CHARMING PLAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 127, 31 May 1937, Page 13

CHARMING PLAYS.

CHILDREN TAKE PART IN

PRETTY COSTUMES.

During the past twelve months Auckland has watched with interest the '■ growth of the newly established Children's Theatre, and all the expecta- ! tions of those interested in drama and stagecraft were realised on Saturday night, when a guest night was held. "The object of this society,*' said Mrs. Bartley-Baxter, in introducing the evening's programme, "is to cultivate in New Zealand children an appreciation and fuller understanding of drama in its real form. Whether it is the fault of the present-day mother or not it is hard to say, but we rind that the modern child has little knowledge of anything above cheap vaudeville." Saturday night's programme was divided into three parts. The first play produced, "Forget-me-nots and Lilies of the Valley," was acted by the very i youngest members of the Children's I Theatre. The theme of the piece centred round a ball given to the flowers of the garden by Mr. Lizard, whose costume was a work of art in itself. At this ball all the flowers imaginable appeared and in their dainty flower frocks executed simple but effective ballets. Large red poppies, blue cornflowers, pansies and sweet peas appeared first, followed by daffodils, tulips, and a peculiar but very entertaining rubber bouncing ball. Perhaps the most effective of all the frocks were those worn by the timid wallflowers, whose shy faces peeped out of a cluster of lovely brown and golden flowers. The main characters at the ball were of course the Rose King and Queen, who received their guests in the proper style. The "Forget-me-nots and Lilies of the Valley" play was introduced by a prologue in which a beautiful Dream Lady dressed in Moating blue and grey georgette visited the nursery. In its simplicity this play was perfect for children and the enthusiasm with which they took part showed how much Mrs. M. A. Latter's work in writing this appealed to them. The second play put on was for children a little bit older and all those present were thrilled to see acted the old and favourite story of the Pied Piper. Here the costumes were very realistic and the audience were made to feel that they themselves were standing in the city square to watch the rats and children run by. The special rat music was supplied by Miss Dorothea Ryan and if there were any rats present in the hall they would surely have responded to its call. The last items of the evening were acted by children from the ages of 13 to 19 and consisted of five scenes from the better known plays of Shakespeare. They included parts of "As You Like It," "The Merchant of Venice" and three different scenes from "Twelfth Night." Here the clear speech and enunciation of those taking part was excellent.