VARIETY CONCERT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32528, 24 January 1945, Page 7

VARIETY CONCERT

EVENING AT COROMANDEL

PATRIOTIC FUNDS AIDED

REPERTORY THEATRE RAISE £3O

A variety concert was staged in the Caledonian Hall, Coromandel, on December 15, the sponsors being the Coromandel Repertory Theatre assisted by the local Boys’ Band and children’s choir. There was a very good house, and the evening’s entertainment was very much enjoyed by the patrons.

The programme opened with the •National Anthem followed by two selections', “‘Sussex >By The Sea,” and “Beautiful. Ohio,” played by the Boys’ Band conducted by Mr V. Powley. Then five short songs 'by the children’s choir, “Will Ye No Come 'Back Again,” “Silent Night” (band accompaniment), “The Song Of The Hills,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” and “The Traction Engine,” conducted by Mr V. Powley. Two instrumental selections came next, “Austrian Hymn,” and “Jolly Jog About,” by Dyson Gilliver, Cyril Strongman (cornets) and Trevor Turner (tenor horn), were followed, by part songs by the choir, “The Guardian Angels,” “Hark To The Echoes,” and '“April Showers”; Yokels’ Yarns (Eric Gamble and Noel Strongman), provided plenty of humour. Another very popular item by the company came next. The vocalists were all dressed for the parts, the girls’ long frocks and picture hats and; the men in white coats, the colours of the dresses' setting off the men’s 'quieter attire very attractively. The popular songs

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they chose were “Lilli Marlene,” “Down By The Old' Mill Stream,” ‘‘Desert Song,” “The Windmills Turning,” and “Adelai.” Two voices took the chorus first and the company joined in the second time. The vocalists were Misses Merle Gamble, JDawn Gorrie, Jean McNeil and Irene 'Pepper and Messrs Reg. Hawley, Rbn McNeil and Barry Shandley. Mr Erie Gilliver then entertained with some humorous monologues, an American soldier and an old man being portrayed. These items were carried out in Mr Gilljver’s usual versatile manner. After the interval June Allington gave elocutionary items, “Counting Our Blessings,” “Billy Dip, the Dyer,” and “Across The Fields of Barley,” and then to finish up a one-act play, “The Doctor’s Busy Day,” was staged'. The cast was Mrs Violet Hawley, Misses Valerie 'Billing, Thirle. Darling, Joan Gilliver and Peggy Bole and Messrs Erie Gilliver, Eric Gamble, Darrell Stewart, Noel Strongman and Norman Yates. The play was humorous and very well done, those taking pariTportraying the characters splendidly. This brought the first part of the evening to a close. A dance in St. George’s Hall followed which was attended by a very large section of the public. The music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs Lucas and Lee Perfect. Dancing continued to the early hours.

The efforts of the sponsors of the whole programme amounted to over £3o' net which helps along the patriotic quota for the' western side of the Peninsula.

The items at the concert were all well received and the general comment heard was most appreciative which is gratifying in view of the time spent in practices. Mr E. Deeble, county chairman, thanked the public for their support and attendance and complimented the artists on their items, also mentioning the yeoman work done by Miss V. Davies, secretary of the patriotic committee and Mr Reg Hawley as stage manager and Mr J, G. Strongman for lighting effects.