BEHIND THE SCENES

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1932, Page 13

BEHIND THE SCENES

AT THE COMPETITIONS

WHAT THE AUDIENCE

MISSES

Without efficient management the Wellington Competitions could never be carried through with the large measure of success they have achieved. Those in front of the stage can see that the arrangements are working smoothly; if j they were to go behind the footlights they would be amazed at the tremendous amount of work that falls on the stage managers and other officials, and their admiration for the organisation which presents each programme seemingly without a hitch would largely increase their appreciation of the entertainment. . Patience and judgment, initiative and optimism are essential, especially at the afternoon sessions in the Town Hall, when the children's classes sometimes comprise fifty and sixty entries. There is a rush and bustle to get competitors ready to take the stage. Teachers and parents, anxious to present the little ones at their best, take little account of the exigencies of the programme, and it is then that the patience of the stage managers is most sorely tried. They are asked to present the competitors in numerical order, but when the time arrives some last-minute touch is in progress, the properties for the turn have not arrived, or, most disconcerting of all, the competitor who should be taking the stage is not present. Yet, with these possibilities ever present, the officials carry out their duties, and there is seldom an indication to the audience that behind the stage all is not as it should be. A STUDY IN EMOTIONS. A visit back-stage provides a fascinating study in human emotions. The hope that springs eternal animates every youngster, from those barely out of the toddling stage—some are only four years of age—to the older.ones, whose stage experience is reflected in their composure. Even when the turn is over and the curtain down, whether the song or dance has been good or poor, there is always the anticipation. of success. A slip may have been made in the recitation, a false step in the dancing, but the judge may not have noticed it, and until the recalls or prize-winners are announced there are happy smiles on every face. Even when _ the result is announced, the majority of the unsuccessful youngsters take their disappointment philosophically. There will be other opportunities, ana the experience of holding the attention of a large audience- is some compensation. Perhaps next time the judge will be more lenient. Actually, it is surprising how many competitors carry off prizes. A name means nothing to the judge, who is concerned only with the performances, and these may vary considerably in different classes. In most cases the children appear completely at home on the stage, but now and then stage-fright will overcome a competitor and lapse of memory and even tears, will result. A kindly word from the judge works wonders, and many a child so encouraged goes on to earn commendation. A whispered "Good luck" from the stage managers, too, makes matters a good deal easier before the curtain goes up. And so the competitions go on, bringing to light the hidden talent in the community and encouraging the "flesh-and-blood" art which to-day throughout the world is battling desperately for recognition. Who can. say but that the work of the Competitions Society may lay the foundation of a great stage career for someone?

up six of his years, and then in 1925 he went out to succeed Sir Herbert Samuel as High Commissioner of Palestine. He came home in 1928. Tie fates have not allowed him for long to enjoy his freedom from harness; but in the last few years he has been seen—bland, debonair, and immaculately clothed as ever—at Ascot or at Lord's, snatching at the close of his life's full day a few hours among the things he loved; clean-limbed horses, the green English turf, and the sweet sound of willow on' leather well hit. He was president for a year of the M.C.C. His illness was long drawn out, and it was borno with the invincible fortitude that served his country for so many years in so many vicissitudes and in so many lands. THE WAKEIOKS' CHAPEL. Lord Plumcr's will be the first interment in the Warriors' Chapel, which was unveiled as a sanctuary of remembrance by the Prince of Wales less than a month ago. He will also be the first great soldier for half a century to be laid to Test within the Abbey. The last general to be buried there was Sir George Pollock, and the last field-mar-shal was the great Crimean and Indian Mutiny leader, Sir Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde, since whose funeral in the Abbey 69 years have elapsed. It is probable that the gun-carriage on which the coffin will be borne will be that which. was used at the burial of Field-Marshal Earl Haig and of the Unknown Warrior. It is the carriage of the gun which fired the first shell in the Great War, now in tho possession of the Imperial War Museum.