COMMUNITY SINGING

Evening Star, Issue 18670, 26 June 1924, Page 9

COMMUNITY SINGING

FULLER COMEDIAN 111 NEW ROLE. GEORGE WALLACE LEADS. As a bright and breezy comedian George Wallace lues scored a big success on the Fuller circuit; as a leader of community singing at the Octagon Hall to-day lie succeeded in making everyone onjoy the show. The. occasion was the opening oi community singing for the season, and the committee in charge had every ycason lo feel satisfied with the result, if not with the quality of the singing, (vit.h tho large atte-ndanco and the enthusiasm shown. As usual, printed leaflets with a selection of choruses wore distributed at the doors, and as the people carno out they wore given the, opportunity of contributing towards the expenses. Anything over the expenses will, it was announced, go lo charity. The Chairman (Mr J. S. Douglas) announced that ho wished lo introduce Mr George Wallace, but it was quite evident that Die popular little comedian needed no introduction to the largest pari of the audience, for a great roar of delight "rented his appearance on the plat’orm. “ The Mayor (Mr IT. L. Taplcy) formally declared the “sing” open. Last year, be pointed nut, the movement, had teen severely handicapped by an outbreak of influenza". but two years ago it. had been such a success that iminv charitable institutions had received considerable benefit from (lie collections after expenses bad been paid. Tho large attendance to-day would justify, in his opinion, tho continuation of community singing tin's season. 'I lie committee had to “look to the support of tho public in the shape of contributions of little silver coins. Once the mayor had finished speaking George Wallace came forward, and in characteristic style, announced that he was going to waste no time. “I want lo hear you,” ho said; “sing out and let it go!” There was a noise from every .part of the house when he asked for ihe choice of an item, but a, voting fellow who bellowed “No. 9” was (ho first to catch the comedian’s eye. It proved to be ‘Tin Getting Bettor Every Day,’ lint iho first attempt did not convince George that such was the case, and ho ordered a..retrial, nr rather a rehearing. “ Come round and I’ll give you all a job in the revuo next week,” raid George after the next item. ‘Leave Me With a Smile,’ had teen sung with gusto. Other items were ‘Avalon.’ ‘Pecker Up and 'Whistle,’ ‘l’ve Lost My Heart in Maoriland,’ ‘Pretty Kitty Kelly,’ and ‘ Land of Hope and Glory.’ Some of the .songs were rather high for many, but tho good humor of the conductor did not let things •o' l very flat. “My little friend will have a try.” ho announced with laughter, and then called on Marshall Crosby to sing ‘Philadelphia.’ The singer wa.s loudly applauded. Mr Crosbv and some, lady members of the corapanv proved of groat assistance in leading Hie singing, which went on merrily (ill half-past 1. when (ho concert wa.s concluded, ns it had teeun. with the singing of ‘God Save tho King.’