THE PLUNKET CONCERT.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXI, Issue 2774, 14 March 1924, Page 3

THE PLUNKET CONCERT.

AN INTERESTING PROGRAMME A concert in aid of the Waipukurau Plunket Society Funds, organised by Mrs J. Winlovc, president of the local committee, was held in the temporary Town Hall on Wednesday night and •proved to be a highly successful event. Unfortunately the weather conditions were not favourable, but despite that fact there was a good attendance. The .programme was varied land interesting, ' and every item met with the enthusiastic applause of the audience. The programme was opened by an overture entitled “On to Triumph” which was spiritedly played by the (Orphans’ Orchestra. Orphan Boyce followed. This singer is the possessor of a very tuneful light baritone voice, and his numbers “My Dreams” and “When Song is Sweet” were much appreciated by the audience.

Much merriment was caused by Orphan Chatwin in his burlesque number, “The 11.6$ Express.” With clever original patter, full of comic localisms and witty gngs, he scored heavily. For an encore number he gave “Bli’me ’Ain’t a Man Stiff.”

Orphan S, Mann lent very pleasant variety to the programme. Gn a steel Guitar, of his own workmanship, he rendered “Tongariro” and “E Pari Ra.” Encored, he played “The Rosary.” Orphans East and Fox sang “Absent” as a duet and for an encore number “Mother Machrcc.”

Orphan F. V. Ward was heard in two monologues “Devil May Care” and “Bebe Ribbons” and a short character sketch “The Student ”

Miss Watson, a soprano soloist of note from Dannevirke, rendered several pleasing numbers, which were charmingly sung.

Mr Razel Wood, of Hastings was as usual in good voice and his various numbers, grave and gay, were well received.

. Other items played by the Orphans’ Orchestra were “Edclweis” and “Fairy Dance.” The 'accompaniments were played by Mrs Razel Wood, Mrs F. V. Ward, Miss Curlott and Orphan E. Reckin.

Keble Howard’s charming one act play “Compromising Martha” was tho concluding item on a varied programme. The various characters in this play were taken by Airs Swain, Airs Basham, Aliss Ormond and Air F. V. Ward. The first named lady as Martha, an old lady of some 80 years of age, w,as exceedingly good. There was no suggestion at any time of any tendency to over-act the part, but with artistic restraint Airs Swain sustained the character throughout the play. Mrs Basham, •as Mrs Box, the gossipy neighbour of good intentions, ( also presented a delightful character study true to life. The part is cleverly written to present a contrast to Aunt Martha’s peevishness and Airs Basham played it as such. Her comedy work was screamingly funny yet never did it take her out of the picture. It was a finished piece of characterisation. Mrs Basham is deserving of the highest praise, for in spite of the fact that she was suffering from a sharp attack of influenza, contracted at the eleventh hour, she took her role in the play and thus made possible the presentation on Wednesday night. As Monica, Aliss AL Ormond was charmingly natural. She played the part with abandon and her bright acting kept things moving with a happy swing. She showed a keen appreciation of the various points in the dialogue ■and got the most out of her lines. Her by-play was delightful, especially when the lovers arc “discovered” by Alartha. Aliss Ormond is certainly the possessor of considerable histrionic [ability. Air F. V. Ward appeared las the Curate, who saved the situation by compromising Alartha

The installation of extra lighting for the stage was done by Mr H. M. Kcir, and the scenery was the work of Mr Goodgor and his assistant Mr Coyle, both of whom gave their services free.