Young Actor Back For York Cycle

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30631, 23 December 1964, Page 6

Young Actor Back For York Cycle

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Dec. 21. Jonathan Elsom, a 26-year-old Christchurch actor who won a Government bursary to study drama in London in 1959, returned to New Zealand for a short visit today. On board the Remuera this morning, Mr Elsom said he would much prefer to stay in New Zealand, but if he was to find work he had to return to “the rat-race that is London.” “I know several New Zealand actors in London and they feel as I do about the terrible pace of life there,” he said. “Unfortunately, neither they nor I can return home permanently be-

cause there is just not enough work for us.” Mr Elsom is bound for Christchurch where he is to take the part of Christ in the York Cycle of mystery plays to be performed there during the Pan-Pacific Arts Festival. He said he had been invited to take the part in the hope that it would be the first move in encouraging New Zealand actors now in London to return to New Zealand, if only for short seasons. Mr Elsom, who plans to visit his parents and do a little sketching while in Christchurch, is to return to London in March.