Poise and polish

Press, 22 June 1981, Page 6

Poise and polish

“The Children’s Show“ at the. Repertory Theatre, Sunday, June 21. Running time: 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reviewed by Claire Marsh. Telethon ‘Bl is only six days away and Christchurch children took advantage of the occasion to display their talents and raise money for the handicapped. Credit for the evenings entertainment goes to Mr Ray Lewis, who. two years ago, felt there was a need to encourage young talent and entertain senior citizens. This proved such a success that he was encouraged to present a show for the public and was able to give $BOO to the last Telethon appeal. This year 200 youngsters, aged from six to 16. combined to present with poise

and polish a programme consisting of dancing, music, magic and acrobatics, there was a truly international flavour, the "programme opening with a .maori action song from the Otautahi Maori Youth Club, and including Irish, Russian,, and Scottish dancing. "Sure and Begorrah” was performed by the Pratts Irish Dancers with finesse, delighting the audience with ' their talented dancing, .and beautiful costumes. Davad the-Magician provided variety and mystery.

Ballet was well represented with selections from Beryl Hatherley’s Ballet School and Ann Judson’s Ballet Academy. /Pauline Leathern’s Tap Dancers showed the audience, their

“Happy Feet” and Kay Bell arid Joanne Thomas provided comedy in their song and dance number of “Underneath the Arches.” Te .Wai Pounamu College pupils, although rather unimaginatively grouped so that many of them were unseen by the audience, gave a skilled display with the sticks. Highlights of the evening however, were provided by the Buckett’s acrobatic team whose members with their supple bodies which were manipulated into unbelievable contortions defied gravity in their tumbling. Mr Ray Lewis, who produced , and compered the show, is to be congratulated on a fine effort.