BEHIND THE SCENES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 238, 7 October 1937, Page 3

BEHIND THE SCENES.

WILL "RUXXYMEDE" IXSPIRE?

Few productions presented even by professional touring companies have captured the fancy of Auckland theatregoers as has "Runnymede," Dr. George de Clive Lowe's colourful spectacle-play now being staged at His Majesty's Theatre for its thirl week. Dr. de Clive Lowe is author of'the play and lyrics, composer of its music and producer. Dr. Trevor de Clive Lowe has the orchestra in perfect timing and harmony with the difficult solos, duets, quii.tets, sextets and chorus numbers. Management of the stage rests in the capabb hands of Mr. C. F. Mickle, stage manager. Mr. Terry Agmen-Smith, associate praducer, and Mr. George Tarr, stage director. Ballets are presented by Miss Cecil Hall. The designing and presentation uf the costumes were the work of Mrs. D'Arey Tarr. With these enthusiasts working behind the scenes and the talented cast doing its best before the footlights, "Runnymede" has proved that, so long as it is good, a theatrical entertainment does not have to come from overseas to be a major success in Auckland. The belief that amateur theatricals are of necessity second-rate :s definitely exploded. Should the play prove of permanent benefit to the city in stimu'ating public interest sufficiently to warrant more and better amateur musical entertainments, it will have achieved something of great value; it will have become a milestone in the history of local histrionics.