Sarah
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Taunton Courier, Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 03 May 1933
Page 3 Column 3 and 4
“A COUNTRY GIRL.”
TAUNTON OPERA WEEK CLOSES
ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES.
“A Country Girl” was brought to a triumphant conclusion by the Taunton Operatic Society at the Lyceum Theatre on Saturday evening, when, for the eighth time during the week, a crowded audience witnessed a very spirited and polished performance. This popular musical comedy has provided the Society with their finest production of recent years.
Amid great enthusiasm, gifts of choice bouquets were handed over the footlights to the lady principals at the close of the performance, while humorous presentations were made to the male performers. These included a comic picture to Mr. F. BARBER (Minister of Fine Arts), a black “princess” to Mr. James ARCHARD (Rajah of Bhong), a toy ship to Mr. Percy OLDS (Commander Geoffrey Challoner), and a wooden figure of a chicken to Mr. W. HARRIES (Barry).
Miss Eva CALLEBAUT, the talented producer, of London, who received a bouquet of beautiful tulips, placed two of the flowers in the buttonholes of Mr. Herbert KNOTT, F.R.C.O., the musical director, and Mr. Alan GARRAWAY, the electrician – a gracious acknowledgment of their successful co-operation with her in making the week's performances so successful.
“A RECORD WEEK.”
Sir Dennis BOLES, Bart., then appeared on the stage and said:- “It is my duty and privilege, as president of the Taunton Operatic Society, to thank all those who have contributed to the success of 'A Country Girl,' and particularly all of you who have so loyally supported us throughout the week. Taunton, I may say, is very proud of its Operatic Society – (applause) – and of the talent displayed by every member of it.
“We have had a record week, record attendances, and, I am told, record expense – (laughter) – but at the same time I hope and believe that the Society will be able to hand over to the charitable institutions in Taunton a handsome donation when the accounts are made up. (Applause.)
“It would be very invidious of me to mention by name any of those who had taken part in 'A Country Girl,' and I am sure that they would not wish it. Nevertheless, I think it is only fair that I should mention the name of Mr. Percy OLDS – (applause) – who played Commander Geoffrey Challoner at a fortnight's notice on account of the regrettable accident to Mr. HAWKEN, who was cast originally to play that part.
TRIBUTE TO MISS CALLEBAUT.
“Then again I really think I ought, on behalf of the Committee, to thank Miss CALLEBAUT – (applause) – for the excellent way in which she has produced 'A Country Girl.' I am informed, and I know, that Miss CALLEBAUT has a wonderful capacity for producing a play. I am told that she makes the chorus work, but at the same time she makes them enjoy it. (Hear, hear” from the players.) We are all very grateful to her for having come here and made our production such a success. Then again we must not forget our very fine orchestra, conducted by Mr. Herbert KNOTT. (Applause.) I am sure it has added greatly to the success of the play, and we are most grateful to them. I am certain also that Mr. WARD, our hon. secretary, and Mr. TAYLOR, hon. treasurer, are very proud to-night, and that Mr. TAYLOR will feel very happy when
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the accounts are made up. Thank you all very much for having so loyally supported us, and I hope you will continue to do so for many years to come.” (Applause.)
Mr. GARRAWAY called for three cheers for the President, to which there was a resounding response.
Multi-coloured streamers were thrown by the performers to the audience, and vice versa, and the lively rendering of “Yo ho, little girls, yo ho” then brought the curtain down upon a very festive scene.
A series of further presentations followed on the stage.
PRESENTATIONS BY ACTING MEMBERS.
A pleasing ceremony took place after the matinee on Saturday.
Mr. Lionel WILLIAMS, on behalf of the acting members of the Society, expressed sincere appreciation of the manner in which the rehearsals had been conducted by Miss CALLEBAUT (producer) and Mr. KNOTT (musical director). The members, he said, greatly appreciated their kindly consideration, as shown by their regular attendance throughout the rehearsals. As a token of regard, Mr. WILLIAMS then asked Miss CALLEBAUT to accept a cameo brooch and Mr. KNOTT a silver cigarette box from the acting members.
The recipients suitably responded and acknowledged the loyal and keen efforts of those serving under them.