ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2384, 28 December 1908, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

AUSTRAL UNISCOPE COMPANY.

His Majesty's Theatre was wellfilled on Saturday evening, when the Austral Uniscope Company gave their second performance. The'programme submitted was a great improvement on that of Christmas night, and the .audience showed their appreciation by rounds of applause. The pictures thrown upon the screen were all interesting and well varied, the comic subjects causing great laughter. Levarto, a decidedly clever juggler, appeared for the first time, and his turn greatly added to the popularity of the programme. Levarto tossed hats, billiard balls and other objects with wc-nderful skill, and he was recalled again -and again. Unfortunately, however, the engine driving the dynamo, which makes the electric light, broke down at about half-past nine, and the performance had to he discontinued. The Company will give another performance in the Theatre this evening, when a new series of films will he brought forward. Levarto will again appear, and patrons are promised a pleasant entertainment.

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS. Mr Edward Branscomhe, who is introducing to Gisborne the ‘‘Scarlet Troubadours” at- His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday and Tuesday," January 4th and sth, is anxious to make it known that the style of performance they give must not be, classified as “vaudeville” as recognised in this country. It must be granted that too often when musical performances of a humorous character are presented to the public the singing is of a very indifferent nature, music being sacrificed for humor. Mr Branscombe’s object has been to show how 'much more acceptable such music can bo made when interpreted by really good singers, and to carry this scheme into effect ho had only included with the “Scarlet Troubadours’.’ vocalists of refinement and repute. 'Whether the item be serious or humorous, the same artistic finish will bo found to stamp their efforts to amuse, and to this, and, the novelty they offer in both costuming, acting” and singing their musical numbers, much of their success must be attributed. In alluding to these performances one critic writes: “It is a new departure from all conventional forms, and first to last there is not a dull moment. They sing, dance, jest and make merry in thoroughly whole-hearted fashion, and provide a feast of music and merrijment which goes with bi'illiant sparkle from start to finish.