MONTHLY SHILLING CONCERT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 261, 20 October 1916, Page 3

MONTHLY SHILLING CONCERT

It was a very large and satisfied audience that assembled at ‘‘Everybody’s” Theatre, Hastings, last night on the occasion of .Mrs. T. Lewis’ 20th monthly shilling concert. This was the first occasion on which a concert had been held in this pretty and well appointed theatre. However, it is pleasing to say’ that the test was a satisfactory one in every respect, the accoustic properties being really excellent and the voices of the vocalists were heard to the greatest advantage. The management had left no stone unturned to make everything as complete and as attractive as possible, and needless to say their efforts succeeded admirably. The stage was prettily decorated with evergreens and the flags of the Allies, which together with the brilliantly lit building had a very pleasing effect. A decided innovation last night was the refreshment part of the proceedings, where in the splendidly appointed foyer tea and coffee were to be had at any time. The innovation was greatly appreciated.

The concert part of the programme was, as usual, very enjoyable and thoroughly appreciated by the large audience present, the various Contributors being enthusiastically recalled on every occasion. A picture programme was introduced for the first time in connection with these concerts with considerable success. “Our Men on Active Service,” the title of the film, was a war subject of an intensely stirring kind, and roused the patriotic feelings of the audience to a marked degree. Miss Phoebe Parsons, of Wellington, scored a decided success in her vocal numbers, her powerful and cultured voice quite captivating her hearers. Miss Parsons’ items were “Rosebuds,” “Love is a Slave,” and “Wake,” besides several encore numbers. The Rev. A. F. Hall, of Havelock North, rendered in a spirited manner two Hungarian folk songs for which he received the hearty plaudits of the audience. His encore' items -were also loudly applauded. Mr. Razel Wood was also in fine form and his contributions, as on previous occasions, were excellently rendered, a recall being demanded in each instance. Mrs. Lewis’ monologue and Mr. E. Parker’s violin solos were attractive items and greatly pleased those present. Mr. and Mrs. H. Avery, owning to the indisposition of Mrs. W. A. W’hitlock, very kindly consented to fill the breach and their ragtime turns received very hearty approbation, Mrs. Morrie Wood and Miss McCutcheon played the accompaniments, whilst Everybody’s orchestra, under the directorship of Mr. E. Parker, contributed several selections in splendid style. The concert will be repeated tonight/ when another huge attendance is anticipated.