LONDON'S "OLD VIC."

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16711, 29 January 1926, Page 6

LONDON'S "OLD VIC."

SERVICES TO EDUCATION, T3UBUTE IN COMMITTEE'S- REPORT, The high educational value to school children and the industrial masses in South London of the dramatic and operatic performances given at the "Old Vic" was emphasised in a report which came before the L.C.C. Education Committee (says a London paper). The Higher Education Sub-Committee stated that, in view of the importance of the work done at the theatre both from the point of view of the Council's educational activities and in its wider aspects, they thought some of the work accomplished and the developments which were in prospect would be of interest. During the last and present season the "Old Vic" had had greater amenities for its productions, which consisted entirely of the plays of Shakespeare and opera, and the transfer of Morley College to new premises bad greatly increased the space available behind the curtain. This had assisted the standard of production and the popularity of the performances, with a notable increase in attendances. The arrangement for special matinees had enables 10,000'elementary school children to attend Shakespearian performances.

There was now in prospect an opportunity for an important development of the "Old Vic's activities by reconstructing the historic but derelict Sadler's Wells and thereby providing an "Old Vic" for North London. The committee thought the Couneil would appreciate the educational possibilities of the proposal. Of the total of £60,000 required about £21,000 only had been obtained.

The Rev, J. Scott Lidgett said th? unspeakably important service the "Old Vic" had rendered for children and the industrial masses in South I London would be more than doubled by the acquisition of Sadler's Wells in the norlii of London.

The annual maintenance estimate of, the Education Committee for 1926-27 was also considered. . -

Mr W. 11. Pincombeisaid they were all extremely anxious id see the three years' programme carried out in its entirety. There was evidence of a great deal of activity on the part of the Building Committee, and he was anxious that the whole of the building work should be got through in three years.

Sir John Gilbert said it was a question of sites as well as of building. The Rev. J. Scott Lidgett said that the th.'ng of importance was "the programme, th'3 whole programme, and" —reluctantly he would say "nothing but the programme." For three years they were getting the greatest measure of educational advance they had ever had before.

On resigning his position of vicechairman of the Educational Committee on becoming Leader of the Council, Mr W. Ray was thanked for his serviceB f