CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30365, 14 February 1964, Page 13

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Friends 9 Society To Be Formed A new organisation, the Friends of the Children’s Theatre, will soon be formed to support the Canterbury Children’s Theatre in its productions and work. The theatre was formed 12 years ago and has 20 members. Until recently it could not cope with .the problems of administering, a large body of. members.

Although there were no names registered, the theatre had about 250 unofficial friends and supporters. It was hoped this group would form the friends, said the president of the theatre (Mr C. B. McLachlan) yesterday. Some guarantee of support both financially by a small annual subscription, and in audience was needed in these days of television and films, said the director of the Children’s Theatre (Mrs N. Neale). Belonging to the friends society was a tangible way of saying one . wanted live theatre, she said. The theatre hopes to obtain a permanent building with the support of the friends. When it does it is hoped opportunities to study production, creative drama, and all facets of the theatre will be made available to young people. At present only adults take part in productions.

Support of the project has been given by Sir James Hay. A special launching . party will be held at the Gold Room on February 21. About 150 people, known to have an active interest in the Children’s Theatre, have been invited.