Operatic Society’s production of “A Little Dutch Girl.” (pictures)

February 1936

Mexborough and Swinton Times February 21st 1936

Conisborough Church Operatic Society’s production of
“A Little Dutch Girl.”

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To achieve a reputation is hard; to maintain it is more difficult. Conisborough Church Operatic Society can truly claim both, for their latest venture is of the highest standard one expects from a society with such experienced material at their command.

On Monday the Society produced “A Little Dutch Girl,” a musical play by Harry Graham and Seymour Hicks, the music being by Emmerich Kalman. The performances were continued throughout the week, with the exception of tonight. Tomorrow night will see the end of a momentous week in the history of the Society. Financial success was assured before the curtain went up, for every night was practically “sold out” then.

A Fine Team

The action of the play takes place in one day, but fortunately the map of Europe is adaptable. We flit from the imaginary country of Sylvania in the morning, to Florendaal in Holland in the afternoon, and back to Sylvania in the evening.

These transportations are made easier because of the splendid scenery painted by one of the societies own members, Mr Fred Hill, and his Dutch scene for Act Two exceeds anything he has given as in previous years. When one recalls the limitation of the Church Hall stage and realises that central entrances are to be transferred to the sides, and that the characters have to be got on and off to suit the stage, one gets but a slight insight into the multitudinous problems of the producer. The genius of Mr F.O. Dowdall sold them all, so that even the dress rehearsal run on oil wheels, and those who witness the first performance on Monday got as good value as those who will see the triumph of the closing night.

Other very useful people before the opening night were the ballet mistress, Mrs A Shepherd, who gave us more of the delightfully dainty dances we have grown to associate with her direction, the accompanist, Mrs W Burton, Jr, who spent many hours at the piano during rehearsals; Mr Sam Harrison, the secretary, who put in a great deal of work on prefatory details; Mr J.E. Greathead, the stage manager, and Mr T Holmes, the property manager, both of whom did much unseen work. Last, but not least, comes the musical director, Mr B.B. Clarkson, and in him the Society possess a conductor who thoroughly understands esteem, and who rightly reaps the reward of his labours of the long period of preparation.

The story is that of a Friends who decides that he will not wed a Princess for whom “a marriage as been arranged.” The pair have never seen each other. For reasons of State a marriage by proxy solves the problem, and the Princess in disguise seeks out the Prince, the motive being revenge. The Prince falls in love with a disguise Princess, who flees home, and after complications they “live happily ever after.”

The stars in the shore are indeed a sparkling constellation and Conisborough Church is fortunate in possessing such a galaxy of talent with the histrionic ability to interpret so fluently the desires of its producer and musical director.

The Principals

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Mrs C Urch as Princess Julia (and later as the Little Dutch Girl) enhances her reputation. She is imperious, petulant, dainty and coquettish in turn, always registering the correct emotion. Charmingly framed in a window in Act Two, she might be one of the pictures in the Wiertz Gallery in Brussels come to life. Her voice was in keeping with her acting, and her songs, “Dreamland Lover” and “Prince of my maiden fancies,” were delightful.

Mrs H Fowler, as Countess Eloise de Goussy (Lady in Waiting) was as pert as she should be. Her every appearance set us rippling with the laughter she invariably evoked before she made her exit.

The comedy of the play revolves around Eloise, Captain Constantine Posch, and Baron Bomba, and well sustained it is too. Captain Posch is admirably portrayed by Mr Milton Fowler, as either a suave diplomat or a flirtatious courtier, as occasion demands.

Baron Bomba, is the role filled by Mr Herbert Fowler. For years he has provided much humour, and again he is well up to standard. Into his scheming he puts exactly the correct verve. Every second is on the stage is thoroughly entertaining. We cannot see too much of Mr Fowler.

As Prince Paul, Mr W Burton junior has plenty of scope for his rich baritone voice, and he uses it like a true artist. Though his voice is so pleasing, it does not overshadow the polish of his acting. “By the silver sea” was splendidly sung.

Of the newer members, the one who has made the biggest histrionic strides is Mr T Holmes, as Klaas, the innkeeper. The smaller parts are quite capably filled, except for a slight stiffness amongst the less experienced, but this will disappear.

These parts are Sabrina (Miss M Lawton), Countess Valeria (Miss I.M.Braithwaite), Ninon (Miss I Horsley), Count Arago (Mr C Croxall), Count Negruzzo (Mr W Park), Hans (Mr S Hare), and Baron Seebourg (Mr G.H.Starr).

Good Chorus

To get the story across a good chorus is as necessary as good principals, and Mr Dowd has cause for congratulation on the response he has obtained to his instructions, for the crowd scenes, and Mr Clarkson has grounds for equal gratification on the blending of their voices. The dancing of some of the chorus members has been mentioned.

The members of the chorus are Mesdames C Trickett, F Curtis, C Oswald, L Holmes, Misses M Senior, V Brewster, Messrs S Smith, J West, G Starr, W Park, S Harrison, H Pemberton, K Ellis, W Fowler, S Hare, C Price and T.Holmes.

Those in the dual roles of chorus and ballet dancers are Misses E Brooke, W Ellis, E Starr, A Huffingley, J Pascoe, G.S.Braithwaite, M Trickett and G Wilson. Master Malcolm Thomas is a typically smart pageboy.

Mr BB Clarkson has a small but very efficient orchestra under his baton, consisting of Mrs HH Sharp and WA Twelves (first violins), Mrs C Leger and E Greaves (second violins), Mr H Brocklesby (Viola), Mr J Birdsall (cello) and Mr G Hoddle (double bass)

The Society owes much to Mr Fred Williams for his ingenious lighting schemes.

We may have had productions with more in them both musically and in the libretto, but never has there being one in Conisborough with such a difficult first Act to put across, and the President, the Rev W.J.T.Paschal and his Society may feel well pleased with themselves, for after having made such a success of Act One the rest was comparatively easy. Another success has been added to the growing list of successes of the Conisborough Church Operatic Society, a purely amateur affair, with all its members Parish Churchgoers; no mean accomplishment.