CHILDREN'S CONCERT

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LVI, Issue 39, 17 May 1935, Page 4

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

MOST SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT.

LEESTON CONVENT PUPILS

On Wednesday s evening the children of Leeston Convent School, assisted by ex-pupils, gave a concert in the Leeston Town Hall. That building was crowded with a large and appreciative audience. The entertainment provided was thoroughly enjoyable, the talented pupils giving of their best in every item, and it says much for the excellence of the tuition, for the enthusiasm and ability of the pupils, that there was not one poor number. All conformed to a very high standard of merit, every number was charmingly given, and so much did some of them appeal to the audience that, despite the length of the programme, recalls were insistently demanded and given. In all the character items the children were appropriately dressed. The workers behind the scenes did their duty expeditiously and efficiently and there was no unnecessary delay between the items. In every way the concert can be described as most successful, and as enjoyable as successful, and all concerned in its production, the Sisters of the Mission who trained the children, the young performers themselves, and all who assisted in the preparation of costumes or other work, are to be heartily congratulated upon the happy and successful results of their labours.

The" opening number was an instrumental one, Schubert's "March Militaire," the performers being Misses M. Nidd and R. Bowden (piano), Mr A. Lambie, Misses F. Robertson and A. Prosser (violin). It was a pleasant introduction to the good things which followed. The girls were responsible for the next item, an action chorus, "Witches." Clad in the traditional tall hat and dark cloak, and not forgetting the broomstick, they danced and sang merrily—quite beneficent witches, in fact. "There's Something About a Soldier," was the title of a march and song sung by the boys. In their gay uniforms they gave living expression to the words of the song they were singing, the tuneful melody and rhythm appealing attractively td the audience. It was a good number. The senior girls gave a charming and delightful item, "Japanese Proposal." Dressed in their bright costumes, they sang a merry little song excellently, and their dancing was also good. This item justly deserved the hearty approval given by the audience. Cecil Jones contributed a humorous recitation, "Fleas," which was well done, while A. Lambie, in his violin solo, "Etude" (David) displayed much ability and gave a good perform r ance. One of the bes£ items of the evening was the character march and song, "The Toymaker's Dream." It was given by the infants and junior pupils, and in the ensemble appeared all the favourite toys and fairy tale characters. They created a fascinating picture as they marched around the stage, depicting the dream of the toymaker who lay asleep at his bench. The soloists were Betty McCloy and Betty Fogarty. "Early in the Morning" wag the title of a song sweetly sung by Miss Joyce Legg, while Misses Frances O'Gorman and Sheila Moriarty were seen in a duet in character> "You'd Better Ask Me." The senior girls, dressed in sailor costumes, sang a song of the heroism of Grace Darling and accompanied

the chorus by a vigorous representation of rowing a boat. Another pretty scene was staged by the infants, "Fairies' March," in which a number of daintily - clad figures marched and danced most attractively. The soloist was Bernadine McCabe. Miss June Tong, who was dressed in an appropriate costume, was heard to advantage in her .song/ "The Market," which was excellently sung.

The second part of the concert was commenced with an instrumental number, in which. Mr A. Lambie and Misses Nidd,' Robertson and A. Prosser took part. This was followed by a descriptive scena, "Rainbows," by the girls, in which the gay colours of the rainbow were used for decorative purposes. Ray Lambie, dressed to suit the part, tastefully sang the next item, a solo, "Stone tracker John." There then followed another character song and march, "Sergeant-Major on Parade," by the senior and ex-pupils. This was another spectacular item and one which was excellently performed. The soloist was Miss Sheila Moriarty, who acted the part of the sergeant-major. A piano duet, "King of the Forest," was effectively played by Misses June Tong and Linda Hight, while the boys revelled in a humorous nigger chorus, in which they imparted plenty of vim, especially in the dancing. 'IThe Dancing Lesson" provided a pleasant little scene in which R. Power, W. Kelly, J. Ellis and A. Jones were the pupils and Sheila Moriarty was the instructress. The duet, "Second Minuet," was sung in costume by Misses R. Bowden and J. Tong, and they gave a delightful interpretation. Miss Frances O'Gorman gave two humorous recitations in excellent style. Cecil Jones and Bernadine McCabe provided a splendid Character sketch, "Picanninnies," while the final item was a song-, "In a Monastery Garden," in which the senior and ex-pupils took part. In a numiber of the items, there were instru--j mental accompaniments, mandolin ;and violins assisting the piano. | Throughout the concert the accompaniments were very well played indeed, and in this department Miss M. Nidd, assisted by Miss R. Bowden, did very good work. Other officials whose work contributed to the success of the concert were the stage managers, Messrs M. B. Owens and R. Power, the secretary, Mr T. F. Owens, and. the treasurer, Mr W. Bohan.