Humphrey Bishop Coy.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10308, 18 January 1927, Page 3

Humphrey Bishop Coy.

ANOTHER ENTHUSIASTIC AUDI ENCE XT OPERA HOUSE.

Gisborne amusement lovers can be rel.ed upon, to support to the lull any higli class vaudeville company, and the audiences patronising the entertainments now being put on at the Opera House by too well-known’ Humphrey Bishop Company are proving.' no exception to tlie rule. Nor are they disappointed, for the combination of performers under the direction of that master artist, Mr. Bishop, provides almost three hours of music and fun, such' it is seldom the privilege of a Gisborne p-üblip to view. ,

Last evening the company gave a repetition of Saturday night’s programme, and the large and appreciative audience which filled the theatre was ample‘proof that the company’s reputation of two and a-half years ago lias not suffered during the interim- There was not a dull moment throughout the night, and spontaneous applause followed every act. Though recalls were demanded time and time again, it was found, owing to the length of the programme, impossible to accede to every request. In no artist’s work was there a suggestion of over-acting, and, in fact, it was the very naturalness with wlhich eacli turn was presented that made the entertainmeht so popular with the audience.

The versatility of the artists made possible a well balanced programme which was particularly strong in vocal, solo, and concerted numbers and instrumental items, it was the comedy work, however, that pawed irresistible to the audience,, and the chief fun-maker, George Ross, was welcomed hack to Gisborne with a burst of hilarity that increased as the evening progressed. The artists were seen to even better advantage than on the previous evening, and certainly the audience seemed even more appreciative. The opening number, a vocal solo by y-r. Bishop, mas a fitting introduction, and from then on turn followed turn with clock-like" precision. Thelma Scott, soprano, was heard to advantage in several solo numbers and also in a duet with John Montfort. Two clever dancers were seen in Dorothy Ryder and Alan Kitson, while these two artists gave evidence of their versatility in popular vocal numbers. Mark Leslie and Elaine Mayo, attired in Dutch costume, sang the popular “Oh! Katarina,” concluding with a clever national dance. Fred Webber appeared with Dorothy Ryder in an enjoyable vocal and instrumental turn and later in an exceedingly clever piano and cornet number.* Walter Kingsley, the wellknown- baritone, was. in excellent voice, and his numbers were received with spontaneous and prolonged applause. The closing number of the first half of the programme, the finale from “Carmen,” was one of the features of the programme, the artists entering into the spirit of the turn with a vim that more than ever captured the heart of the audience. Undoubtedly the company is strong on the humorous side, and George Ross, as chief fun-maker, ably backed tin by Charles Albert, Dan Flood and Fred Webber, drew forth roars of laughter at every turn. The humor was clean, original and cleverly presented and the versatility of the artists further displayed by their work at the piano and in various solo vocal numbers-

An uproarious musical comedietta “Arcadee,” in which life in Arcady was humorously depicted, formed a conclusion to a veritable feast oi fun and merriment.

Much of tlie success of the evening was undoubtedly due to the orchestra under the baton of Mr. Bishop.

A complete change of programme will be presented to-night and, in view of the company’s popularity, intending patrons are advised to book their seats at Tattersall and Bayly’s. A further change of programme will be given on Thursday night, the company's final appearance in Gisborne.