South Yorkshire Times, March 4th, 1944
“The Desert Song”
South Yorkshire Musical Comefy Society’s Successful Production
Age does not wither, nor custom stale, the appeal of “The Desert Song” which the Yorkshire Musical Comedy Society have been producing this week at the Empire Theatre, Mexborough. The lovely melodies with which this well-known musical play is richly endowed no doubt constitute the secret of its popularity. Having chosen thus wisely, the Society have made no mistake in making the best of this promising material. The show has done good business throughout the week, fully justifying the confidence of the Society’s President Mr. H. J. Woffinden, in allowing it to displace the customary film fare for six days.
With Jack Bell, well-known Doncaster baritone, as the Red Shadow, the show began with excellent prospects. Mr, Bell is completely master of this role, and his virile and confident performance has much to do with the play’s success. His acting and singing have an ease and power which are absolutely in character. His admiral understanding with Margot, delightfully played by Deborah Mann, is another factor which ensures the success of the show. Miss Mann’s presence is as lively and vivacious as her voice is pleasing and tuneful. Her Margot has a captivating freshness and charm, and in their interpretation of the theme song Miss Mann and Mr. Bell are particularly effective. An eminently satisfactory feature of the production is that these two competent leading players enjoy no monopoly of talent. Milton Fowler and Naomi Beeson make a splendid job of the comic responsibilities of Benny and Susan. Benny’s facial mobility bears the Henson stamp, and Susan, whether in forlorn or frivolous mood, is an apt seconder in the provision of much wholesome fun. As for the donkey it co-operates as imperturbably as an old trouper, and its Swinton owner, Mr. Metcalfe, cannot be anything but proud of such an exemplary artist.
Another excellent performance is that of Freda Dean as the half-caste Azuri. She enters into the passionate mood of the part with unreserved intensity and carries off the betrayal scene with a command of stage and audience which displays more than a touch of the professional. Thanks to the insight and interpretive ability of Denzil Ellis, General Birabeau becomes an extraordinarily real personality instead of the stick which many actors make of him – first rate acting this; and there is a likeable crispness about Arthur Houlton’s Captain Fontaine, also admirably in character. Marjorie Wass brings a nice conception of archness to the picturesque role of Clementina, and her scene with Benny is very neatly managed, a fact for which both players deserve credit. An imposing Ali Ben Ali is personated by Henry Tyas, who adds a pleasant singing voice to a well sustained conception of oriental dignity. Frank Smeaton’s rich tenor is heard to advantage in the lovely “One flower” song of Sidi El Kar, and there is intelligent support from a group of small part players which includes Alfred Llewellyn, Joe Wharton, Albert Wood, Molly Starr, Dennis Porter, Ronald Fairham and Winifred Clay.
Good Chorus Work
The chorus very competently fulfils its task. Whether as soldiers or followers of the Red Shadow, French girls, cabaret girls, soldiers’ wives or Spanish girls, these indispensable members of the Society sing with both artistry and power. They score notably in the “Eastern and Western Love” sequence in the second act, and in the earlier harem scene. If war-time restrictions on space preclude listing them here by name the omission is made with reluctance for the production owes a great deal to their contribution.
Dance routines devised by Mrs. Woffinden considerably enhance the picturesqueness of the show, and the twinkling feet and nimble grace of Freda Woffinden (speciality dancer) and an agile team of assistants add further colour and sparkle.
The diligence and enthusiasm of the musical Director, Mrs Lynette Chappell, is well rewarded by a sympathetic rendering of these fascinating and familiar tunes. The orchestras’ unobtrusive part is not the least of the many factors which go to confirm the success of the play.
Mr. Jack Snelgrove, under whose direction the show is produced, has again discharged an onerous task with distinct credit. This is a “Desert Song” well up to the exacting standard demanded of those who put on such a perennial favourite, and the town and district have shown great encouragement for the production.
Grateful thanks were extended to President; Mr. J. J. Woofinden; vice-president, Mr. F. Williams; treasurer, Mr. R. Dayson; general secretary, Mr. H. Woods; stage manager, Mr. H. Devereux; house manager, Mr. J. Shillito; wardrobe master, Mr. A. Chappell; wardrobe mistress, Mrs. C. C. Fieldhouse; property master, Mr. A. Whitehouse, social committee secretary; Mr. W. Tipper; publicity manager, Mr. J. R. Woods; accompanist, Mrs. Ethel Jackson; electrician, Mr. J. Cusworth; with assistance also from Mr. A. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. G. Platt, Mr. A Briggs, Miss I. Sheldon, and Mr. R. Hancock.