TEACHER'S KING JOHN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 229, 27 September 1937, Page 3

TEACHER'S KING JOHN.

SUCCESS OF "RUXNYMEDE." Proof that elaborate local productions attain a high degree of success with Auckland theatregoers has been afforded with the conclusion of the first week's season of the operatic comedy-drama "Runnym ede," now being presented at His Majesty's Theatre. Excellent houses throughout the week were capped by a matinee performance on Saturday at which, despite the remarkable competition from the most publicised football Test match to date, approximately 300 patrons were turned away. This was followed by another capacity house at night.

One of the principals of "Runnymcde," which has a full cast of nearly 400 players, is Alan McSkimming, portraying King John. A professional actor, producer and a teacher of elocution attached to the Auckland Grammar School, Mr. McSkimming has been interested in theatricals for about 15 years. One of the best-known concert humorists in the city, he has an entirely new type of role to play in "Rnnnymede." which calls for depiction of many differing emotions.

In the opinion of many, music is the principal entertainment feature of the play, its scope being a monument to thj producer-composer. Dr. George de Clivc Lowe. The lavish costuming provides more colour than any previous play of the kind, while comedy is emphasised as a means of relief. "Rnnnymede"' combines something of opera, musical comedy, spectacle and even revue.