"RUNNYMEDE" SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22850, 4 October 1937, Page 14

"RUNNYMEDE" SEASON

SUCCESS OF PRODUCTION The extension of the season of tlio musical drama "Runnymcde" has been decided upon in order to give many people the opportunity of seeing this outstanding production. Largo houses have been attracted throughout the season, and the packed audiences at the performances on Friday and Saturday demonstrated that the original season of a fortnight was all too short. Tlio success of " Runny mede is we deserved, and must be gratifying to all those whose enthusinsni mn.de such nil ambitious production possible. It is a tribute to the strength of local theatrical talent that it has been possible to assemble a cast of more than 400 players, and tlio interesting nature of the drama is shown by the unstinted efforts that have been made by the players and all concerned with the music, costuming and effects. Written, composed and produced by Dr. Gcoige de Clivo Lowe, "Runnymcde" tells of an exciting and notable incident in English history the signing of Magna Carta by King John. Ihe seizure of the lands and imprisonment of the Earl of W int.on by tho King, and the Earl's subsequent escape from death by the headsman's axo provide many thrilling incidents, and also occasions for comedy, such as when the jailer, Lackjov, played by I). Myer Robinson, is wooed by Prudence (Elsie Bell-Booth), who takes away his keys. Excellent performances aro given by the principals. These iucludo Winifred Hill as Lady Constance, Leslie Russell as tho Earl of Winton, Allan McSkimming as King John, Jean Douglas as Queen Eleanor, and G. H. Tarr as Warden Maunsoll.