Past Pavilion

This month we look back to a very popular form of entertainment of its time. I will not be including any pictures as I do not wish to cause any offence to our readers. However, we have to acknowledge that, although we now live in more enlightened times, we cannot change our past.

After the end of WW1 many communities relied on local talent. After meetings at the Selsey Men’s Institute an idea was put forward that a band should be formed. Colonel Moore suggested the creation of a Minstrel Show. The original pianist was Ron Smith but Jack Tupper replaced him. The Minstrels put on their first show at the Selsey Men’s Institute on 23rd December 1920. It was a huge success. Later Minstrel Shows were produced with increasing regularity and staged at the Pavilion. The troupe soon appeared at a number of venues in Portsmouth, Havant, Arundel and Chichester among others. The men were dressed in bright red shirts, black trousers, brightly coloured cummerbunds and black grease painted faces. They were supported by boys dressed similarly. The show had a group called the “Cotton Fields Glee Singers” including Charles Dawes, Jack Kite, Charles and Allen Fidler. By 1933 cinema and the wireless were becoming more popular and amateur productions, including The Selsey Minstrel Troupe, finally died.

I have included two articles from 1925 and 1926 that give a flavour of what was being offered by the Minstrel Troupe.‍

Minstrels Make Merry. The Selsey Troupe of Minstrels gave another of their popular concerts on Thursday. As usual, it attracted a large and appreciative audience to the Pavilion. The troupe, with its chorus of 20 voices, has lately been strengthened by the addition of a useful orchestra, which we venture to say will enhance its reputation. The first half of the programme consisted of plantation songs and choruses, ballads, and humorous songs, with jokes and gags interspersed. A pleasing feature was the well-balanced part singing, the rendering of the choruses being very effective, and reflecting credit on the hon. instructor (Colonel W. G. Moore). Mention must be made of Mr. Clifford Smith, who greatly amused the audience with his revised version of "Tennessee Bertie," and also of Mr. Maidment, whose song, "Chick-Chick-Chicken," evoked laughter and applause. Solos were well rendered by Messrs. Foster, Fidler, Kite and Richards, as was also a pleasing duet by Messrs. Cox and Dawes, "High Street, Africa," by Mr. Edwards, and “Selsey Camp Marines,” by the troupe brought the first half to a close. The second half opened with a series of short pieces by the newly formed orchestra, which found much favour with the audience. Colonel Moore then sang (with orchestral accompaniment) "The Song of the Wild," which was enthusiastically received, and as an encore gave "Mendin' Roadways," by Eric Coates. Then followed Miss Gladys Lawrence, whose two songs at the piano were greatly appreciated. Mr. Clifford Smith again caused merriment with "Silly Sam of Selsey." By way of change a banjo solo and encore were rendered by Mr. A. Barron, and a musical monologue, "The Street Watchman's Story," was contributed by Mr. E. A. Swindells. The entertainment concluded with an amusing skit entitled "Housey Housey," by Miss G. Lawrence. and Mr. Clifford Smith, during which these two artistes sang a duet, "Tie a string around your finger." They sang "No one ever kissed me" as an encore. Colonel Moore announced that he would be pleased to hear from any instrumentalist who would like to join the orchestra.‍

Bognor Regis Observer 23/12/1925‍

‍The Minstrels. What was voted generally to be one of the finest entertainments that the residents have had the pleasure of seeing lately, took place in the Pavilion on Thursday evening last, the performers being that popular band of gloom-dispellers, “The Selsey Minstrels," in conjunction with the Selsey Orchestra. There was a crowded “house", and all the items in a long and delightful programme were received enthusiastically. The numbers in the first half included several old favourites, Mr. W. Hollingdale rendering “Old Banjo", Mr L. Maidment, "The Old Umbrella", Mr. J. Kite. “Old Virginny." Mr. S. Richard a ballad, “Song the Sea,” Mr. C. E. Smith, a laughable “Topical Song". Messrs. C. Dawes and G. Cox contributing “Old Kentucky Home," Mr. C. Foster “Paddlin’ Madeline Home,” concluding with a pleasing rendering by the troupe of that well-known song, "Shine, Shine, Moon.” The second half included several songs by Miss Gladys Lawrence, and both these and her duets with Mr. Clifford Smith were highly appreciated. Messrs. A. Barron and C. Foster gave a clever “Musical Medley." while a thoroughly amusing turn was that given by three be-smocked comedians, Messrs. L. Maidment, C. Fidler and C. Dawes. The programme was brought to a conclusion by a merry performance by “Professor Vandoosleberry’s Saveloy Orphans Band”. All the artistes gave their services entirely free, and the whole of the proceeds are being devoted to charity.‍

Chichester Observer 19/5/192

‍The December edition will place the spotlight on another theatrical group known as SCAMPS. They were renowned for their very successful pantomimes. We all sincerely hope that, once again, we will soon be able to sit back and enjoy a pantomime in the Pavilion.