THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 92, 9 July 1927, Page 15

THE STRAND

SONGS AND COMEDY Sweet, sentimental singing; gay, vivacious soubrettes, and delicious foolery are the elements, subtly proportioned, which make the entertainment of Humphrey Bishop’s company joyously acceptable. They have begun their final week at the Strand Theatre, so all too soon, they will be on their way. “Scratcher” Ross will then be a pleasant memory, and Walter Kingsley’s rich, heavy voice will be remembered for its vibrant beauty. But why discourse of the future, for they are still with us!

“Scratcher,” the irrepressible, did delicious work at the piano, and his attack on the “Prisoner’s Song” will be thoroughly appreciated by chose who have heard suburban baritones bray it with disconcerting persistence. Thelma Trott and John Montfort sing lightly, but effectively, and Evadne Royle and Charles Albert do a pleasant little sketch. The company is a joyous little band, thoroughly adequate for all that it essays. The audience is soon infected with the “joy germ” that it spreads. The orchestra, under Humphrey Bishop himself, does its part well. Anybody thirsting to acquire knowledge about America’s big ball game should see “Slide, Kelly Slide,” a drama of the baseball arena. Kelly is an impossible, swollen-headed bounder, but the progress of his deflation lends itself to excellent film treatment. William Haines gives a clever character study, and Sally O’Neil is the pretty little girl who is his destined mate. The story grips. The whole programme can be recommended.