Hoby Entertains Again – the Programme
The programme for this fundraising event in Hoby was typical of small-scale entertainments held in this period, be they amateur or professionally organised. In particular, the traditional organisation of events to raise funds was short plays inter-spaced with songs, comic turns and recitations.
The main content influences were a combination of the more sedate traditional parlour performances of wealthy houses, the touring theatre companies and the music halls with their variety shows. The three songs selected tonight all featured in local events and shows during this period.
“Champagne Charlie” had been a popular music hall song from the 1860’s.
“Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier” was the song used by Vesta Tilly and her husband in the recruitment drives they led during the war.
“Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes” is a popular old song with lyrics written by playwright Ben Jonson in 1616.
“Etiquette” Before he teamed up with Arthur Sullivan, WS Gilbert wrote and illustrated a collection of satirical poems known as the Bab Ballads in the 1860/70s with “Etiquette” being one of the most popular.
As 1917 was the time that the United States engaged with the war it was appropriate that the Comedietta plays selected in the village both had American writers.
“Mechanical Jane” was a farce written in 1909 by ME Barber, background unknown, and became particularly popular in England in 1916.
“A Pretty Bequest”, a Comedietta by T Malcolm Watson, had been performed throughout England from the 1880’s; it is believed it followed a French original. The writer was attached to Mr and Mrs German Reeds’ travelling theatre company. Incidentally, he wrote the souvenir programme containing the story of the Music Hall presented on the occasion of the Royal Performance given by command of His Majesty the King on Monday 1st July, 1912.
The Programme for “Hoby Entertains Again” together with the names of the cast
Welcomes and Introduction by “Mr James” with Angus Walker.
Song: “Champagne Charlie” Performed by Alan Hesketh.
“Mechanical Jane”
Miss Priscilla Robins………………Sheila Robinson
Miss Tabitha Robins ………………Diane Horsfield
Jane ……………………………………..Deb Walker
Song: “Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier” Performed by Miranda Turner as Vesta Tilley.
Recitation: “Etiquette” Comic verse written by WS Gilbert. Performed by David Farrer.
Interval
“Chopin Polonaise in A Flat Major” performed by Edgars Cuzinski
“A Pretty Bequest”
Charles Goodyear……………………David Davies
Adolphous Goodyear……………… David Harkness
Harold Blake ………………………….Richard Morris
Mrs Hunter ……………………………Valerie Davies
Edith Goodyear ……………………..Suzy Tiernan
Song: “Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes” by Ben Jonson. Performed by Tony Geary.
Farewells
Acknowledgments
Vic Allsop Chairman Hoby & District Society
Nancy Blake Scenery
John Coleman Staging
Suzanne Fleming Prompt
Martin Hawthorn Technical facilities
Diane Horsfield Administration, Scenery
Steve Horsfield Technical Director, Scenery
Jean Morris Props
Stephen Reid Technical equipment
Anne Thomas Musical Advisor
Deborah Walker Scenery
Angus Walker Director
Edward Wheeler Staging
B&H Melton Mowbray Printing
The Little Theatre Leicester Costumes
Jacksons Media Filming
Tiernan Marketing Programme Design
And many others who are contributing in various ways, including the staff at Melton Mowbray Library, Melton Mowbray Museum and Leicestershire Records Office, who have always been most helpful with the Society’s research.
