Humphrey Bishop Coy.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10309, 19 January 1927, Page 5

Humphrey Bishop Coy.

— FIRST CHANGE, OF PROGRAMME ANOTHER ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE AT OPERA HOUSE With a vim and swing which is only to be found in the work of high class vaudeville artists, the Humphrey Bishop Company presented the first change of programme of their Gisborne season at the Opera House last evening. From the opening number to the fall of the curtain there was not a dull moment and the large audience was so appreciative that in spite of the length of the programme prolonged applause practically made necessary several encore numbers. Comedy is undoubtedly the company’s strong point and last evening when lighter work was featured and headed by that inimitable merrymaker, Geoi'ge Ross, the artists had the audience convulsed with laughter for the greater part of the evening. The humor was clean and original and proved irresistibly funny. Introduced by the leader, Humphrey Bishop, the company won the hearts of the audience from the start and the ragtime ensemble lead by Dorothy Ryder and Fred Webber assured for performers the closest attention for the rest of the evening. Thelma Trott and John Monfort were heard to advantage in the duet “When Other Lips” ,and contrast was provided in a comedy interlude by George Ross assisted by Mark Leslie. Elaine 51 aye captivated the audience in her solo number “Gentlemen Who Follow Ale Everywhere”, and the dancing quartette featuring Mark Leslie, Fred Webber, Dorothy Ryder and Elaine Maye (which followed) gave full scope for these clever performers. As “Sirs O’Grady” an irrepressible Dfime, Charles Albert had the audience convulsed with laughter while she told of her tiials with husbands past and present. The versatility of Fred Webber and Dorothy Ryder was amply proved in a specialty act featuring the duets “No Wonder” and “Carolina” while Fi - ed Webber in musical monologues’ proved most popular. In Walter Kingsley the company undoubtedly possess a baritone who would find favor with the most discriminating audiences and prolonged applause followed his solo numbers, “Just a Cottage Small”, and “The Stoker” compelling the encore. numller “They Say”. Mark Leslie and the girls of the company in “Popularity” added contrast to the more serious impression created by the soloist, while George Ross followed with a series of absurdities at the piano displaying a cleverness and originality that drew forth round after round of applause. A plantation song scena presenting most effective costuming and lighting effects, in addition to the chorus work, proved a fitting finale to the first half of the programme. _ A gipsy scena featuring Walter Kingsley which opened the second half was followed by one of the gems' of the evening in John Montfort’s solo numbers, “Mother Macliree”, and “Yvonne”. George Ross assisted by Marie Landon, again held the a Jdience with their comedy work amd a melodious quintette, Fred Webber, Charles Albert, Mark Leslie, John M'ontfort, and Humphrey Bishop, provided a musical feature in their numbers “Ha Ha”, “I’m Sitting on Top of the World”, and “Chick, Chick, Chicken”. A humorous monologue “Silly Ass” by Dan Flood was most popular, and Mark Leslie and Elaine Maye presented a captivating duo “Oh Baby”. A musical comedietta “Cabaret Revels” with George Ross, assisted by Mark Leslie, Elaine Maye, Charles Albert and Walter Kingsley, brought a most delightful evening of song, dance, and comedy, to a close. No small measure of the success' of the entertainment is due to the orchestra under the baton of Mr Bishop, the accompaniments being rendered with a sympathy and expression only to be found in firstlass theatrical shows.

The company will present the same programme this evening and intending patrons are advised to book their seats,, at Tattersall and B'ayly’s'. A complete change of programme will be given to-morrow night _ when the company will close their Gisborne season.