CAMP ENTERTAINERS

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 9, 9 February 1940, Page 3

CAMP ENTERTAINERS

“Centennial Serenaders ” 1000 Men Attend Concert. ' Last Thursday night at Trentham Camp the large Y.M.C.A. hall was packed to the doors, about 80 or more men who were unable to find seats perching on the window sills. The occasion was yet another excellent programme arranged by the Executive Committee of the Official Camp Entertainers. Mr. Will Bishop, who needs no introduction to Wellington audiences, presented his company, the “Centennial Serenaders,” in a delightful concert. 5. The orange and black “pierrot” costumes showed to great advantage against the white background of the stage. Those taking part all excelled themselves. From the opening number to the finale there was hardly a pause. Mr Will Bishop’s numbers were heartily applauded, and the singing by the company of “We’re Nice People” was a great success. Songs by Maureen Hickford, Lauri Jones, Kathleen Sawyer, Dulcie McKinley, Bob Henry, Buddy Sangman, and Ivan Styles all received tremendous applause. Noel Walsh and Lauri Jones danced a tap and a Viennese waltz, ■ and Buddy Sarigman and his doll Jerry had some confidential talks about the Army. Behind the scenes Mrs. Jones did splendid work attending -to the wardrobe, etc. e When Mr. Bishop announced a fiveminute interval one of the “boys” sat at the piano and a thousand voices sang songs, old and new. The second part of the programme Comprised musical numbers and topi•,al hits. At the conclusion of the concert, such was the enthusiasm shown, that she men jumped up on the forms, k throwing their hats in the air and IK • ‘cheering the performers. The Camp "‘Commandant, Major McHugh, called ' for cheers for the performers, which were heartily given. A most success--ful-evening closed with the singing of jthe National Anthem, after which the performers were the guests of the ; O.C. to supper at Divisional Head- : quarters. • Mr. Bishop, on behalf of the performers and Official Camp Entertainers, thanked Major McHugh for his hospitality. Practical Enthusiasm. Such is the enthusiasm of the men at Trentham that when it was known the concert was to be at the Y.M.C.A. I hall, Mr. J. Kennedy and Mr. Blakelock and - the soldiers worked with a will and made from 60 to 80 extra forms, and fitted in extra light sockliets round the stage.