FUN MERCHANTS

Southland Times, Issue 20147, 6 April 1927, Page 6

FUN MERCHANTS

HUMPHREY BISHOP’S COMPANY. SUCCESSFUL FAREWELL PROGRAMME. Bright and attractive as the first programme submitted by the Humphrey Bishop Comedy Company was the second and final programme, which was presented to a good house at the Municipal Theatre last evening was even better. The exceptional vocal strength of the combination was further exemplified in solos and concerted numbers, in w’hich Miss Thelma Trott, Mr Walter Kingsley, Mr John Montfort and others were prominent. Among the many pleasing items were the duet “At the End of the Sunset Trail,” by Miss Trott and Mr Montfort; the songs “Lolita” and “When the Ser-geant-Major’s on Parade,” by Mr Kingsley; the solo “Dreaming of Castles in the Air,” by Miss Trott; and the songs “Killarney and You” and “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain,” by Mr Montfort assisted by Miss Marie Landon. Another good offering was that of Miss Evadne Royle and Mr Mark Leslie, who collaborated in “Poor Papa,” "Too Many Parties” and “That Certain Party.” Mr Fred Webber was extremely versatile, and all the rest of the company helped vocally. In really good comedy the programme was stronger than the opening one. “Scratcher” Ross, a pronounced favourite, added considerably to his laurels, and w r as particularly funny in a musical sketch with Mr Webber, in w’hich the “gloom dispeller” used “effects” with devastating results. Mr Charles Albert appeared in a fresh "dame” number, introducing "Mrs Brady,” and scored heavily in a song of a doleful husband. The musical comedietta “Arcadee” gave both comedians scope for laughter-making and they did not neglect the opportunity. The dancing was excellent, specialties being introduced with splendid results. A pretty number was the Dutch song and dance "Oh Katarina” by Mark Leslie and Elaine Mayne. Dorothy Ryder and Alan Kitson also provided some dainty work.