THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9692, 17 January 1910, Page 6

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS.

INTERVIEW WITH THE TOURING MANAGER.

Mr R. B. Young, touring manager for Mr Edward Branscombe's English enterprises, visiting the English - speaking portion of the world, arrived in Masterton on Saturday evening to make the final arrangements for the farewell appearance here ol that delightful and charming English musical comedy organisation, the Scarlet Troubadours. In an interview with Mr Young, he stated that he was anxious to make it known that the style of performance presented by his company must not be classified as vaudeville as recognised in this country. It Is most obvious that too often when musical entertainments of a humourous nature are presented to the public, the singing is of a very indifferent nature, music being sacrificed for humour. Mr Branscombe's object has been to show how much more acceptable such music can be made when interpreted by really good singers, and to carry this scheme into effect he has only included with the Troubadours vocalists of refinement and London repute. Whether the items be serious or humourous the same artistic finish is found to stamp their efforts to amuse, and to this and to the novelty they offer in costuming, acting and ringing their numbers, much of their success has been attributed. It might also be mentioned that in organising this company 42 different companies were visited in England before the present company was got together. Mr Banscombe expresses his conviction that in regard to amusements Australasia is the best catered for, and as a natural sequence has become the most critical audience to satisfy. Recognising this fact, and being anxious to maintain the reputation he enjoys for providing only the best, Mr Branscombe has exercised the most careful attention to the selection in London of this charming combination, which has now been performing uninterruptedly for two and a-halt years with phenomenal success. The New Zealand tour concludes in Auckland cn April 2nd, after which the company visit India, Africa and America.