COSTUME COMEDY COMPANIES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 24 July 1913, Page 36

COSTUME COMEDY COMPANIES.

EDWARD BRANSCOMBE, LTD.

WHY THE FIRM SUCCEEDS. Edward Branscombe, Ltd., is a name to conjure by in the world of musical entertainment, the “Dandies” being the latest companies to familiarise us with this enterprising firm. Two of them are operating in New Zealand at the present time, the “Pinks” and the “Reds,” and under the masterly management of Mr. Scott Colville and Mr. Leo D. Chateau, they are making their presence felt with no uncertain note.

Lucky in their managers, they are equally fortunate in their managing director, Mr. Nigel Brock, who has a special interest to New Zealanders. A keen business man, and a sympathetic artist, Mr. Brock is a force co be reckoned with in directing the destinies of the Branscombe firm. Mr. Brock is an Australian, and early acquired a taste for drama. At the time he decided to adopt the stage for a profession, the late Wilson Barrett paid his second visit to Australia, and, passing through Adelaide, it was pointed out to Mr. Brock that the visit was an opportune one for him. Arming himself with 'xn introduction, he waited on the dStinguislied actor on the mail steamer and found the late J. C. WiLiamson also present. Mr. Barrett received him courteously, told him he did not know' if there was an opening in the company, but promised when he reached Melbourne to write. As the young aspirant for dramatic woik was leaving, Mr. Williamson called him back and told him that if Mi. BaTrett was unable to place him, he would be pleased to do so. He had, however, no occasion to avail himself of Mr. Williamson’s kindness, for a subsequent mail brought him a letter from Mr. Barrett’s manager, offering him a small part in the “Sign of the Cross, ’ with the result that he joined the company in Melbourne, and with it visited Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, and toured New Zealand. After that Mr. Brock spent some time at Home and in South Africa, gaining further dramatic experience, subsequently being offered and eccepting the management of Edward B'ranscombe’s Westminster Glee Singers. This company, of whom New Zealanders will have pleasant recollections, Mr. Brock pioneered successfully through Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, America and West Indies, and back again to England. The Scarlet Troubadours company was organised just after this. “ I remember once in the South Island,” said Mr. Brock to an interviewer, “some people, who had extended their hospitality to us —for it is surprising how many social invitations we had —took the boys over the meat freezing works. They were much impressed with the idea that they could send the carcase of a lamb for six shillings to their parents in London and had one despatched. When it arrived there, the family all gathered around, with true Russian curiosity, as the calico coverings were removed and, as the carcase of the lamb came to view, Cherniavski the elder exclaimed, ‘Ah! ah! My boys have been shooting!’”