“H.M.S. PINAFORE”

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22492, 30 October 1944, Page 2

“H.M.S. PINAFORE”

VERY BUCCEBSFUL PERFORMANCES PATRIOTIC FUNDS BENEFIT It was good to hear Sullivan’s melodious music and Gilbert’s witty lines at the Theatre Royal on Saturday arternoon and night, when the Combined Services Musical and Dramatic Society gave performances or “ 11.M.5. Pinafore.” one of the brightest or the famous collaborators’ comic operas. There was a large audience at each performance. and everyone enjoyed the story or the sailor who loved a girl beyond bis station—a problem that was solved in Gilbert’s usual brilliantly satirical rashion. Though the opera was. In most cases, sung better than it was acted, good work was done by the cast. Yal Isbister was very charming and sang well as Josephine. Ray Ople, playing opposite her, used a beautirul tenor voice effectively. Much humour was provided by Laurence Soi/thwick as. Sir Joseph Porter, John Reid as Captain Corcoran, Florence Hickson as Little Buttercup, Gil Cornwall as Dick Deadeye (a very good performance) and Bernard Watson as Bill Bobstay. Joan Harder was a sweet Hebe, and Marjorie Sparrow was always In character as the Mldshlpmlte. The chorus sang exceptionally well, and there was a very fine orchestra under the direction of Mr J. A. Blitz. Lieutenant John Rekl was the producer, and Is to be congratulated upon the result. Mayor Returns Thanks

At the close of the performance the Mayor, Mr 11. D. Caro, announced that as a result of the corqpany’s visit over £286 would be added to the Hamilton patriotic runds. He thanked the performers for their splendid effort, the Minister of Defence for giving permission to use transport vehicles from Auckland to Hamilton, Major-General P. Bell Tor authorising the presentation In Hamilton, Major Cox (director or Army Education and Weirare Service, Northern Mllltary Command) for arranging the visit, and all others who had assisted to make the reason a big success. Mr Caro urged the people or Hamilton to give liberally to the patriotic funds: After the performance the visitors were entertained at supper by members of the W.A.V.C. An Impromptu dance followed, the music being supplied by members or the visiting orchestra. During supper the thanks of the Hamilton Patriotic Committee were extended to all who had contributed to tbe success of the social gathering. The singirg or “ Auld I.ang £yne ” at midnight brought the visit or “ 11.M.5. Pinafore ” t<» Hamilton to a close.