STIRRING PAGEANT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 166, 16 July 1941, Page 13

STIRRING PAGEANT

Y.W.C.A. Presents a Fine Production

With stirring pageantry and colour, the response to Mr. Churchill's, "Cail to the Empire," was interpreted : in the Town Hall last night, in aid j of the Fighting Forces Fund, hefore 1 a large and enthusiastic audience.! All the sweep of Britain's history ' ■was there, in the richly costumed i figures from the time of the Angles j and Saxons until the present day. ' while added spectacle was given by ! the national costumes of the Domi- ! nions and Allies.

The excellence of the production, organised on so large a scale and entailing a terrific amount of work reflects great credit on Miss Elsie Hennet and Mr. Grey. who pro* duced it. The richness of the costuming and the ease with which the huge cast played their roles testify to the care and minute attention to detail which has gone into the presentation of this remarkable effort.

Highlights of Britain's history were shown front the coming of the Picts and Scots, the birth of Christianity, the expansion to America in Elizabeth's reign, and the inclusion of Scotland, Ireland and Wales in the United Kingdom.

These scenes were represented by the national dances of the countries the singing of the Welsh National Anthem, and a tableau in which Elizabeth and her court received Sir \\ alter Raleigh.

Other dances represented the flowers of the Empire and the Union Jack, the latter dance using coloured lighting to Rive the effect of the flag outspread over the white frocks of the dancers.

The Victorian period, when Britain's Second Empire was born was the subject of the next tableau, the central figure being that of the Great White Queen herself, surrounded by Disraeli, Gladstone and her court. Each of the Dominions and islands of the Empire paid its homage to her in a colourful procession in which all the national tvpes were represented.

The pageant then moved on to tell the story of Anzac, the Armistice and the post-war period, in which 1 orgetfulness, epidemic, depression, and prosperity were interpreted in a moving frieze of figures. Then came the declaration of war between Britain and Germany, followed by a sad procession of Europe's refugees.

The Call to Arms was the signal for an impressive rally of men and women serving in the forces and on the home front. These figures, drawn from all the war services, marched up the aisle of the Town Hall, saluted on the stage and passed on. They were followed by Britain's Allies and friends, wearing national costume and offering their friendship in characteristic fashion.

As a climax to the impressive scene on the stage, the figure of Hope stood at the top of the steps, with arms uplifted, while the Union Jack was spread over the company.

The most memorable speeches of Mr. Winston Churchill were given from time to time, while background music added to the effect. A screen above the stage was also used for effects such as showing Mr. Churchill's head and the words "Lest we forget." The pageant was organised by the Y.W.C.A.. also Empire patriotic and national groups. It will be presented again to-night and tomorrow night.