MASKELYNE AND DEVANT'S MYSTERIES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 57, 3 March 1909, Page 5

MASKELYNE AND DEVANT'S MYSTERIES.

There was a good attendance of the public at the Town Hall last evening, when Messrs Maskelyne and Devant's codbination opened the Blenheim season of two nights. Much had been heard of the company prior to its introduction to Blenheim, and consequently great things were expecterd of it. The anticipations of the audience were not only realised, but they were also exceeded, the performance from the time the curtain rose until it was rung down causing great mystification, and its humorous touches evoking frequent roars of laughter. The programme was opened by Mr Owen Clark, who gave an exhibition of clever conjuring illusions. During the course of his performance Mr. Clark kept on chatting merrily to the audience, causing* much amusement by his jocularity. Following Mr Owen is a character sketch entitled ."St. Valentine's Eve," by Mr W. Mayne, a retired gentleman, and Miss Florence Barclay, as Susan, his housekeeper. Mr Mayne, during the sketch, performs one of the most wonderful feats of the entertainment. It is, of course, a great illusion, and the manner in which he produces, with the aid of two old newspapers and some burning spirits, the /'Spirit Valentine," Miss Marie Curtis, perfectly mystifies the audience. Mr Barclay Gammon, London's Laughing Philosopher, is a treat in himself. He is the greatest mirth-provoking individual that has over appeared in the Dominion. His turn consists chiefly of chatting with the audience, and the drolleries which emanate from him are ridiculously and screamingly funny. The most laughable portion of his act is where he recounts a country man's version of an "Oratorio," and his own impression of the German language. The latter, perhaps, provoked more laughter than the former, from beginning to end the audience literally screaming with merriment, so amusing were Mr Gammon's antics and expressions. The entertainment concluded with the famous illusionary sketch, "Will, the Witch, and the! Watchman," and was productive of much excitement and bewilderment, as well as laughter-. The performance by Gintaro, the ■ inimitable Japanese equilibrist, who gave a wonderful exhibition .of juggling, balancing, and top-spinning concluded an exceptionally good evening's entertainment. The season will be brought to a close to-night.