ACTORS’ BENEFIT

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 237, 21 June 1926, Page 4

ACTORS’ BENEFIT

ENJOYABLE CONCERT AT OPERA HOUSE. Nine years ago a small band of theatrical people in Wellington came to the conclusion that a sick and benefit fund should be started for actors in Wellington. They raffled a sovereign, and realised .£lO. They then formed themselves into the Wellington Theatrical Employees’ Sick and Benefit Society, and reckoned the society was made when they had JCIO to their credit. In the. intervening years the society has paid out .£3OO, and to-day has a similar amount to its credit. Annual concerts are held, at which all the performers give their services gratuitously. The Grand Opera House was packed to the doors last night for the 1926 concert, when an excellent programme was submitted, notwithstanding that several of the perform, ers could not appear owing to influenza. The programme opened with the overture, "Light Cavalry,” brightly played by a capable band, under the baton of Sir. Andrew Williams. Mr. 1. C. Wood was heard to advantage in the spirited enners “Give a Man a Horse He van Kide" and “Tally Ho.” Mary Cooley sunnlied elocutionary treats ’'itli the musical monologues, “Orange Blossom, and "Earthenware.” Miss Jean Lodgers soprano voice was well suited io lhe Willow” and "Butterfly Wings. Mr. Frank Andrews supplied quite an entertainment in himself at the P’ aa o, M? solo “Thiee o’clock in the Morning and’his imitation of Wellington church chimes, particularly pleasing the lai go aiuKence. Tho A eolean Quartet-Messrs. Mavall Coe. Church, and Hall weie most successful in ."Comrades m Arms a travesty on "Comin Ihro the Rye, and "The Sandman.” A very dainty turn was that supplied by little Miss Phyllis Andrews, who so charmed the audience with her singing of "Pal of My Cradle Days” that she had to reappear ami give "After the Dawn” and Show Me the Wav to go Home before being allowed to depart. One. of the successes of the evening was scored by Mr. Frank Andrews’ novelty orchestra, comprising six saxophones, two violins, two banjos, a cornet drummer, and pianist, which was heard in “The Melody Kings and “After the Dawn,” besides several encore numbers. Miss Shmidt, of lie! bourne, a contralto, was eminently successful in "Salaam” and. "I’m Lpngin. for You." Master Jackie Harris, to his own banjo accompaniment, '-eiighti ed the audience with O Sole Mio, “Old Folks at Home, and Como to Hie Fair.” Mr. L. Drew was happily suited in "Always,” andl was even more successful with Alfred Hill s Waiata Poi ” A most enjoyable entertainment concluded with quaint melodies by Mr Max Wall’s "Black and White Trio’ of Hawaiian steel guitar experts, who were heard in "Aloha Oe ” "Laughing Ba"” "Hawaiian Lament, and 'What Aloha Means” The accompaniments were supplied by Afiss Cooley and Messrs. M. T. Dixon, Claudo Sander, and B. Leyland.