THEATRE ROYAL OFFERS BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19258, 20 December 1930, Page 32 (Supplement)

THEATRE ROYAL OFFERS BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT.

The term “artist” lias been degraded to such an extent that it has almost lost its original connotation. It is a term which has been applied indiscriminately- to anyone who " does something,” however badly-, before the footlights; and the very sound of which niig’ht engender mistrust. But when it is said that the members of the Humphrey Bishop Company are. artists, it is meant that they- are artists in the true sense of the word. For with them you will find no cheap flash in the pan cleverness, but a solidity and true worth that could have been acquired only by thought and concenti-ation, and maintained only by sincerity and perseverance. As a matter of fact, “ Solidity ” might be taken as the key’-note of the show, in which there is nothing that will not bear close inspection; while super-imposed on this reliable structure is a breath-taking riot of colour, sparkle and effervescence—a veritable fairyland. And the wizard of the fairyland is Mr Humphrey Bishop himself. One remarkable feature of the Humphrey Bishop show is the way in which the various nuances of comedy are represented. There are no fewer than five comedians, all specialists in their own right, but each serving as a foil to the others, so that the public is enabled to appreciate comedy which ranges from the subtle satire to broad farce, and throughout there is a clean wholesomeness that is refreshing. This wholesomeness extends, naturally enough, to the terpsiehorean side of the show; and in all the dancing, up-to-date and varied as it is, there is nothing that is not pleasing and delicately attractive. For the vocal strength of the company, it is sufficient to note that grand opera goes hand in hand with the latest jazz extravagances; and that these latter are given additional strength by the culture and restraint of the voices that render them. It goes without saying that the musical section of the show is under sound and capable direction, for Mr Humphrey Bishop himself was a wellknown singer in the Old Country before he happily decided to launch the talent of other singers, and let them have some of the benefits of his fruitful experience. It must be noted that while solidity, reliability, experience are the accepted characteristics of the mature, there is nothing to suggest age in the Humphrey Bishop Company'. Rather there is a sprightliness, a verve, an elasticity, a delightful abandon, that could have their very being only in the presence of a vivid and eager youth. This fine company opened at the Theatre Royal to-day at the matinee and are supported by a fine film entitled "Strictly Unconventional,” featuring Lewis Stone.