MORE TRIALS

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 143, 15 December 1919, Page 11

MORE TRIALS

AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Those who attended the amateur competitions and trials, held at the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening under th ; e Vemon-Spencer management, did not ask for a very high standard of talent, for they had. gone, to be amused, or, if performers did not come up to their expectations, to amuse themselves at the expense of the defaulting competitors. If the turns were good, and many were distinctly so, well and good, if not. theaudience had the privilege of malting that point perfectly clear. They marked no detailed sheets, and cared not at all for detail, but when a performer pleased' them they applauded; if the turn was but moderately good, or bad, it was received in uncomplimentary silence.

Eight youngsters, appeared in tho early part of the evening-, and did really good work, but little Miss Meg Climino, who sang "Frenchie" and "Oui, Oui, Mario," was far ahead of the others. Her costume was dainty, her singing good, and her little stepdance quite appropriate. The second prize went to Master Eric Murphy, who chose the;, song, "Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms," the pick of the Irish national songs, well sung. Miss Vera Houston, gained third place '>vith: the rag-time song, "When PaderewskiPlays." ■The adult sections wore opened by an exhibition of club, sword., axe, and fire swinging by Mr. Alex. Blight, winner of the specialty section in the last competitions held at the* Grand-Opera House, and therefore not a competitor on Saturday evening. His turn was equal to any professional performance, finished to a degree, spectacular, and not without thrills. Following this came many songs —sentimental, humorous, and allegedly so, and topical, with special attention to the coming elections; some bright vaudeville turns, shuffle and. stepdances, banjo playing, and one or two acrobatic acts. Everyone seemed thoroughly to enjoy the evening. If more trials are held in Wellington 'the management can ■. rely upon the attendance of all those, who were present on Saturday night, , Theprize? went to Miss Ruby Bowell ir> the specialty section, for her clever dance at the piano while playing her own ■ accompaniment; to Mr J Henderson ("Old Erin"), and Miss Eileen Fairclough ("Orange Blossom Time in Loveland"),'in the vocal section;-and to Mr. George Thomas for his'humorous recitation and song "At the Vicar's Fancy Ball." A very jazz orchestra under the direction of Mr. H. J. Tutschka, gave a couple of bright items.