Silver Fern Players Provided Fast-Moving Variety Programme

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 September 1950, Page 6

Silver Fern Players Provided Fast-Moving Variety Programme

If variety counts for anything—and those who were at the Wanganui Opera House last night think it does—then the first appearance in the city of the Wellington Silver Fern players was a decided success. And if versatility conts for anything—and again those at the Opera House last night think it does—then the show was a top-line hit. Bright and quick-moving from start to finish, it brought back memories oi the old variety shows of early century vintage. But though each and every one of the artists was competent there was a trace of roughness in the production. Perhaps it would be unfair to point to any one player taking the limelight, but mention-must be made of the blind entertainer, Stuart Gordon. He played the accompaniments for vocal items, then held the audience with his comddy acts. One could have heard the proverbial pin drop. In the "Mary Had a little lamb" turn in which he imitated an opera singer, a crooner, Hawaiian singer and cowboy singer. He also gave a demonstration of how to play a duet on two whistles by himself, Others in the progiame included ibe boy soprano Cliff Parker, whose voice was reminiscent of Al Jolson in his early days; Zoe Kearney, crooner; Carol Hazelwood and Julie Tupper, dancers and Hon James, accordionist. Ray Morgan first appeared with a ventriloquist act and followed it in the second part of the programme with cowboy songs. It was perhaps Noel McKay who took first prize for the novelty turn. Possessed of a fine tenor voice, he launched into an octave higher to sing "The Holy City” in a rich soprano. The compere-comedian was Ror. Williams. The ballet of five girls was < under the direction of Miss Hazel Martin. would remain. Its members had become smug and "petrified politicians," but the youth of the country realised that the National Party had the practical politicians. The young people had never let the country down, anti never would. The young people realised that there would be no development with an administra-' lion in charge which was not capable of keeping pace with modern thought LACK OF FOOD Mr. Semple (Opp., Miramar, formed' Minister of Works) said we were liv-' ing in a complex and dangerous age and at the root of all evil, want, hun-I ger and .misery was lack of food. Mi:-1 lions had beer, denied access to the | natural wealth of the world and unfettered capitalism had bred Commu-I nism. A skull and crossbones would! be emblematic of the capitalist ‘i? - , that, the Prime Minister wished to hoist in this country.