The Era – Newspaper Article

This article is taken from a clipping in the British Newspaper Archive (britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) and was printed in a paper called The Era on 8 July 1936. It is a review of one of the many performances given by the students at the Ginner-Mawer School of Dance and Drama. Although this review doesn’t give a reason for the performance, often they were showcases for the students, or examination pieces, and were often charitable events where funds were raised for good causes.

This is the first time I have come across pianist Mr Corbett. The other pianist, Mary Starling, is a very familiar name to me. She evacuated with the School from London, when they all went to Boscastle in 1939.

The Vaudeville Theatre, where the performance took place, is in the West End of London and this performance was prior to the Second World War, so the School would have been based in London.

The newspaper article reads as follows:

“At the Vaudeville Theatre on Saturday afternoon, Ruby Ginner, Irene Mawer and Company, gave a display of Greek dancing and mimed and spoken comedies. Geoffrey Corbett, assisted by Mary Starling, accompanied the artists.

Irene Mawer’s portrayal of “Arlequin (sic) of the Fair” was much admired, as was the “Rhapsody in Scarlet and Gold,” danced by members of the company. This was a beautiful setting.

By request, Ruby Ginner danced to the “Sonata Pathetique” of Beethoven. Nancy Sherwood’s performance of “An Amazon,” arranged by herself, was very striking – the costume and dance having been inspired by a painting on a Greek vase.

A very enjoyable afternoon.”

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