POPULAR PRODUCER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 103, 4 May 1931, Page 8

POPULAR PRODUCER.

MR. KENNETH BRAMFTON. LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTATION. "One of our closest and dearest friends is leaving us to follow his profession in other parts of the world," said Mr. L. P. Leary, president of the Little Theatre Society, in farewelling Mr. Kenneth Brampton, the society's producer, on Saturday evening. It was fitting that Mr. Brampton should say good-bye on the night that the society closed a brilliantly successful season at .His Majesty's Thea-tre. :.:

aid Mr. Leary, was appointed organiser and producer of the Little Theatre Society in 1927. At that-time the membership stood at 300, but to-day it exceeded 1700. Under Mr. Brampton's guidance the society made great progress, and members very much regretted his departure. Auckland's theatre-going public regarded the success which attended the staging of "A Bill of Divorcement" as the crown of Mr. Brampton's work for the society.

A suede-'bound volume of mementoes of his association with the society was presented to Mr. Brampton by the president, on behalf of the members. The volume contained an illuminated address of appreciation and good wishes, which paid tribute to the producer's integrity, courage, and resource, his ability as an actor, and his charm as a friend. Also contained in the volume were the signatures of committee and ordinary members, a score of photographs of successful ■ players; and a list of the 23 plays produced by Mr. Brampton in Auckland. In making the presentation, Mr. Leary said that the boast made four years ago that Mr. Brampton wouli work a revelation in the society had been fully carried out. Artistically the society had gone from ' strength to strength. ■ •■ ■ • "My fours years wijja the society were the happiest of my life," declared Mr. Brampton. After paying a tribute to the ability of local players, he said he would always recall his friends , in Auckland with genuine affection.

Members and friends of the society who have not yet signed the address may do so at the office of the secretary of the society. Mr. Brampton sails for England this week. \ .