Revival – March Past Pavilion

The February issue of “Past Pavilion” looked back at the visit of Nelson Keys to our little theatre 100 years ago. The Pavilion was also involved in two “revivals” in 1923.

The first of our revivals marked the return of the Selsey Carnival. It was a huge community event and the Selsey Pavilion was a key element in its success. The election of the Carnival Queen was held in the Pavilion in the weeks prior to the big day. Prizes were awarded in the Pavilion after the procession had concluded and dancing went on very late into the night.

Selsey Carnival Revived.

First One Since the War. It proves quite a success. The first Carnival held in Selsey since the war took place on Wednesday evening, and proved a most successful event. Although the earlier part of the day was stormy, the weather became quite favourable in the evening, and the place was alive with the commotion and pleasure which such an event should awaken.

The arrangements were in the hands of same Committee who brought the sports and regatta to such a successful issue, and they are deserving the fullest credit for having managed holiday events well. Many of the houses in the resort were gaily decorated. Prizes were offered lor the best effort in this respect, the premier place being awarded to the residence of Mrs. Keep, in Clayton Road. The entries in the various classes which formed the Carnival Procession numbered about 100, and they constituted a decidedly picturesque assembly as they gathered in Station Road for the judging. The judges were Dr. A. A. Humphrys, and Messrs. Cox, J. Fisher, J. Mitchell and F. S. Potter. Decorated cars, vans, prams, cycles, equestrians in costume, and pedestrians of all ages in all sorts of characters, made up an attractive and novel display. First honours went to the following: decorated cars. Miss Bartholomew; mounted class, Mrs. Buxton Knight (John Bull); vans and lorries. Mr. Sherrington; ladies’ class, Mrs. Owens (Mermaid); gentlemen’s class. Mr. Murphy (Neptune); girls under 12-. Miss B. Smith (Indian); boys under 12, Master Hunter (Charlie Chaplin); prams and cycles, Miss Bird.

The Band of the Depot Royal Sussex Regiment was in attendance, and there were scenes of much merriment during the procession through the streets, which terminated at the Pavilion, where Mrs G. Walker gave away the prizes. It should not be omitted that Mrs. Owens, in her costume as a Mermaid, received the special prize offered for the best dress in the Carnival. A very jolly dance was subsequently held at the Pavilion. Some 270 persons attended, and dancing was kept up with spirit till about three o'clock in the morning.

23/8/1923 – Portsmouth Evening News

Our second revival would certainly be frowned upon by modern day standards, but in its day it proved to be hugely popular and played to packed houses.

SELSEY. Revived.

A crowded house at the Pavilion on Wednesday last, welcomed the reappearance, after a lapse of ten years, of the Selsey Troupe of Minstrels.

Much local interest was aroused by the revival of the troupe, and in spite of most inclement weather, the "House Full" notice was posted outside the building shortly after the advertised time of starting. A full and varied programme was presented, each turn being well received by an appreciative audience. Much merriment was caused by the antics of the "Cornermen," two of whom, Messrs. Maidment and Fisher, were members of the former troupe, and have therefore been of great assistance to their less experienced colleagues, while Mr. Clifford Smith with his topical version of "Tennessee Bertie." metaphorically brought down the house.

The second half of the programme included a musical medley and a series of humorous tableaux, interspersed with ballads, and instrumental solos, and the programme was brought to a close with a laughable sketch entitled "Laughing Gas." The proceeds, after deducting the expenses of re-forming the troupe, and paying for the Hall, will be given to the Selsey Institute, which is now badly in need of funds to carry on its work. It is hoped that Selsey will have a further opportunity of hearing the Troupe in the near future.

2/5/1923 – Bognor Regis Observer

The April and May issues will put 1953 under the year ending in 3 spotlight.