SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21647, 13 November 1933, Page 4

SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY

The Auckland branch of the British Shakespeare Society held its annual prizo-giving at the Pen women's rooms on Saturday evening, a largo number of members and friends attending.

The function, arranged and conducted by Miss Florence Walker, secretary of the society's Auckland branch, took the form of a Shakespearean pageant, to commemorate tho 400 th anniversary of tho birthday of Queen Elizabeth. Madame Baird, arrayed in a gorgeous brocaded gown of the period, with jewelled crown, made a striking Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by courtiers m rich and colourful costumes. A set <x Old English dances was presented during the evening by pupils of the Ladies College, Remuera, and Master Ken. Pickett, an attractive page, sang the Lass With a Delicate Air," and " Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes." Junior members, in character parts, presented the queen with the flowers mentioned by Shakespeare, reciting appropriate quotations. Interpretations ol various Shakespearean characters, which were given by tho senior members in costume, were all ol a particularly high standard. As a result of tho Shakespearean competitions held recently, the following prize-winners were presented with beautifully-bound books: —Junior section, Miss Shirley Wood; intermediate section. Miss Winnie Tombs, senior section (equal), Miss Muriel P«irtiid£o and Miss Dorothy Kelly. . Madame Baird presented two special prizes, one for the best curtsy made by a girl and one for the best bow made by a boy. These prizes were won respectively bv Olga Hansen and Winnie Tombs (as Cardinal Wolsey).