laughter. Mr B, H. Fearpoint’s get-up as Mr Barnaby Bracebutton, a retired hosier, who was always putting bis “ H’s ” in the wrong place, and murdering the Queen’s English, was very realistic, and be acted the part with great care and exactness, Mr W. M. Moore impersonated the part of Mr Fatechnicon with well-con-sidered action, and in the parts where much sternness was required, he excelled. Mr F. Wilson Smith had a part which fitted Him like a glove. Blackberry Thietleton, of Thistleton Farm, a horsey man, who knew all the latest ’concerning racing and prize-fighting His 'imitation of the yokel’s brogue and. simplicity of manner wsa very trlie. There were only two ladies in the farce, Miss J. Wilson Smith and Miss A:. Fish. Miss Smith’s part was that of Byelina Bracebutton, a blushing London belle, and she looked remkrkahly well in a costume of dark yelyetaen, with heavy lace embroidery, Miss A. Fish bad a minor part, that of Kitty Spruce, maid of all work, but that did not prevent her from displaying some fine pieces of acting, and given a better part she would undoubtedly make the most of it. On the, whole, the piece, which was very ludicrddr throughout, went off without pne single hitch, and everyone went away'-pleased and delighted beyond measure. The scenery used was. kindly lent by Mr B. H. Pearpoint on bebalt of the Geraldine Bifles. It would be a good thing if another entertainment of this kind could be got up for some benevolent cause .nearer home, such, for instance, as the relieving of poverty in Christchurch.