MR BARRIE MARSCHEL.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15979, 6 May 1924, Page 6

MR BARRIE MARSCHEL.

POPULAR THEATRE MANAGER. A NOTEWORTHY FARE WELL. Mr Barrie Marschel mast bare been a proud man —and probably a sad onelast night when, at the close of one or the most successful entertainments ever given in Hamilton, the huge audience which filled every comer of the Theatre Royal sang “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and gave three ringing ■'cheers in his honour. It was a night to be remembered, not only by the beneflciare, but by everyone present. Over five years ago Mr Mars'chel came to Hamilton to take over the management of the Theatre Royal. He immediately won popularity, which deepened with the passing of the years. His genial personality, his years of experience of everything connected with the stage, his courtesy and attention to habitues of the theatre, fitted him ideally for the position which he. held. When it became known that, acting on •medical advice, Mr Marschel had decided to relinquish his position in order to take a long holiday, there was widespread regret, and at once steps were taken to lender him a testimonial farewell. Offers of help poured in from all quarters-and from all sections of the community. The affair took place in the Theatre Royal last night, and proved a brilliant success. The ing was crowded, and from the sinilWg of “Old Waikato, Dear to Me,” a number composed by Mr Marschel to express his sentiments' to the district, to the final scene of enthusiasm, the performance was thoroughly enjoyable. Splendid Concert Programme. Following a well-rendered selection by the orchestra, Mr 11. G. Gregory sang “Old Waikato, Dear to Me,” a melodious number which was composed by Mr Marschel, arranged by Edna Stubbs, and orchestrated by Mr Claude W. Smith. Words and music, sung by Mr Gregory In a cultured, musical baritone, made a strong appeal. Messrs Philip Maddock and Arthur Wilde caused much merriment .with “Town Topics,” in which some smartly-written topical allusions were put over very adroilly. Mr Edwin Dennis’ fine voice and artistic method? of production were well displayed in , “Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind” and (as an encore) “Invictus.” Mrs TaborGregory and Miss Gladys Denz, effectively costumed, gave a quaint and clover simultaneous dance, “We Two,” which had to be repeated. Mr James O’Grady sang the breezy “Sea Road” in fine style, and, being recalled, gave a sympathetic rendering of “For the Green." Little Misses Emily and Clara Shcrson, in charming costumes of the crinoline period, sang “The Keys of Heaven” very sweetly, and were accorded an ovation by the delighted audience. Miss Hilda Grice gave a cleverly-conceived Jockey Dance with unusual grace and gay abandon, and was compelled to repeat it. The voices of the popular Harmonic Four "blended delightfully in "Lovely Night.” As an encore number they gave the diverting “Tommy Went a-Fishing,” which is as harmonious as it is quaintly amusing. Accompaniments were played by the orchestra, Madame Florry Roscoe, and Miss Clothier. Tribute From Mr Young, M.P. At this stage Mr J. A. Young, M.P., in apologising for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr J. It. Fow, paid a warm tribute to Mr Marschel. die said" that Mr Marschel, during the .years he had been in Hamilton, had made himself, very popular, and had been most generous in his assistance towards all deserving objects, such as the schools, Plunkct Society, etc. On behalf of the Mayor and citizens, said Mr Young, he wished Mr Mar:sohel success and happiness, and 'could assure him that, should he return at any time, he would find many ■friends eager to extend the hand of •friendship. They would be glad to •see him again. (Applause.) ! “O’Calloghan on His Last Legs.” ;• Nothing more funny—and, it may .be said, nothing better presented—.than “O’Callaghan on His .Last Legs” has been seen in Hamilton for a long time." It was well played and well mounted, and the audience enjoyed it immensely from beginning to end. The story of a lovelorn youth who pretended to be sick in order to be near iris adored one, and a soldier of fortune who masqueraded as’a doctor for 1 the more prosaic but perhaps more urgent reason of getting a meal, sparkles with witty and clever lines, while the situations in which the followers of Ananias, found themselves were extremely funny—to the audience ! The old farce was taken at a smart pace, the whose cast acquitting themselves with a freedom that was as delightful as it is rare. Mr Barrie Marschel, as Felix O'Gallaghan, gave a striking study of the broken-down dandy, living by his wits, ever ready to turn changing circumstances to advantage, and with a .rare “g.ft of the blarney.' 1 The Irish brogue was clever./ rnainumicd, and all the time Mr Marschel was on ttie stage—-and he seldom left it —he remained “in character,” getting the full value from the witty and humourous linos and amusing situations, it was a performance which those who saw it will long remember with pleasure. Mrs A. H. Wilde looked well and was delightfully natural as Lydia Montague, a wealthy widow, speaking her lines convincingly and moving with grace and freedom, incidentally she wore some charming frocks. Mrs Cecily Tabor-Gregory.was excellent as Julia Banks, being especially good in the mirth-provoking scene where she imagined O'Gallaghan was her longlost father. She, too, wore some striking gowns. Miss Adele Ch-ainey carried out a small part well as the maid Betty. Mr Philip Maddock, as Charlie Rivers, made a capital “juvenile lead,” acting a difficult part exceedingly well and with attractive -breeziness. Mr Arthur Wilde gave dignity and sincerity to the- role ui 'Dr Banks Mr Thcmas Atkins was splendid as Squire Rivers, especially in his mystification when he failed to catch O’Oallaghan’s last pass. Mr Athol Gibbons gave a clever study of a Cockney servant. All the members of the cast deserve great praise. Scene of Enthusiasm. When rhe final line in “O’Callaghan” had been spoken the players took Mr Marschel by surprise by breaking into “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” in which the crowded audience joined heartily. Then three rousing cheers were given. Mr Marschel, who was visibly affected by the warmth of the tribute to his popularity, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the wonderful farewell tendered hirn. He had been over five years in Hamilton, during which tie had not taken a holiday. Now, on the doctor's orders, he was having a rest. He would not forget his kind friends, and when he got into harness again h e would follow the doctor’s instructions and take an annual holiday, part of which he could assure them would be spent in Hamilton. (Applause.) A bottle of champagne was handed over the footlights to -Mr Marschel —=

typical of the desire of all present to toast his health.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a memorable evening to a close. Popular Barrie Marschel will leave Hamilton with the esteem and good wishes of the whole community.