HUMPHREY BISHOP COY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5138, 13 June 1927, Page 2

HUMPHREY BISHOP COY.

GAIETY THEATRE CROWDED. A CLEAN, CLEVER SHOW. To draw a packed house on the occasion of the third visit to Paeroa speaks volumes for the ability of the Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company to put on a clean, clever show which is appreciated. Some time before 8 o’clock on Thursday night the- Gaiety Theatre was packed to capacity, and the large audience was treated to an evening of unalloyed pleasure. The great success of the Humphrey Bishop Company, although, perhaps, not always apparent to the casual observer is undoubtedly due to the influence of Mr. Bishop on the artists, for he knows the psychology of every one of them, and with his intense enthusiasm and vitality inspires or restrains, as the case may be, extracting the utmost of the very best from each artist. From the first overture to the grand finale by the whole company there was not a dull moment.

The company has been changed somewhat since the previous visit here. The absence of Frank Egan (violinist) was noticeable, but new additions included Miss Joyce Staff, a clever soubrette, and a native of Christchurch, and also Arthur Hemsley. a talented English comedian. Grand opera, comedy, and delightful musical numbers were skilfully dispensed in the course of the generous programme. Probably the feature ,of the entertainment was the singing of Walter Kingsley, the English baritone. This artist was heard to advantage in his rendering of “<O, Western Wind,” and “Up from Somerset,” and he was recalled three times. Although not a strong tenor, John Montfort sang very acceptably. The humour of the evening was provided by " Scratcher ” George Ross in his own inimitable style, and created roars of laughter. The six girls of the company were very good, and the audience was not slow to show warm appreciation of their efforts. The dresses of the artists were strikingly dainty and pretty, and the mountings were effective and appropriate.