In June 1922, 24 year old William Harrison met 15 year old Edna Kerr and her sister Bessie, as Musical Director and accompanist for the Rainbow Pierrots:
Theatiedom
Saturday 3rd June 2022
This evening the ‘Rainbow Pierrots’ are giving a concert to the inmates of the Parkerville Home. They are under the direction of Mr. Clovis, M. Reynolds and Mr W.E. Harrison, A.T.C.L. [1]
Concert at Parkerville
Saturday 3 June 1922
The Rainbow Pierrots on Saturday last gave a well appreciated programme in the Parkerville Hall to a packed audience. All the artists were well received and many encores were demanded. The programme embraced solos, part songs, ragtime, comic, dancing, monologues, etc. The contributors were:-Misses O. Brosnan, W. F. Hartwell, M. Batey, E. Reynolds. B. and E. Kerr; Messrs. W. E. Harrison, A.T.C.L. (musical director), A. Bowden. W. Cryer, A. McLennon, C. M Reynolds (managing director). The Pierrots were the guests of the residents during the week end. [2]
The Rainbow Pierrots
The Rainbow Pierrots were at their best on Saturday last, when they gave a well appreciated programme in the Parkerville Hall which was packed. All the artists were well received, and many encores demanded. ‘The programme embraced solos, part songs, ragtime, dancing, monologue’s, etc. The contributors were Misses O. Brosnan, W. F. Hartwell, M. Batey, E. Reynolds, B. and E. Kerr, Messrs: W. E. Harrison, A.T.C.L., (musical director), A. Bowden, W. Cryer, A. McLennon, and C.M. Reynolds (managing director). The Pierrots were the guests of the residents during the weekend. [3]
Rainbow Pierrots
The Rainbow Pierrots made a visit to Parkerville on Saturday, October 7. In the evening the party presented a first-class variety programme contributed by Miss O. Brosnan, Mr. McLernon, Miss M. Cauntor, Mr. Mills, Mr. C., Miss E. Reynolds. The finale, M. Reynolds, Miss E. Kerr and “Who Did It Belong To?” was one of the principal features of the bill and occasioned much merriment. Dancing for a couple of hours brought the evening to a close. The party were the guests of the townspeople for the week-end. [4]
Rainbow Pierrots.
Good Work For Charity
October 7th 1922
The inhabitants of Parkerville will pleasantly remember the visit paid their little town by the Rainbow Pierrots on October 7 last. On the Saturday evening the popular company rendered a wide selection of items, comprising songs, ballads, serios, comic sketches, and concerted items. A feature of the programme was ‘Who did it belong to?’ a problem play in which the audience are kept in the dark as to how things will turn out right till the dead end. The part of John Gasbag, was played by Mr. McLernon, while Mr. C. M. Reynolds portrayal of. Sir Richard Cucumber, tie Pickle King, was especially able. The supporting company creditably filled their respective parts. Special mention must also be made of the way
in which Mr. W. E. Harrison carried out the duties of accompanist. After refreshments, dancing for a couple of hours brought the evening’s enjoyment to a close. The party desire to thank Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Hemming, Cosgrove, and Law for the hospitality shown the party during their stay- in Parkerville. The programme of events to come include a visit to the Old Men’s Home, Claremont, and also to Pinjarra, when a concert will be held to assist the Fairbridge Farm School. [5]
A concert which was held in the Parkerville Hall on the 7th inst, in aid of the Parkerville Ugly Man was largely attended. An excellent programme of a varied description was rendered by the Rainbow Pierrots, and was well received. Contributors to the programme were Misses E. Kerr, O. Brosnan, M. Cauntor, and E. Reynolds, Messrs. R. Mills, C. M. Reynolds, A. Bowden, and J. McLernon. Mr. W. E. Harrison acted as accompanist. A pleasant dance concluded the evening’s enjoyment. [6]
RAINBOW PIERROTS.
The Rainbow Pierrots gave an entertainment in the Parkerville Public Hall on the 7th ult., when the hall was filled, and an excellent programme of music and comedy was presented. The artists who made the evening enjoyable were:—Misses M. Caunter (soprano), E. Reynolds (soprano), O. Brosnan (soubrette), E. Kerr (comedienne); Messrs. R. Mills (comedian), A. Bowden (comedian), C. M. Reynolds (producer and basso), J. McLernon
(ragtime specialist), and W. E. Harrison (pianist and accompanist).
