VERSATILE ARTISTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16242, 17 January 1927, Page 7

VERSATILE ARTISTS

HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY Versatility and complete command of their talents arc the distinguishing features' of the Humphrey Bishop musical comedy company, which commenced its Gisborne season at the Opera. House on Saturday evening. The company had previously visited Gisborne, over two years ago, but Ihc impression created then evidently had kept the artists in the minds of the public, for tho theatre was well tilled, and every item was received with keen appreciation, and it, is safe to say the company has set a standard higher than that achieved by any other combination of variety artists seen in Gisborne for years. Their season should In; an exceedingly successful one.

A wide range of ability, combined with exceptional production, makes tbc programme of the Humphrey Bishop company a delight. As there are so many items on the programme encores had to be refused repeatedly; the audience would have heard and seen more of every artist, had time allowed, but its regret at the cessation ot' one item was quickly dispelled by the briskness with which each succeeding number was introduced, bringing a fresh turn of humor, a highcly popular dancing scene., or a vocal tit-bit of excellence. _ Every member of the company justified his or her inclusion in a combination complete and satisfying. Chief fun-maker George Ross (“ Scratclicr ”), was welcomed back to Gisborne in a burst , of hilarity which was renewed at Ins every appearance, and his activities were so varied that the audience would have been hard put to it to name his most popular item. Perhaps the interlude with Fred Webber, in the courso of which he impersonated the various members ot a former connection, ut a concert in the Far West, was the best conceived of all, for it enabled ‘‘ Scratcher ’ ’ to indulge his versatility to the full; his rendering of a typical step-dance with piano .accompaniment provided by himself, earned the appreciation it deserved, and his patter was infinitely humorous. Incidental business was exploited with a rare discrimination in farcical values, and every moment brought a fresh and entertaining development. “Scratcher” is a comedian with a technique almost unbeatable. Fred Webber provided an excellent foil for the eccentricities of his partner in comedy, and in addition proved himself a musician of no mean calibro, excelling on the piano. His cornet renderings of a popular song in various interpretations was exceedingly funny, and ho rendered vocal items in finished stylo. A soubrottc more vivacious than Miss Mario Landon would bo hard to find, for this young lady has in addition to a dainty personality essential to success on the boards, a charming voice and a happy stylo which .at once puts her in sympathy with her audiences. Her rendering of modern songs and patter, in company with Mark Leslie, was greatly appreciated, pathos and comedy being agreeably intermingled, while with John Mountfort, the possessor of a tenor voice of the finest timbre, Miss Landon filled a role calling for other attributes, in the duets with which they delighted the audience. Mark Leslie’s contributions ,to tlio programme were not restricted to song numbers, for with Elaine Mayc he shared the honors in a dainty Hoi-, londaisc seena. Miss Mayc was good in this number, combining a nice voice with remarkable lightness of 'foot, a faculty characteristic also of other lady mornbers of the troupe. The specialty dancer, Miss Dorothy Ryder, immediately captured the audience with her items .with Fred Webber and Alan Kitson, a youthful member of the company whoso dancing would make him the idol of any gathering of the younger set. Singing honors among the ladies were taken by Miss Thelma Trott, a young lady from Queensland, with a soprano voice which should carry her far. ' The fine baritone voice of Walter Kingsley was heard in a number of selections, and it is easy to credit tho account of his successes on the London concert stage, which included two ‘ ‘ command •’ ’ performances. Two other members who contribute much to the success of the programme are Dan Flood and Charles Albert. Mr. Flood gavo monologues in a most finished manner, and also assisted tho chief comedian in many of his appearances, while Charles Albert’s character sketches and songs aroused the heartiest merriment. Ho is a ‘ dame ’ of the old school, with a scathing contempt for the masculine sex, and exploits the vein of satire and epigram with unfailing success. The artistry of the company was not, confined to those members who appear on the stage, for the orchestra is made up of accomplished instrumentalists, handled with skill by the director, Mr. Humphrey Bishop. Tho incidental music for the numerous concerted items was a lcaturo of the entcitainment, as was also the dressing of tho company. , The company will submit three distinct programmes in Gisborne.