Miniature Stage

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 376, 9 June 1928, Page 24

Miniature Stage

Exhibition in London ARTISTIC SKILL AND ENERGY The art of the model theatre will no doubt be advanced by an exhibition which the British Model Theatre Guild has arranged in London. Many of the visitors must be surprised to find the artistic skill and energy devoted to securing, in minia ture, representations of an Eastern bazaar bathed in sunlight, so perfect in style and detail that it seems as if one w-ere looking at “Chu Chin Chow” through the wrong end of an opera-glass; or a scene of a ruined temple in which the simplicity of the main feature, combined with the lighting effects, secures a beauty and dignity comparable with that obtainable on any full-sized stage.

Perfection of mechanical detail is represented by a miniature stage belonging to the Actors’ Church Union, complete with footlights, stage boxes, proscenium, and dressing rooms, which revolve so that all sides can be inspected. Among the stage settings is one for Keats’s “Ode to a Nightingale," while a gaily coloured procession of figures strung across a long stage gives a picture of “Princess Emily goes awalking,” full of life and interest. The guild is aiming at the establishment of a permanent model theatre in London. It suggests that, when a member has gained confidence in his abilities, an added joy can be given to village life by the presentation of plays and operas in miniature, with an unlimited cast and at very little expense.

Dr. and Mrs. Elliott, parents of Madge Elliott, will leai'e by the Chitral for London, to be with their daughter for some time. This dismisses the rumour that Madge was coming to Australia shortly. With Cyril Ritchard, she has made a big success Id exhibition dancing at the Palladium.

Lord Churston, described as a banker, of Lupton, Brixham, Devon, and Lancaster Gate Terrace, London, was granted a decree nisi in the London Divorce Court recently against Jessie Baroness Churston, fo’rmerly Denise Orme, the actress. There was no defence, and Lord Churston was given the custody of the four youngest children. The eldest child, a daughter, is married, and the second, a son, is the heir to the title. Lady Churston was accused of misconduct with Mr. T. W. Wessel, of White House, Winslow, Bucks, who was ordered to pay costs.

In one episode of Shaw’s serial play, “Back to Methuselah,” which has been revived lately in London, a Chinese Chief Secretary offers the opinion that “the English face is not an adult face, just as the English mind is not an adult mind. Your maturity is so late you never attain to it. You have to be governed by races which are mature at 40. That means you are potentially the most highly-developed race on earth, and would be actually the greatest if you could live long enough to attain maturity.”

Mr. Victor Champion, who died at Mount St. Evins Hospital, Melbourne, last month, aged 65 years, went to Australia 20 years ago. He arrived in Melbourne from England as conductor for the Clarke, Meynell and Gunn firm (formed by Sir Rupert Clarke, Mr. Clyde Meynell, and Mr.' John Gunn), anfi his first duty in its productions was the conducting of the orchestra for “Miss Hook of Holland.” Since then he has played a conspicuous part in the arrangement of dozens of “scores” for his original employers, and later for J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Several weeks ago, while conducting at His Majesty’s Theatre in “The Student Prince,” he became ill and underwent an operation. He was a skilful conductor aud an accomplished musician. He composed incidental music for pantomimes and other productions, and supplied numerous lyrics for additional songs for musical comedy, Mr. Champion was a brother of Mr. E. J. (“Teddy”) Lonnen, principal comedian of the London Gaiet” Burlesque Company, which visited Australia in 1892-93, under engagement to Mr. George Mr. Champion leaves a widow and one son.