ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2109, 7 February 1908, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

UK MAJESTY’S THEATRE. "THE ISLE OF BONG BONG.” A cordial welcomo was accorded to Mr. Tom Pollard’s Opera Company on its reappearance at tho local theatre last evening by a crowd that packed the building in ovory part. All available seats wore utilised, and many had to bo satisfied with standing room. Tho “Island of Bong Bong,” with which the company opened its brief season, has not been played here before, and suffered by comparison with the pieces which wero staged hero by tho same organisation on its former visit. There is not tho picturesque effect of “•Bluebell in Fairyland,” nor tho rich comedy of “His Highness tho Bey,” but “Tho Island” has its own charms, and. certainly gave the greatest satisfaction to the holiday audience which attended last night. There is the usual flimsy plot of the modern musical comedy, and this is utilised as an introduction for a number of very pretty songs and dances, as well as a number of humorous situations and witty dialogues. A chief feature of the performance was the charming rendition of the various musical ltmes, and the excellence of tho ballets and stage effects. For instance, the chief melody running through the piece, “Illinois,” most charmingly sung by Miss Topping, was accompanied in its chorus by dancing movements that provided an unusually effective setting, and 'this was also the case with “ ’Cause I am so Lonesome.” Throughout both acts the clever work of the stago manager was evidenced in other similar results. Several solos wore also entrusted to Miss O’Keofe, whose fine contralto voice was heard to full advantage. The chief burden in acting fell upon young (Bert Nicholson, who fully maintained the high reputation as a comedian secured on his former visit here. Throughout the performance he kept the audience in screams of laughter at his really clever work. His best songs were: —“The ruan in the Moon” and “Back with the Family.” Air Harry Quealy, and Charles Albert also took leading parts with thorough success. The latter made a decided hit with the solo “Diplomacy.” Tho remainder of the caste carried out their parts in an entirely satisfactory manner. There was not a weak feature in the performance, the whole of tho entertainment being characterised by that completeness and attention to detail which is associated with Tom Pollard’s name. The ballots, which were exceptionally good, were arranged by Mrs Harry Quealy. Air Charles Albert superintended the stage arrangements, and Air A. Brahms was musical director. “The Isle of Bong Bong” will be repeated to-night and on Saturday night, will give place to “His Highness the Bey.”