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The Kia ora coo-ee : the magazine for the ANZACS in the Middle East, 1918

The Anzac Sundowners

The Anzac Sundowners.

On a clear June night, the stars of Bethlehem shone on a gathering of soldiers and village folk in front of a monastery, whose steps formed a stage. The Anzac Sundowners Concert Troupe gave their initial performance in the open. There was some trouble with the lighting effects, but that was the only flaw, and the Star of the Sundowners rose to a high place in the firmament of popularity. Among those who watched it rise was Major-General sir Edward W.C. Chaytor, K.C.M.G., C.B., A.D.C., T.D.

A piano was borrowed from a Jewish household and Staff Sergeant G. Doward drew wonderful music from it. The cornet solos of Spr. F.H. Millar were special features of the entertainment, the favourite items being "Songs of Araby" and "Perfect. Day". His original humorous sketches, "The Yokel" and "The Village Curate", showed his versatility; they were excellently done. L/Cpl. T. Lewis gave some clever impersonations, including "A pre-war German at the Telephone" and "Uriah Heep",

Among those who contributed songs were Sergt. W.E. Landsell, Sergt. Schwarz, Dvr. C.E. Kentish, and Spr. E. Watts. Dvr. A.R. Myers recited Major A.B. Paterson'3 "Pardon, the Son of Reprieve" and 'The Bush Christening" in capital style. The selections rendered by the Anzac Divisional Band, conductor, Lieut. J. Crosby-Browne, were very popular. One of the pieces played was a trombone rag, "Mr. Thomas Cat", composed by Captain Walker. The whole programme was delightful and the audience demanded many encores. Sergt.-Major F.S.B. Owen acted as stage manager. He triumphed over difficulties. The "stage" was decorated with streamers of foliage and bunches of flowers, and the effect was charming.