THE AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1304, 22 April 1915, Page 38

THE AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING.

For a long period the name of Edward Branscombe has in Australia been associated with the rendering of English music and the productions of costume comedy companies, and now after five years the business has grown to such an extent that it is considered the largest of its kind in any part of the world. No less than six companies are showing nightly on the circuit, with an aggregate of sixty artists. The Branscombe companies have visited almost every part of the world where the Union Jack flutters, and many of the countries visited had never had an English company before. Mr. Branscombe is a song writer of much fame in England, and he will be remembered by many as the artistic tenor with the Westminster Glee Party, which toured New Zealand with so much success some years ago. Mr. Branscombe does all the arranging for the musical numbers of the various Dandies companies. Tf time will allow, he will visit New Zealand this winter, and there are many who will be glad to renew old friendships.

At least five playgoers who have witnessed “High Jinks” at Her Majesty’s, Melbourne, have written to the J. C. Williamson management in friendly remonstrance at the “ragging” of the prison scene from “Faust” in the lively musical play. As a matter of fact, “ragging” opera is all the rage in America just now, and many people consider that it makes opera bearable! When Mr. Hugh J. Ward was in America last year, he heard the finale of “Rigoletto” being ragged. While this was being done a figure of Verdi appeared in the background, holding up his hands in horror. As he listened, however, his expression changed, and his face became wreathed in smiles of enjoyment before he disappeared into thin air. In any case (writes our authority) the item in “High Jinks” has proved one of the most successful and popular features of a production crowded with good things.