WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 135, 9 June 1937, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

WESTMERE INSTITUTE ENJOYABLE CONCERT AND DANCE Westmere Hall was packed to the doors on Tlesday evening, June 1, when the Women’s Institute staged a very successful concert. Many visitors were present from the city and surrounding districts, and the delightful programme met with keen approval. In the first half the Drama Circle presented the one-act play, “April Shower,” by Philip Johnson, with Miss E. Smith as producer. This is a period play, dated in the early 19th century and proved very good entertainment. Each member of the cast sustained her part well and the setting and frocking were in good keeping. The following was the cast: Charlotte Bright, played by Mrs. Remington: Letitia Thurlow, played by Miss Jean Campbell; Alicia Pramley, played by Mrs. Preston: Rosie Pramley, played by Miss Dawes: Lucic Pemberton, played by Miss L. Parkes; Phoebe, played by Miss P. Ayling. The institute orchestra, assisted by several friends from the city. supplied suitable incidental music, including a charming gavotte played as a prelude to the play. The second portion of the programme was undertaken by the Music Circle, who staged a bright entertainment of songs and dancing. The stage was set as an English fair with sideshows, tents, etc. The curtain rose to the accompaniment of all the noise iof a fair and then on to the opening number, “Come to the Fair.” This was followed by a number of charming solos, part songs and a country dance tc the strains of a violin solo. These were all interspersed with showmen’s calls .and the cries of lavender girls and balloon vendors. The concluding item was a merry-go-round complete with animals. This proved r> c]ever

and realistic climax to a most enjoyable programme—and had to respond to a vociferous encore. The soloists in the fair were Mesdames Corliss, Preston, Wilson and Carmody and Miss Missen, and Mesdames Lambert and Remington proved very able “showmen.” The costumes in this item were all of rural England and the Empire theme .was capably produced by Miss E. Smith, ably assisted by Mrs. Lambert.

After a delicious supper, several dances brought a successful evening to a close.