CHRISTMAS GIFT FUND

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9824, 22 November 1917, Page 3

CHRISTMAS GIFT FUND

A BENEFIT PERFORMANCE. “ CHARLEY'S AUNT CLUB.” A nackcd hcusa w*as assembled at tho Opera House to witness the special peneiit pert'ormonca lu - ncl ot tne Soldiers Christmas Gift Fund by the Charley a Aunt” Club last night. The first half of the Drogramme consisted of three American one-act plays, which, wore capitally arranged ana produced by Mr Norman Ait den. ‘The Avenger” contains much that is tense and thrilling in its one short act. Mria liai'dinge-Jlaltbv sustained the iory difficult role of Mrs Callahan, moat admirably. Wlien confesses thfit slio committed the murder, is a very dramatic moment in the play, and Miss Hardingeddaltby’s mastery of technique enabled her to make’ the utmost ot her scene. Miss liubv Scott as Blthel Clayton, the ward, was excellent v in ber rendering of how a young girl .would behave in very tragic circumstances. The part of Tim Daley, the detective, was taken by Mr IV. W. Crawford, whose dry incisive tones were most professional, as was also the way in which he sheeted the crime home to a perfectly innocent man. Mr K. Aitken. wag the innocent victim' of the smart tec's inferential processes, and ho looked as guilty as innocent people often do under the pressure of an official inquisitor. Three characters only appeared irl "The Eleventh, Hour." Miss Vera St. John as the wife. Mr Paul Latham ns the husband, and the "tertium quid" who pretends to be a burglar—Mr Norman Aitken The two men acted well, but Miss St. John as the neglected wife, who, though she rather enjoys the attentions of another man,’ is really in love with her husband, and tells him sc at "The Eleventh Hour," had by far the most difficult part to play. , "Kisses and •Misses" was a very bright comedietta indeed—the Misses were Ruby Scott and Mabel Gplliohan, and the men Messrs Albert Russell and Geof. Olapham. During the interval Mr Matt. Carr explained that the "Charley’s Aunt" Club was not only a dramatic and musical club, but it met for social purposes also. The club had organised the entertainment in aid of funds tor Christmas gifts for soldiers of the Wellington aiea. Another great rally for the same object would take place on November 80th and December Ist.

In port itwo the "Charley’s Aunt” Comedy Company appeared—and very smart they looked in their pink Pierrot costumes. The back-cloth with its wealth of crimson foliage made an effective setting for the players, ns they gave a very spirited rendering of the opening chorus, "The - Gat Cheeros’" are Here." Mr Albert Russell was simply inimitable; his comic song, "The Girl with the Booster, in Her Hat,” was one of the most popn-' lar items of the evening, and he responded nobly to many encores. The whole performance, after the style of entertainment made familiar by many Costume Comedy Companies, was exceedingly good, and all entered into it in. right good spirits and gave their songs and little bit of dance -with great enthusiasm. The chorus and ensemble work was particularly good. Items were given by Miss Eileen Driscoll, "Rosebuds"; Mr Norman Aitken and company in the chorus song, "I Followed Her Here. I Followed Her There"; G. Austin Blackie, "Cupid"; Miss Winnie Dinch-Uohnston and W. W- Crawford in the duot, "Impressions”; Ellen Miller, assisted by the chorus, with “Bedtime at the Zoo"; Charlie Moore and the company in a military number. "The Blue Dragoons”; W. W. Crawford in t|he comedy sketch, "Auntie": G. Austin Blackie, in "Drearaboat”; and the company in “Mister Cupid." The final chorus, "Have you heard John James O’Hara,” made a good ending to a very spirited performance. “The iQhoeros" will certainly be heard of again. .