FIRE BRIGADE FETE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 16, 2 January 1912, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADE FETE.

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT.

CHANGE OF DANCES TO-NIGHT

There is no need to enforce on the people of Stratford the fact that tiie success of the Fire Brigade’s Carnival will mean the success of the Fire Brigade’s future efforts, when at some future time an up-to-date motor engine will win a display heading of “Fatal Fire” into a mere paragraph to the effect that an ijj,Qipiont lire in the back premises ol Mr Jones’ warehouse was settled by the prompt arrival of the Brigade. There is no need to tell anyone of this, because the Fire Brigade’s Carnival can stand on its merits finite well enough, without dragging in a suspicion ot charity. “Curse your charity, we want work,” say the unemployed. By patronising the Carnival, the public will not only be aiding a good cause but will be getting their money’s worth of enjoyment from the weeks of work of Professor Cardston and his army of assistants have put into the performance. Last night's audience was a good one, but to-night there should be a crowded audience in view of the production of the star performances, “Electrical Swing Songs” and the arrival of the South Sea Islanders. Throughout the Carnival there is not a dull moment. It is bright, sparkling and original—it pleases the eye, while it delights the ear. The singing and dancing wore good, showing what local talent, with the training of a master hand, can produce. The Carnival opens with the brightest of scenes—a host of little Japanese maidens dancing amid the coloured lights that show off their delicately tinted kiinonas to perfection. Such a happy little chorus they made to the pretty dancing and sweet singing of Miss Elliott, who whispered of cherry blossoms and a Geisha girl. No sooner had the last little Japanese girl waved her little fan and shook her big rush iiat, Han

the Misses Bernard and Elliott appeared with a charming little song and dance, entitled “Silvery M00n.,” The procession on the route to the 'palace brought on the courtiers, very gallant with the slashed doublets and rapier. Under the crossed blades walked sedately ton maidens, dressed .for the fete. Fans were dropped and hands were kjssed in a fashion that would have delighted Sir Walter himself. The Japanese troupe were again in evidence when they formed the scenery for a dance and song, in which Miss Elliot and Mr East were the principals. Mr East performed his part very creditably, and ably supported • his partner, whose dancing was graceful and effective. Having in view our experiences throughout the day wo would not like, to pick what the

next two numbers were. Most liko- * ly they were “Dances des Floritz” and “Ye Old English Gavotte,” but as the next item skipped several num-

bers it was quite possible they wero a symbolical representation of “Washer Women on ; Strike” and sheper- ‘ desses: dancing. However, .if the audience might have been, in doubt as ywhat they represented, there was no mistaking the heartiness of the applause. .. .The . * ‘Arrival, of the., Russian Skaters, ’’ dressed,,in. scai;let r-o- ---, liqy.ed ;liy white,' . caps, i concluded i}:e half pf .the, programme. . They gdy ©,l a good, exhibition of fancy skating and performed in a "very ,0107 ditable manner, the scene being a very spectacular one. The,, second half of the programme anything, better than' the. firstahe.) Irish jig being received so vociferously that the management were compelled ,to give ani .encore. .. The little girls who performed in this were beautifully dressed* and .danced well. The other itqjns were; all well performed, and of ppusual merit. , . •,,-. h The. Fire Brigade Carnival neqds to .be seen to be appreciated and J . o-ujg’vt ; affords; an opportunity, when a now programme, claimed to be better than the first, will be submitted.