A NATIONAL THEATRE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12474, 26 February 1909, Page 4

A NATIONAL THEATRE.

The moment to establish a national theatre in London as a Shakespeare memorial, is at length tending towards a successful conclusion. The two committees formed to consider the shape of the memorial, and representing different views on the subject amalgamated, and their recommendations are now ready. They suggest 4he establishment of theatre at which Shakespearian and classical plays, and the works of the foremost contemporary English dramatists, might bs produced at regular intervals throughout the year. It is also suggested that foreign actors and actreses should be periodically given the use of .the institution for interpretation of Hhe masterpiece of their respective countries. In the matter of he "ways and. meansj" the sub-committee xecommend that the Lord Mayor of London and the Lord-Mayors and Mayors of the principal provincial towns should be asked to open public subscription lists with a view of putting the project on a sound financial basis. Of the sum required for the erection and upkeep of the building, no accurate estimate can be given, but if the total is based on the figures recently published-by Mr William Archer and Mr Granville Baker, it will be about £330,000. The cost of a site is put down ab £75,000, the building and equipment would absorb £105,000, and a guaraneo fund of £150,000 would bo required The "Daily News" s say however,' that there is a strong probability that the' site will be presented as a free gift either by the Government or by the London County Council. The site originally suggested, facing Portland Place, would be suitable for a monument, but would provide sufficient room for a theatre, and the question of a" new locality is still under discussion. .