"DIGGERS” AT PLAY.

Matamata Record, Volume XV, Issue 1328, 30 May 1932, Page 4

"DIGGERS” AT PLAY.

HUMOROUS SKETCHES.

Given in Matamata. A feature of the fourth annual reunion of Matamata ex-servicemen on Wednesday was the introduction of a digger troupe of seven members, who gave several sketches containing many war-time skits, and proved popular with all present. The first curtain, entitled “ Trafalgar Squdre,” consisted of a humorous piece of actual war-time life, showing how a “ bit of fluff ” at times took the unsuspecting digger down. As “ Old Bill,” the wellknown character immortalised by Bairnsfather, Mr. Steve Stockdale made a great hit. Based on the original characterisation, Mr. Stockdale impersonated “ Old Bill ” in clever style, manupulating his walrus moustache in humorous fashion. He earned well-deserved applause for his portrayal of the simple-minded but blunt and good-hearted Tommy. Mr. C. Clarke, as “ the, little bit of fluff,” made tons of friends, and his make-up and action were very good. His personation of a lady of somewhat dubious character was a, great success, and quite “ fetched ” the diggers.' As Cuthbert,, the “civvy,” Mr. W. Blennerhassett did well in a difficult part, and his being separated from his cash and watch by “ the lidy ” created roars of laughter. Messrs. N. Williamson, D. C. Waterson and D. Cameron, who played the parts of diggers on leave, were also big successes. The first-named in “ blueys ” got off some topical hits with Mr. Waterson, in full leave dress, in great style, references to members of the audience being neatly done and creating much merriment.

' In a second sketch, set on the desert, Messrs. Blennerhassett, Waterson, Williamson/ and Clarke were again seen to advantage, together with Mr. W. Settle, who sang the “ Company Sergeant-Major” in good style. The hit of this half of the programme was Pat Hanna’s creation of the digger being sent with a message under very hot fire. The boys are sitting round a camp fire when their officer enters and orders his son to. take the message. He explains that he would hot send the others where he would not send his own son. On the trooper leaving tp carry out .. .te thd Officer, Mr. Blennerhassett, pictures tfoe scene in his mi;.'’s eye, and vividly describes the terrible ride acr<s§£ the desert under hot fire', from the enemy, until the trooper falls mortally wounded. At this stage relief is afforded and an anti-climax created by the entry of the trooper, who demands to know in somewhat incontinent terms what has become of his ’ surcingle. In this little sketch Mr. Blennerhassett was seen at 'his best, and showed that he is possessed of no mean histrionic ability.

The players are to be congratulated on their efforts, which were particularly good in view of the fact that it was only a fortnight before the evening that it was decided to produce the sketches.. Much of the cred|t for the success of the innovation is duq to Mi'- C. Clarke, who was responsible for the scenery his full-sized back-screen of Trafalgar Square being most realistic and who also bore the brunt of the work of producing the sketches. At intervals during the evening items also given by Mr. D. Cameron, song; Mr. D. C. Waterson, “Old Favourites”; Mr. N.’ Williamson, song; and ME W. Blennerhassett, recitation.

Great credit is also due to Mr. C. J. Fleming, who made a special trip from Whakatane to be present, and who acted as pianist with marked ability. It was largely due to Mr. Fleming’s efforts , that the choruses went 1 so well, a selection from which are 1 as follows: “Pack Up Your Troubles,” “ M’dlle froip Armentieres,” “ And When I Die,” “ Good- “ IffiYou Were the Only Girl” “ Where Are the Boys of the Village To-night ” and “ Another Little Drink.”