Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 29 October 1921

Wath Pierrots at Denaby.

A Sparkling Entertainment.

The reputation of the Wath Carnival Pierrots is always sufficient to attract large and enthusiastic audiences, and it was no surprise to find the commodious Large Hall at Denaby well filled on Tuesday night, when the party provided a concert the interests of the Choir funds. The whole of the highest priced mats were occupied, and with strong support outlier behind, it was fortunate for the promoters that they had secured such spacious accommodation. For over two hours and a half, the Pierrots, under the skilful direction of Mr. A. T. Thomson, who takes a lively interest in their activities, provided an exhilarating program sparkling with mirth and melody.

The bright feature of the evening’s programme was its versatile nature. There was no wearied repetition of the same type of item. Naturally, the main purpose of the party was to amuse and enliven, and in this they were eminently successful. It was a feast of entertainment, abounding with clean, and wholesome humour from tuneful songs, attractive repartee, and a host of amusing jokes, with tees of the antiquated type that are often introduced with monotonous precision by similar parties.

There was never a dull moment throughout the evening and the fun was maintained right to the end. Every member of the party is an artiste of the best type, and were equally effective in their individual items as in concerted hers. The audience, who were immensely delighted with the entertaining fare provided, and quick to appreciate the excellent programme, accorded the party a number of well-deserved encores, to which the artistes were quick to respond.

The Wath Pierrots are rich in their possession of a number of really first-class vocalists. There is always a danger in the provision of this type of entertainment to develop a tendency to concentrate too much on the ludicrous side and the popular element, to the neglect or the vocal side, but the Wath party have happily avoided this, and maintain a high standard in every direction.

Mrs Marsh, a vocalist possessed of a rich contralto voice, was heard to good effect in “Silver star,” but her most successful number was that charming and evergreen song, “I passed by your window,” which evoked an enthusiastic encore.

Mrs. Chris. Robson attained a similar measure of success in “The songs my mother sang” and “Happy medium boy.’

Miss Gladys Wade, a dainty soubrette, contributed “Plumb stones.’

Miss Laura Beevers, a member of a talented family that predominates in the party, gave a vivacious, interpretation of the song. ‘Cecil,” an old favourite with the Y.M.C.A. concert parties’ in Flanders during the war.

Mr. W. Jewsbury, a tenor with, a voice of rich quality, effectively rendered “Omaha,” and Mr. Percy Beevers, who is also a tenor with a beautiful voice, sang “My dear,” with sympathy and ,charm. Later in the programme, Mr. Beevers was heard to equally good effect in !the humorous song. “Cos I’m shy.” Mr. Beevers has, the ability to entertain in the dual role of tenor vocalist and comedian, with the same measure of success, a quality that must be almost unique on the concert platform.

Mr. Fred Beevers sang “Will o’ the wisp,” with fine dramatic fervour, and Mr. Batty Hollings was always a source of entertainment with his songs, including “Funny phrases” and “The fact is.” and his droll mannerisms in the concerted items.

The concerted numbers were. “Some show.” “Ours is a nice house,” “Rhymes.” “King called Caracticus,” “Oh, by Jingo.” “Laugh and the world.” “Old John Braddledum,” “Harmony,” and “A Trip to Blackpool.”

The programme concluded with an amusing little sketch. “The Singing Barber,” in which Mr. Fred and Mr. Percy Beevers provided an abundance of mirth-provoking incidents. In addition. Mrs. Marsh and Miss Beevers were associated in an entertaining duet, ”a lovers quarrel,” and Mr. Hollings and Mr. Percy Beevers contributed a humorous duet. “Simpletons.”

The notice would be incomplete without reference to the excellent work of Mr. George Atkinson, the talented accompanist, who discharged his arduous dailies with impeccable taste. During the interval the Rev. Harry Lee (vicar) expressed the appreciation of the audience to Mr. Thomson and his excellent party, and paid a warm tribute to their enthusiasm and success, remarking that the Wath Pierrots devoted their time and talents to the provision of such entertainments without any remuneration.