DRAMA LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1934, Page 8

DRAMA LEAGUE

WORK IN CENTRAL TARANAKI. COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL YEAR. A thoroughly satisfactory year in every vzay is reviewed in the annual report of the Central Taranaki branch of the British Drama League, to be presented to the second annual meeting at Stratford to-night. The annual festival was an outstanding’ success, states the report. There was a marked improvement in the standard of the plays presented and the judge, Miss Elizabeth Blake, expressed her satisfaction at the progress made during the year, congratulating the teams and their producers upon the standard of their work. Two teams gained B certificates and tied for first place, “Drums” by the Little Theatre Players, under the production of Mr. B. Bellringer, and “The Old Lady Shows Her Medals,” by S. Mary’s School, under the production of Mrs. Uniacke. These two teams took part in the elimination festival held at Hawera. There were 12 teams competing this year, comprising a total of 75 performers. Last year there were six senior and two junior teams competing with 26 senior and 21 junior performers. That the interest in the Drama League has quickened was evident by the packed houses which greeted this year’s performances. In addition to the festival, the council organised five social play-reading evenings during the winter. These evenings proved most helpful in bringing out new talent and stimulating interest. A series of classes for producers and actors, also arranged by the council and conducted by Miss Helen Gard’ner, were of great assistance to those who attended. The balance-sheet is gratifying. The year commenced with a credit balance of £2 4s 6d, and concluded with a credit balance of £3l Is Bd, showing a profit on the year’s working of £2B 17s 2d. .These 1 funds the council proposes applying to improving its general stage equipment.