“VARIETY THEATRE”

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 139, 8 March 1941, Page 7

“VARIETY THEATRE”

Samoans Give Novel Performance The organizers of “Variety Theatre” the concert presented at the Concert Chamber last night-in aid of the Public Service Queen, and the performers had the gratification of a large audience. The audience t was not disappointed, for the programme was both popular and of good quality. Encores were the rule, and the audience would have liked more. A novel performance for a Wellington stage "was presented by a quintet of Samoans, four girls and a man, who sang their native songs to Ihe ukulele and gave posture dances. The graceful movements of the girls in native dress and the interesting variations of their gestures charmed the audience. The performers were Le leaga Seumanutafa, Agata Meredith, Maria Hesseman, Ruby Loibl and Bella. The remainder .of the programme was given-by the Hazel Martin School of Dancing, Brian Barstow, Gordon Anderson, Misses Rosaleen Pound, Betty Foster, and Peggy Highet, Mr. R. 0. Leslie, Miss Nola Hyde, Mr. John Tait, Miss Judy Lewis, Mr. A. Jenkins’s gymnastics team, Miss Peggy McFadden, Miss Natalie Wallace and Mr. Bryce Glennie, Misses Rita Morris and Betty Paynter, Messrs. C. Jupp and Powell. The evening concluded with the soloists joining in the singing of patriotic songs, the audience taking up the choruses. Mr. Gordon Anderson played the accompaniments.

“Variety Theatre” was organized by Gwen Dallastoh, The compere was Mr. Karl Atkinson.