Selsey Minstrels Show – Chichester Observer – Wednesday, 10 February 1937

AT THE PAVILION' Organised by Mr. Swindells, and helped by other members of the original troupe, the well-known Selsey Minstrels were revived at the Pavilion, Selsey, on Monday night. This was the first performance the troupe had given for about seven years. The curtain went up to show rows of merry black faces singing the opening chorus, "De Ole Folks at Home." after which J. H. Francis I sang "De Ole Banjo." with the troupe joining the chorus. Mr. G. Edwards sang “Carry Back Ole Virginny,' and C: E. Smith gave a very pathetic version of “Ole Man River” in the Paul Robeson style. A song and chorus, "Down By Dat Ribber,” was rendered by E. Gardiner, which was followed by a very beautiful rendering of "Ma Curly-Headed Baby," by Piccaninny Jose Francis. Other items in the first half of the programme were "Down in De Canebrake." sung by J. E. Francis; a comic song. "Nigger Josey " by L. Maidment; "De Ring-Tailed Coon," sung by E. A. Williams; and to finish the first half the whole troupe sang "Shine Shine Moon." The accompanist for all these songs was R. H. Smith, and the hon. conductor Mr. C. E. Vince. In the second half, the troupes band (without their black faces) rendered a very pleasing musical medley, during which Mr. Clifford Smith. dressed in comic uniform, gave a delightful and really comic rendering of "The Sergeant Major’s Daughter," which drew roars of laughter from the audience, and many rounds of applause at the conclusion. Appearing for an encore, sang "When the Sergeant Major Started Crooning on Parade." The musical medley was followed by an excellent song and dance by little Jose Francis. A duologue, "Housey Housey” just failed to quite hit the mark of humour it was intended to. The characters were taken Mr. E. A. Swindells and Miss J. A. Richards. This was followed by a song, very well sung by Mr. E. S. Richards. Another high spot was the rustic "Good English Ale". It was something, which everyone could appreciate. The participants were Mr. L. Maidment. C. L. Williams and Mr. G. Edwards, aided Miss M. Philip. The monologue. "Weather end News." was exceedingly amusing to the audience, inasmuch as it brought and made fun of various characters in Selsey. This was rendered by Mr. Clifford E. Smith. A humorous sketch. "Engaging a Company." in which the characters were taken by M. Philip, C. Lamb, J. A. Richards. E. A. Swindells, C. L. Williams and E. A. Williams, ended a very pleasant evening.