BETTER THAN BEFORE.

Wairarapa Age, 15 February 1927, Page 5

BETTER THAN BEFORE.

HUMPHREY BISHOP AND STARS MASTERTON SEASON OPENED. 4( Better and brighter than before” adequately describes the new Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company which opened a two-night season at the Opera House last night. The famous entrepreneur, since he last visited this town, has gathered round him a company of eighteen artists, all stars in their particular attainments, and the bright and snappy show presented last evening bore the hall mark of vaudeville of the highest class. From tin orchestral well, across the stage and to the dressing rooms, the company is one hundred per cent, efficiency, and the audience was quick .to demonstrate its appreciation in continuous outbursts of enthusiastic applause. Individuality is the keynote of the performance which literally sizzles with sparkling humour, bright ani catchy choruses and entrancing ballets, all cast-in a setting of gorgeous frocks and artistically displayed beneath a flood of cleverly-blended lights. The fun of the evening was dispensed by Mr. George Ross, the inimitable joker, who as “Scratcherf” had many laughable offerings which never failed to connect, while this great artist’s versatility was given full scope when, as an instrumentalist, he assisted Mr. Fred Webber in specialities at the piano and humorous sketches. Mr. Charles Albert, an irrepressible dame, carried the balance of the humorous work with distinction. Added to his galaxy of jesters are Dan Flood and Mark Leslie, who see to it that there is not a dull moment.

Throughout the entire programme there is some item to suit all tastes, vocal solos, duets and quartettes, solo and simultaneous dancing, monologues, laughable patter, instrumental and specialty items, all new and original, being performed by a company as strong in its section of theatrical entertainment as any which has visited this town for some years. Mr. Walter Kingsley, the baritone, who has appeared on each of the three occasions that tho company has visited Masterton, was accorded a flattering reception for the polished delivery of his solos. Of the female voices, Miss Thelma Trott pleased with tho range and clarity of her rich soprano notes. The real strength of the artists as a combination was demonstrated in their operatic finales, which, accompanied by the Humphrey Bishop Orchestra, revealed an extraordinary production of voices. The company will conclude jts season at the Opera House to-night, when there will be a complete change of programme. Tho plans are filling at the Arts and Crafts.