“BLUEBELL IN FAIRYLAND”

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1931, Page 7

“BLUEBELL IN FAIRYLAND”

MISS ELWYN RILEY AND PUPILS.

REPEAT PRESENTATION GIVEN.

The second opportunity for a glimpse of fairyland vouchsafed to the people of New Plymouth by the repeat performance of “Bluebell in Fairyland,” the dance recital given by Miss Elwyn Riley and her pupils in the New Plymouth Opera House, proved exceedingly welcome judging by the numbers present last night. ° The decision to repeat the presentation was wise, for many were turned away from the doors of a crowded house at the first performance. All hearts, young or old, went out to the little London flower-girl, Bluebell, who, though it was Christmas Eve, was sad because no one wanted her posies. But hex- luck soon turned and home in her tiny garret she told her sisters the story of the sleepy King. Then the marvellous happened and in her dreams she, and with her an enchanted audience, were taken to fairyland, where wonderful things happened. Wonders just as great were to follow when the children invoke on Christmas morning, for then there was a flesh and blood fairy who offered them a real home. And for all, those of earth and those of that other world of fancy, all things ended happily. With such a delightful story _as a frame on which to weave a brilliant tapestry of specially fashioned costumes, splendid lighting effeots and excellent scenery, songs and dances in solo and chorus it needed only the skilled training of Miss Riley to present a finished display. There has not ever been any doubt "of the excellence of the touch imparted by Miss Riley to the work of children, and last night’s performance upheld the opinions long since held. The entertainment throughout was thoroughly enjoyable and of a high quality. Though it was primarily a recital given by the pupils, the evening could not help but be remembered for the dances of the teacher herself.. For her the dance was an art, whether it was the storv dance of the Indian brave or the rhythmic Parisienne Doll or the classic Grecian Hoop. A dance of a totally different class, Syncopation, evidenced the versatility of the artiste. It was to the children, however, that the audience owed the delight it experienced. In song and dance, in solo and chorus, they were captivating throughout, from the tiniest “babies” to the older performers. It was not only their daintiness and their beautiful frocking that won the unstinted applause they received. Their work, too, was sound throughout. 'The choruses were conducted by Mr. and Mrs. F. Cornwall and the orchestra was directed by Mr. M. Bree. The speciERjlaw.