CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 133, 8 June 1931, Page 13

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

HAS IT COME TO STAY?

Judging from the good attendance and the fine performance given on Saturday afternoon at the Blue Triangle Hall, the movement towards a "Children's Theatre" in Wellington may have "come to stay." London boasts a real "Children's Theatre" iv Endell street, which is carried on successfully, showing that there is a proportion of parents who will send their little ones to entertainments specially arranged for them, avoiding the kind which is only meant for and understood by adults. It is to be hoped that the movement in this city will be as successful, and that Mr. F. H. Dawn, Mr. Douglas Tayler, and all associated wxtb them will find that good support will be given here, as in the leading British city of the world. The old song, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," in costume, began the programme, and was followed by a quaint English scena, "Turmut Hoeing," with an old-world labourer contending with "flies" happily waved on strings over the fence by a smiling band of young ones. A. A. Milne's "Princess and Woodcutter" (produced by Miss Dorothy Tanner) was very charming. Sheila Kissel was the Princess, and sang and danced prettily. Miss Tanner was good both, as the dignified queen and the oia beggarwoman, showing much versatility. The other parts were well filled by Pat Brodve (Woodcutter), BrLan Phillips (King), Helen May.smor (Bed Prince), Mario Gandar (Blue Prince), Berta Joliffo (Yellow Prince). A quaint playlet by A. P. Herbert and Dennis Arundel, "Fat King Melon and Princess Carraway," caused much joy among tho young ones, specially at the antics of the "horse." The oast was as follows: Douglas Tayler (King Melon), Madge Freeman (Princess Carraway), Lyndall Clay (Fairy Mumbo), Fay Smyth (King's Mother), Dora Tayler (Highwayman),' Molly Dawn (Old Lady), David Tayler (Biehard), Ethel Anderson (Fairy Gurgle). There were "gallant troops" (numbering three), sailors, tiring women," and others in this play. A "Sea Chanty" showing how the sailor sings "Where are You Going to, My Pretty Maid?" and "Elizabeth Ellen" (who would not be a girl any (longer) from "Pnnch," with music by Eleanor Farjeon, were cheery items, and were well rang. "The Armchair," by Kose Fyleman, a one-act play, was well performed by Glrleen Griffiths (Armchair), May Bennett (Fairy), Bosina BKgk (OH I*dy), Douglas A!-

Lan (Mr. Snooker, a rent collector). An old-world nursery song and an equally old singing game brought an interesting performance to a close. Miss Ornii Reid was the accompanist, and tho furniture was kindly lent by the Scoullar Company. Another performance will bo given next Saturday afternoon, and it is hoped that this fine effort will bo so well rewarded that those who have worked so finely and unselfishly to produce a cheerful wholesome entertainment for children will be encouraged to continue in the work.