After refreshments dancing was indulged in for a couple of hours. The party returned to Perth early on Sunday evening, after spending a most enjoyable week-end, and desire to thank the residents of Parkerville for the hospitality shown them during their stay in Parkerville. The proceeds of the concert were in aid of the local Ugly Man (J. Young). The party’s next week-end trip will be
to Pinjarra, when a concert will be held in aid of Fairbridge Farm School, which is in need of funds.[7]
PARKERVILLE
October 7th 1922
The Rainbow Pierrots appeared in Parkerville Public Hall on October 7th last, and met with a good reception. They submitted a bright and breezy programme, which was blended with humorous songs and sketches, also some splendid solo and concerted items. The programme opened with a chorus introducing the Pierrots, which put everybody in a good humour. Miss O. Brosnan followed, and gave some good advice to young men, viz., “Take your girlie to the movies,” which was well received, and later sang, by special request. “Come Down from that Big Tree’ Mr. McLennon contributed a ragtime speciality “Flower Garden Blues,” and also “That Pie,” which won him great applause. Miss M. Caunter’s charming rendition of “Sympathy” and “Thora” earned her a recall. Messrs. McLennon and Mills expounded some witty patter and harmony. Another vocalist who made an excellent impression was Mr. C. M. Reynolds, who was heard in (he songs, “Friend of Mine” and’ “Song of the How.” Owing to the absence of Miss B. Kerr, Mr. Reynolds assisted Miss E. Kerr in the duel “Don’t You Remember the Time,” which found great favour with the audience. Mr. R. Mills made his first appearance with the company. Mr. A. Bowden was responsible for two songs, “Silly Ass” and “Hard Times,” which earned him unstinted applause. Miss E. Reynolds sang “The Gift,” and the singing of this young soprano won flattering attention from the audience. Mr. W. Harrison rendered artistically a pianoforte solo “The Rosary.” The programme was brought to a conclusion with a musical problem play in one act. Mention should be made of the manner in which the musical items were accompanied by Mr. W. E. Harrison. The programme was produced by Mr. E. M. Reynolds. After refreshments a dance was indulged in. The party returned to Perth Sunday evening, after spending a most enjoyable week end. The members desire to thank Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrave, Messrs. Evans. Hemming and Law for the hospitality shown them during their stay in Parkerville. The proceeds of the concert were in aid of the Parkerville Ugly Men. [8]
The Rainbow Pierrots entertained the inmates of the Old Men’s Home, Claremont, last Thursday evening, when a delightfully diversified programme was presented. Among those who contributed to the evening’s enjoyment were the Misses McKinlay, E. Reynolds, M. Cauntor, E. Kerr, O. Brosnan and Messrs. W. E. Harrison, A. McLennon, C. M. Reynolds, and R. Mills. At the conclusion of the performance Mr. A. C. Rust thanked the Pierrots for the pleasure they had given the old men, and trusted that at some future date they would be good enough to give a similar entertainment. [9]
RAINBOW PIERROTS
The Rainbow Pierrots recently entertained the inmates of the Old Men’s Home. The programme presented included many fine individual and concerted items. Special mention may be given Messrs. R. Mills and A. McLernon, who were to the fore in comic items; also to Miss E. Kerr and Mr. C. M. Reynolds for the duet, “Don’t You Remember the Time?”; to Miss M. Caunter, who sang “Thora” and “Sympathy.” Miss M. McKinley made her first appearance with the party and created a good impression. Other contributors were Misses O.
