PATRIOTIC GALA NIGHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16021, 13 September 1915, Page 5

PATRIOTIC GALA NIGHT.

A grand patriotic gala night, in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' and Navy Relief Funds, was held at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night. The theatre was crowded, and a good deal of enthusiasm was shown, especially when the national marches and tableaux were presented.

The first half of the programme was contributed by the " Gaymakers," in solos and concerted items. In view of the absence of Mr. E. MacCorraick, owing to indisposition, a sextette and trio, of wnich he was a leading member, had to be omitted. The members of the company who took part were Miss D. Fenton, Miss F. Fenton, Miss M. Higgins, Miss D. Martin, and Miss C. Fray, and Messrs. A. P. Morgan, C. Crowther. K. MacCormick, H. Piper, and N. Kent. Mr. J. C. Tole was at the piano. The items given were well sung, and had a cordial reception. Some excellent work was noticeable in the operatic finale, '• Good-night." Living pictures were the opening feature of the second portion of the evening's entertainment, the subjects chosen being " Queen Guinevere," " Just One More," "Joie de Vivre," " L'Entente Cordiale," and " The Great Awakening." These were followed by an entr'acte, entitled, " Napoleon's Last Charge." A revel of pierrots i was given by Miss Daphne Knight's pupils. Soloists in connection with the living' pictures and pierrots were Miss J. Bartfett, Mr. Barry Hitchings, and Miss Adeline Scott. Miss Vera Maybee danced in the Joie de Vivre picture. A splendid spectacle was provided in the gala, " Britannia and Her Allies. Italy, Servia, France, Belgium, and Russia being each represented by a bevy of girls in national dress, who danced the national dances. Miss Seccombe sang the Servian National Song, and Miss J. Bartlett did the same when Belgium's representatives came forward. This act culminated in a grand march of the allies, in which some clever and intricate interweaving of the national colours took place. In the interval before the final tableau was presented. Mr. Albert H. Light sang, "In the Firing-Line." The final tableau showed Britannia surrounded by her allies. In the midst of the cheering which greeted its presentation, the front rank of performers suddenly reversed large placards which they held, and showed the sentence, " Are We Downhearted ?" The audience, with one voice, shouted "No I" As the orchestra played i the opening bars of "Rule Britannia," there was loud and prolonged cheering. The dances were arranged by Miss Daphne Knight, and the marches by Messrs. Archdale Taylor and C. Chambers. Half of the gross proceeds of the entertainment will be paid to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, and the other half, less expenses of production, will go to the Navy Relief Fund. The staff of the theatre gave their services free. Home-made sweets were sold during the evening and realised about £12.