BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20729, 14 December 1932, Page 16

BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

ANNUAL CONCERT. AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME. The Ciiristchurch Boys' High School annual concerts are justly renowned for the excellence of the musical and dramatic fare presented. It is doubtful, however, whether the School has ever presented a better entertainment tnan this year's concert, which attracted a large audience to the Radiant Hall last night. The main itcnis o*l the programme were an lan Hay burlesque, "The Crimson Coconut." and an ambitious comic opera, "Once Aboard the Lugger." Both were characterised by clever acting and bright humour; and in neither was there much trace of the awkwardness that usually mars juvenile productions. The programme opened with the School Song, after which an item was giyen by the School Band, under Mr C H. Hoskin. Them a display was given by the Gymnastic Squad, followed by a fine item from an instrumental trio, consisting of J. Minson, J.-Rogers, and Mr T. Vernon Griffiths, who was responsible for tho musical direction throughout the evening. "The Crimson Coconut" was then staged. The characters were as follows:—Jack Pincher (a detective), R. W. Kibblewhite; Robert (a waiter), R. W. Burns); Mr Jabstick, M. A. Rickard; Nancy Jabstick (his daughter), R. McKay; Nitro. Gliserinski (an anarchist), B. IX Foley; Madame Gliserinski. K. YY. Robinson. The scene was "Spaghetti's Restaurant, Soho," and into this sinister place came a young detective, adequately represented by R. W. Kibblewhite, who in intervals of pursuing Nancy Jabstick, a coy "maiden," was hot on the trail of two "anarchists," Nitro Gliserinski and his wife. An integral part of the chase was a bomb masquerading as a coconut. R. W. Burns, who played the part of Robert, a waiter, had good opportunity of displaying his considerable talents for clowning. • The second item on the programme "Once Aboard the Lugger," a comic opera for boys in two acts, with book and lyrics by Rodney Bennett, and music by Alee Rowley, told the story of how Captain Macgregor, of the "Nutcracker," had a passion for song w T ith harmonium accompaniment, and took his boat for a voyage to tropic, ■waters in order that he might afflict the crew by holding practices for vocal culture and the singing of folk songs. Unfortunately the ship sprung a leak near a coral island, -where the crew were beset by. cannibals and rescued only by the intervention of the harmoniumsalvaged by "Sludgy," the clown .of the crew—the strains of which were rei garded by the natives with superstitious reveration. This plot provided the vehicle for much concerted singing, solos, and dramatic work; but it presented obvious difficulties, and that these were successfully overcome spoke highly for the work of the producer and musical director. A feature svas the clear soprano singing of V. Thomas. The characters -were as follows: Captain Macgregor (of the "Nutcracker") —A. Pinwill. Mr Higgins (his Mate) —V. Thomas. The Bosun—J. G. Woods. Tom (the Cabin Boy)—K. R. Newson. Mr Heeney (Chips, the Ship's Carpenter)—E. B. Spear. Sludgy Meagles (alias Misery, a Sailor) —J. T. Andrews. Cannibal King—G. R. Buchanan. Chorus—Sailors and Savages, Following were the various songs, recitations, and dances given:— Chorns: "Never go to Sea"; solo: "A Tame Harmonium" (Mate and Chorus); chorus: "I Sowed a Seed in Spring"; shanty: "Farewell, London"; chorus: "A Thousand Miles We've Sailed"; chorus: "The Mermaid"; finale (Captain, Mate, Bosun, and Chorus); melo•drama and dance of savage; burlesque Greek dance (Meagles); recitative and chorus: "How Luscious was the Scent" (Bosun and Chorus); ballad: "I Mourn the Day I Lost You" (Captain and Chorus); entry and chorus: "Our Harmonium"; finale (All). "The Crimson Coeonut" was produced by Mr S. R. Cuming, and "Once Aboard the Lugger" by Mr G. S. Troup, The performance will be repeated to-night.