Brosnan and E. Reynolds and Mr. W. E. Harrison (pianist and accompanist). The party were thanked by Mr. Rust for coming down and entertaining the old men, and he hoped that they would be there again soon. Mr. Reynolds responded. Anyone requiring the services of this talented party should communicate with Mr. A. McLernon, 203 Oxford-street, Leederville. .[10]
A very enjoyable evening’s amusement was provided-recently, when the Rainbow Pierrots entertained the inmates of the Old- Men’s Home, Claremont. The party rendered a wide selection of items comprising songs, choruses, ‘humorous songs,’ recitations etc., contributed by the Messrs. McKinlay (contralto), M. Cauntor (soprano), O. Brosnan (soubrette), E. Reynolds (Soprano), E. Kerr (Comedienne), Messrs. R. Wills (comedian). C. Reynolds (basso and producer), A. McLernon (ragtime specialist), Mr. W. Harrison acted as pianist and accompanist. [11]
STAGE AND SCREEN
A concert was given by the Rainbow Pierrots recently at the Old Men’s Home, Claremont. The entertainment was a first-class variety show, embracing songs, serios, comic, and solos, etc., which were all well received. Contributors were Miss O’Brosnan, E. Reynolds, M. McKinlay (first appearance), E. Kerr, M. Cauntor, Messrs. R. Mills, C. M. Reynolds, A. McLernon. Mr. W. E. Harrison acted as pianist and accompanist. Anyone requiring the services of this party are asked to communicate with Mr. McLernon, 203 Oxford-st., Leederville. [12]
The Rainbow Pierrots
The Rainbow Pierrots have given two concerts recently, one, at the Old Men’s Home, Claremont, and the other in aid of the Fairbridge Farm School, Pinjarra. Miss McKinlay made her first appearance with the party at the Old Men’s Home, and was warmly applauded for her songs, ‘A Red Rosebud’ and ‘In Old Madrid.’ At Pinjarra, Miss B. Kerr made a welcome re-appearance and was the recipient of two encores for her dancing. The party presented no fewer than twenty two items, and twelve were encored. Messrs. Mills, Reynolds, and McLernon, had the house in roars of laughter with their humorous interludes. Others contributing to the success of the evening were the Misses E. Kerr, O. Brosnan, M. Cauntor, E. Reynolds, Mr. C. M. Reynolds and Mr. W. E. Harrison (pianist and accompanist). The proceeds of the concert were about £20. The Party have been engaged for Christmas at the Old Men’s Home, but in the meantime are open for engagements.
The address of the secretary is 203 Oxford street, Leederville. [13]
Fairbridge Farm School
November 18 1922
(From a Correspondent.)
One of the most successful concerts yet given by the Rainbow Pierrots was held in the Pinjarra Hall on November 18 in aid of the Fairbridge Farm School. The entertainment met with hearty approval, as was evidenced by the applause and appreciation freely expressed. The programme opened with an introductory song by the Pierrots, followed by a song rendered by Miss O. Brosnan. Messrs. Mills and McLernon delivered some witty patter and harmony about their motor car. Miss McCauntor was in fine voice and her rendering of “Thora” was particularly popular. The Misses Kerr sang a pretty duet, “Don’t You Remember the Time?” Miss M. McKinley’s contributions were “A Red Rosebud” and “In Old Madrid,” and they were well received. Mr. A. McLernon next had a couple of ragtime spasms. Miss B. Kerr made a welcome reappearance with the party and gave two worthy exhibitions of step dancing. Mr. C. M. Reynolds’ fine bass voice was heard in the songs “Friend o’ Mine” and “Song of the Bow.” The first half of the programme concluded with a clever novelty scene “Sweet and Low.” Mr. Mills began the second half by telling the audience about “Levinsky at the Wedding,” which provoked roars of laughter. Miss M. Cauntor again appeared and sang “Sympathy,” which was insistently encored. After this Sambo Mills endeavored to relate his “Sea Voyage” to Mr. C. M. Reynolds. Miss E. Reynolds sang “The Gift,” which found great favor with the audience. Messrs. Mills, Reynolds and McLernon were well to the fore in the humorous interludes. The entertainment was concluded with a musical problem play in one act, entitled “Who did it Belong To?” A dance for a couple of hours brought the evening’s enjoyment to a close. The proceeds of the concert amounted to about £20—a good effort for a good cause. [14]
GRAND SCOTCH NIGHT
THE COASTAL SCOTTISH PIPE BAND
Will hold a
SOCIAL and DANCE.
Assisted by the Rainbow Pierrots
Artists appearing:
Mr. C. Reynolds, Mr R. Mills, Miss O. Bresnan, Miss D. Dyson,
Miss B. Kerr, Miss E. Kerr, Miss Wadell.
LITERARY INSTITUTE TONIGHT
Price is1s 6d.
Pipe Major A. M. Low. Sec. and Treasurer P.V. COOPER [15]
[1] Mirror Saturday 3 June 1922 page 4
[2] The West Australian Wednesday 7 June 1922 page 8
[3] The Daily News Thursday 8 June 1922 page 4
[4] The Daily News Wednesday 25 October 1922 page 6
[5] Mirror Saturday 28 October 1922 page 8
[6] Sunday Times Sunday 29 October 1922 page 7
[7] The Australian Friday 3 November 1922 page 2
[8] The Swan Express Friday 3 November 1922 page 5
[9] The Daily News Tuesday 7 November 1922 page 6
[10] The Australian Friday 10 November 1922 page 6
[11] Sunday Times Sunday 12 November 1922 page 10
[12] Westralian Worker Friday 17 November 1922 page 3
[13] Mirror Saturday 9 December 1922 page 2
[14] The Australian Friday 1 December 1922 page 2
[15] The West Australian Thursday 28 December 1922 page 2