VERSATILE BOYS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 11, 14 January 1933, Page 12

VERSATILE BOYS

UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT

There not the slightest need for the audience in the Town Hall last night to be indulgent toward the performers of the Young Australia League band. There was no need to make allowances for their youth—and they are young, . ranging in age from eight to fifteen - years—because they are quite prepared to let their entertainment stand or fall on its own merits. It stands; and invites comparison with, many similar entertainments lollowing revue lines which have been presented locally from time to» time by adults. The brilliance of the band amply compensates for the few minor shortcomings there may be in the vaudeville > part or the entertainment. From a musical point -of view the entertainment is a remarkable one, and Mr. W. B. Coten has every reason to be proud of the thirty or so instrumentalists who constitute the band. The ensemble pieces by the band were the hit of the evening without a doubt, and included "The Thunderer" (< A Musical Switch/ "Our Director" «£, c BKnd-Mice,-* "Minstrel Melodies." Blue Horizon," and "Waiata Poi," the Jast-named being exceedingly popular. The tone, balance, and time of the band are all remarkably good, the attack, always crisp, and the way in which the various items are rendered showed that the intricacies of brass band work have been mastered to a degree which would do credit to any adult band. The bulk of the evening's entertainment follows accepted revue lines, and from' the rising of the curtain on a colourful camp scene to the final band numbers there is not a dull moment. The boys proved themselves adepts at providing bright comedy in song or sketch or clever burlesque, adding to this achievement tap-dancing and more serious vocal and instrumental solos. This diversified and well-balanced programme won well-deserved approbation of the audience, and everyone present thoroughly., appreciated the distinctly novel fare that was offered them. The performers apparently enjoyed themselves every bit as much as the audience. Certainly it would be difficult to find a cleverer or more entertaining set of juveniles. The eight-year-old drum-major, Charlie Stanton, seems to be the most versatile of the performers. Song, dance, or character study are all put over by him with the art and polish of a seasoned veteran, but it was probably as conductor of the band that he appealed to the audience most effectively. Colin Croft, who is but one year older, contributes as much as anyone to the humour of the entertainment, notably in the sketches. Kenneth Slater is a miniature George Robey, who sings "The Little Shirt My Mother Made for Me" with great: effect. Others who deserve mention by name are Leslie Keary, George Kerrish, Jim McGowen, Chummy Dawson, and Douglas Hawkins. Marked .ability on the violin was shown by Vaughan Handley and Leon Cahill. Bonjjld Newbury would be in the running for the Championship among boy sopranos. All solo items were accompanied by a tenpiece all-boy orchestra, Tom Henderson being the pianist. Another side of the boys' versatility- was shown when they gave a display of acrobatics and gymnastics, under the leadership of Douglas Hawkins. , The programme is being repeated this afternoon and evening. * The boys leave for the. South Island on Monday, but Wellington will have three more concerts upon their return about the middle' of February. Arrangements have been made in consequence of many requests for the extension of the boys' visit to New Zealand, to postpone their departure from 10th February to the 23rd, and they will leave Auckland on that date. The South Island tour will be extended, and the return visit to Wellington, announced for 7th, Bth, and 9th February, will be made about a week later. ,