ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2469, 6 April 1909, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MASKELYNE AND DEV ANT. To-morrow night the public of Gisborne will be introduced, as His Majesty’s Theatre to the' marvels of the scientific conjuring produced by the celebrated firm of Maskelyne and Devant. Of the senior partner of the combination it lias been said:—Maskelyne draws to his help the latest marvel of modern science before the man in the street even knows of its existence. He was, for instance, one of the first men in the British Wireless Telegraphy Company. In fact, the grand old man of magic is a scientist who has used lus extraordinary knowledge of mechanics, light, and electricity, to am'use millions of people bv mystifying them. Ihe company present two- absolutely distinct attractions- —stage illusion, and individual acts by three special artists in juggling, conjuring, and musical monologue. Hie illusions are in the form of charmimdy staged small piays, of which three are -presented each evening. In some the story is romantic, as for instance, that of an artist who, whilst painting his dead wife’s portrait., beholds her imaternbso from the. canvas; in others - coined vis the keynote. Whether, however. ghosts, spirit appearances, or batflinor nuiy.es of trickery are the motif, have this in common, that at the climax an .amazing surprise, is sprung upon the audience, and the phrase: “How is it doner” —the truest applause of conjurors—invariably runs round the stalls, circle, and gallery. One playette is built about the extraordinary' box which has been exhibited .'OOO times, and was examined once by the House of Lords. It is laid in the time of George 111., and deals with the imprisonment of Will in the village lockup—a sort of cage raised upon legs. Members of the audience watch this cage, wal'k freely about it, crawl over and under it. yet, not one, but a- series of remarkable escapes and entrances are effected whilst the musical fun runs merrily on. A staff' of twenty actors and actresses manage those. illusions. Gin taro’s juggling, air. Owen Clark’s clever conjuring, and a most important appearance of The London* Society Entertainer, Mr. Barclay Gammon. in musical monologue contribute to the overflowing orchestra is directed by Mr. Ernest Arnold.