CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 70, 15 December 1933, Page 7

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Isobel Halligan’s Pupils

Ip the St. John Ambulance Hall, Vivian Street, Isabel Halligan, A.T.C.L., presented her Wellington pupils last evening in a programme of short' plays, monologues, and recitations, which charmed a large audience. The folding doors at the back of the stage were made use of as a setting, and .suggestions for the various scenes were added to-this background. The entire proceeds of the performance was given to the St. John Ambulance Association. . Miss Langdon and Mr. E. N. Coppin made most efficient accompanists, and the capable stage manager was Mr. E. T. McKain. Miss Marie McGuone opened the programme with a welbplayea overture, and Mr. Cuppin was the pianist at the entr’acte. The work of the performers showed a distinct sense of dramatic values, and their diction was clear and unhurried. The dressing was excellent, in many cases quite brilliant, and always suitable. In the Milne play. “The Princess and the Woodcutter,” which was given by children of from fourteen to sixteen, the contrast of colour in the handsome costumes was delightful. For the morality play, “Everywoman” (Browne), the set was arranged wi’h dark blue curtains, two pedestals, a stool and mirror, with the classic simplicity called for. “Everywoman” (Constance Kelly) wore a Shakespearean dress ot creme and gold; Youth (Dierdre Hungerford). Beauty (Georgie Sterling), and Modesty (Nathalie Pollock), were in Greek costume, white, blue, and grey: Flattery (Leah Black) was a courtier in blue and creme; Truth (Bernice Tremain) was disguised as a witch, with a nun’s headdress; and Nobody (Reeves Pickington) wore a grey monk’s robe with a cowl. . „ The comedy, “Early Birds (Roland Pertwee) was excellently staged", and played by the following: Maud, Gladys Levy; Auntie, Bernice Tremain; Sue, Leah Black: Nell, Constance Kelly; Milly, Patricia Sivell: Programme Girl, Patricia O’Donnell. '. After this the programme continued as follows: Female impersonation, Hugh Jameson; musical monologue, Mary Cleary; dialogue, .Peggy Mcßae and Noeline Mcßae; character recital, Coleen Walling; dance, Nathalie Pollock; humorous character sketch, Constance Kelly; verse-speaking, pupils of St. Catherine's College, Kilbirnie; male impersonation, Deirdre Hungerford; dance, Georgie Sterling. A scena, “The M.P.,” was played by: Dinah, Elizabeth Miller; Sambo. Zelma Whitley: Pete, Jean Lochead; Mose, Colleen Gay. A scene from David Copperfield was cleverly done by Pattie Coleman (David) and Erie Marshall (waiter). The Milne piny was presented by: Pattie Campbell (Princess), Hardie Hedge (Woodcutter), Leila Langtry (Queen), Lloyd Barrett (King), Clarice Neilsen (Red Prince), Dorothy Bentley (Blue Prince), , and Pauline McKain (Yellow Prince). There were also a recitation by Marie McGuone; action recitation, Joan Young; character duet, Mary Cleary and Colleen Walilng: humorous recitation, Hugh Janson; and a dramatic recital from Shakespeare's “As You-Like It,” by Nesta-Montgomery.-