THE KING ATTENDS THEATRE PERFORMANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18959, 3 January 1930, Page 10

THE KING ATTENDS THEATRE PERFORMANCE.

(Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, November 8. The King, who was accompanied by the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of York, was given a splendid welcome to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, last night by a great crowd outside and a packed audience within. It is almost a year since his Majesty's illness began—on November 17— and the first time that he has visited a theatre since then. The play was “Rose Marie,” which the King had seen three times before, and on each previous occasion Miss Edith Day played the leading part. The royal party left Buckingham Palace at eight o’clock and arrived at the theatre a few minutes before the curtain was timed to rise. The King always makes a special point of being early for theatre performances, and thereby sets an example to many playgoers. Half an hour before the performance began many people gathered in Catherine Street and Russell Street, and a strong force of police had to clear a way for the royal car. When it arrived, however, the enthusiastic and cheering crowds, including many men and women in evening dress, broke through the cordon and surrounded the car. The King, who looked well and happy, was evidently delighted with this demonstration of loyalty, and raised his hat in smiling acknowledgment. The Queen, radiating happiness, bowed and smiled. The people were surprised and delighted when the Duchess of York and the Duke followed the King and Queen from the car, and they were accorded a special cheer. The Queen was wearing a gold tissue dress with a long train, and a gold tissue coat trimmed with fur. The Duchess of York was dressed in pale pink with an iridescent cloak. The party were received by Sir Alfred Butt, who escorted them to the royal box. When the King and Queen and the Duke and Duchess entered the box everyone in the audience rose and cheered. The King stood for a few moments to acknowledge this reception. At the end of the performance the whole audience rose and joined in singing the National Anthem. There were renewed outbursts of cheering when at 11 pm. the King drove back to the Palace. Thousands of theatregoers joined the crowds which flocked round the royal car.