POPULAR CONCERT PARTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 July 1942, Page 4

POPULAR CONCERT PARTY

VISIT TO CLAREVILLE.

SPLENDID RECEPTION LAST NIGHT. That Mrs Miller Hope’s concert party possess the talent and the type of programme which appeals to the taste of audiences was demonstrated at Clareville las night when a gathering of some hundreds gave the performers a great reception. Encoie after encore was demanded, and the enthusiasm which prevailed was worthy oi tne programme presented. One of the audience who had been associated with the Pollaid Juveniles forty to fifty years ago likened the performers to the foundation upon which Tom Pollard’s famous company was built anct which produced such noted theatrical personalities as Will Percy, Maud Beatty, May Beatty, Gertie Campion. Zoe Karkeek. Ma Russell. Harry Queally and Charlie Albert. The programme last night was o£ a standard much above the average amateur performance, particularly in regard to the choruses. songs and dancing, and the audience were wildly enthusiastic over the presentations, and accorded the performers ringing cheers at the conclusion. “Come again soon was the repeated request made to Mrs Miller Hope, who has undoubtedly displayed exceptional ability in getting _ together and training a concert party which reflects the greatest credit upon herself as well as on the performers. Quite at home before the footlights. displaying a most commendable stage presence and prettily costumed, the gnls quickly won their way into the hearts oi the audience, whether it was in an Irish Jig, a comic trio of the “Mulberry Farm” type, a song, a dance, or a chorus. As the large audience joined in the choruses the rafters shook with the volume of the sound. Harry Hall was at his best and those who remember him forty years ago when he was the leading comedian in New Zealand and one of the outstanding performers in Australasia. will realise the treat that those piesent enjoyed. Every item went with a swing and the girls were cheered to the echo for their work. At the conclusion of the concert Mrs Miller Hope was thanked for having brought her party to Clareville, and she expressed appreciation of the warm welcome accorded the performers and of the services of all those who had so splendidly assisted in the presentation of the concert. After the performers had been cheered by the audience and the compliment returned by the performers. the party was entertained at supper. By special request Mrs Miller Hope’s party will contribute to a programme in Masterton on Saturday night.