ALBERT HALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17131, 18 June 1927, Page 17 (Supplement)

ALBERT HALL.

QUESTION OF ITS USE. IF DANCING, WHY NOT DRAMA? The kind of entertainment to be given in the Royal Albert Hall. London, i was discussed before the Select Committee of the House of Lords which lias been appointed to inquire into the Royal Albert Hall Bill. The Bill is promoted by the Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences, and its object is “to make further provision for the maintenance of the hall and to provide for a rate on scats.” Mr H. P. Macmillan, K.C., for the promoters, said that in 1887 the Corporation was granted a supplemental 'charter, stating that the ball might be let for “public and private meetings ;of any body or persons, operettas, concerts, balls, and any other than theatrical entertainments for the amusement and recreation of the public.” The note struck in this supplemental charter was rather more a note of amusement and recreation than the earlier Victorian note of instruction and elevation.

Lord Russell (a member of the Committee) : But recreation for the benefit of the public. Mr Macmillan: Yes, no doubt.

After saying that the Corporation was faced with an immediate current expenditure or £t5,000 in respect of the organ and structural alterations, Mr Macmillan explained that under the Bill and its suggested amendment the Corporation sought power to let the hall for theatrical entertainments and operatic performances. He added, “I think the art of the. drama is as much entitled to a place in the world of art as the terpsichorean art, which has been practised in the hall.” Mr Wrottesley, K.C. (for the opponents, the Royal Choral Society): Or the art of self defence? Mr Macmillan: Yes. And surely a play of Shakespeare’s or a great, play can be played in the hall where operettas arc staged. Mr Macmillan said that it, was difficult to say when a play became an operetta, or an operetta a stage play, or when a performance became a stage performance. Lord Russell: It, has even been said that Shaw’s “Retting Married" is not a play. (Laughter.) Mr Macmillan: Any music or dancing at the hall will be so respectable that it will probably not be necessary to have a license for it. (Laughter.) We are not asking for powers to let the hall for an unlimited period. Mr Macmillan said that the Royal Choral Society was insisfing on matters of privilege as matters of right. The Committee adjourned.