CHILD ACTORS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 286, 3 December 1938, Page 12

CHILD ACTORS.

FINE PRESENTATION. ALICE IN WONDERLAND. HIGH STANDARD PLEASES. They were all there—the White Rabbit, fussing about his gloves and fan, the sneezing Duchess and the baby, the cook and the pepper pot, the Mad Hatter and the Dormouse, the Red and White Queens- —when last evening the Children's Theatre presented "Alice in Wonderland," and her further adventures, "Through the Looking Class," at St. Andrew's Hall. With much insight and appreciation of the delicate humour of Lewis Carroll's charming tab-, the producer, Mrs. Bartley-Baxter, is to be congratulated on the atmosphere she obtained and the way tho large cast of fifty girls and boys entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of a story that lives forever ill the hearts of both young and old. The costuming, masks and settings were entirely appropriate and many of the characters might have stopped right out of the book, bringing to life John Tenniel's famous illustrations. Will one ever forget the pictures of Alice with her high-waisted frock and apron and long hair with the ribbon band around her head? It would be unfair, as It Is against the policy of the Children's Theatre, to single out some children for praise where all have worked so well for a kt.. ...i

most enjoyable and meritorious performance, but the temptation to mention Alice in irresistible. She not only looked like the famous Alice, but she took her part with that «weetne*s, wisdom and nigh spirit that one had always read into her character. The uninitiated can only marvel at the-c»|Mihilitfe» of juvenile actors, and the Whole of last night's entertainment was a great credit to the patient and thorough training of the children by Mrs. Bartley-Baxter and, her helpers. The story of Alice, primarily written for children, ha« never quite lost its attraction for grown-ups. Last night'e large audience contained many adults, who appeared to enjoy the performance a« much as did the children. One must remark on the excellent diction, stage presence and stage sence of the children, and lighting and stage arrangements reflected great credit on all concerned. The music provided by the Epsom Grammar School orchestra (under Mrs. Miller) and Mr*. R. S. Brooke waa appropriate and satisfying. Altogether, "Through the Looking Glaaa," not only as an entertainment, but also as a venture of a body deserving every encouragement, ia commended to all, especially to those who wish to see progre«a such a cultural movement as the "Children's Theatre." "Through the Looking Glass" will be repeated thi« evening at 8 o'clock.