DIGGERS’ MUSICAL HALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 July 1939, Page 9

DIGGERS’ MUSICAL HALL

BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT.

R.S.A. FUNDS AUGMENTED

A large and enthusiastic audience enjoyed, the variety and the humour of the “Diggers' Music Hall” staged last night at the Opera House in aid of the Wairarapa R.S.A. funds. Produced by Mr C. C. Marsack, it was a fine show, well-staged and ably presented. The first half consisted of plays and thumbnail sketches interspersed with musical numbers. The sketches were bright with rapid action and credit is due to all the players, who were Missps Phyllis Shearer, Joyce Shearer, Shirley Copeland. Vera Corlet and Messrs C. C. Marsack. J. Kennedy. J. Claridge, F. Price, N. Fleming, O. Hemmingsen.

A particularly original sketch was entitled “Miscast," and not even ths introductory remarks of the producer warned the audience of the ridiculously amusing matrimonial mix-up which followed. A story without words, billed as “Every Man His Own Carpenter” showed Mr Fred Price, game to the end. as he determinedly tried to overcome the wobbly characteristics of the legs of a table. Songs were given by Messrs C. A. Clement and L. Dilnot Wales, both receiving enthusiastic encores. But the real vocal surprise was the item by Professor Ap. Rhys. The audience undoubtedly thought they had discovered a “voice” until it was realised that the "Professor's” facial contortions were cleverly synchronised with the voice of a famous baritone broadcast pei amplifiers from a gramophone record

Mr Harry Hall in his "ten minutes of humour" was a popular performer and Jack Barnes and his Rhythm Boys provided stirring and appropriate music by way’ of overture and entr'acte numbers.

The second half was an Estaminel scene, the 11 male players appropriately dressed in uniform with Mrs C. C Marsack as a charming Mademoisell. efficiently conducting the bar. Soldiers’ songs and fun were the order of this part of the programme which included a game of “Crown ano Anchor" to give it real war-time colour plus an amusing air-raid. Solo? were taken by Messrs R. Gilbert, W Mann and P. Hancock with Mr T. Handcock at. the piano. The other "Diggers" and “Old Bill' were playec by Messrs G. Dickel, S. Barber. I Sykes, V. Wil lon. F. Coleman. F. Price and J. McKenzie.

During the interval. Mr R. Whyborn president of the Wairarapa R.S.A.. thanked Mr Marsack for his able work as producer and the players lor their enthusiastic support. The ‘’Diggers Music Hall’’ was the final effort tc raise funds for the entertainment of the Australians next year and ,Mr Whyborn announced tnat the final amount raised was £7OO, part of which would make the local quota to the R.S.A. headquarters fund. He thanked the public for such generous support and assured his audience that the Wairarapa ex-service men were intensely proud of their public which had never failed them. He stressed the fact that the money raised would be used prudently, a characteristic of the financial methods of his Association.