AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENT

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 817, 27 May 1871, Page 2

AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENT

A highly successful Amateur Entertainment in aid of the funds of the "Westport Athenaeum took place at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening, the anniversary of Her Majesty's birthday. The attendance was exceedingly good, the house being well filled notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, evidence of the popularity of the institution as also the merits of the gentlemen taking part in tho entertainment. The programme which was a very long one, comprised an excellent selection of descriptive and comic songs, glees and a recitation, "The Wreck of the Hesperus," by Mr Alexander, a Melbourne visitor was given with much effect and was very highly appreciated The songs were effectively rendered, and one, on the death of Nelson by Mr Greenwood, our Charleston visitor, brought down the house. Mr Cox gave a very clever performance on musical glasses which was followed by a local song, the " Proposed Corporation," which elicited very great applause and contained some very genial and happy hits. The glees were exceedingly well rendered, and this the more remarkable taking into consideration the very limited time for rehearsal, the company having had barely a fortnight to make every preparation. Some of the glees required a very considerable proficiency in music. Mr Poole, as an Irish Schoolmaster and Mr Marshall, as Dr Bustemsquash, in his lecture on anatomy provoked roars of laughter. Mr Crawford's accompaniment on the piano was highly appreciated. Everyone seemed greatly delighted with the various items of the programme which closed with " God Save the Queen " by the entire company.assisted by the audience standing. We understand that Mrs Pickering rendered really most valuable service during the rehearsals, and the success of the affair is in no small measure owing to her kind assistance. The public will be glad to learn that the receipts of the Committee, after defraying all expenses, will leave a handsome balance to the credit of the Athenaeum Fund.