... . Sir,--Having read with interest the various opinions held, I am forced to think that too many are not regarding the matter seriously enough. Stratfordian's argument that amateur pupils' fees are often the means of keeping repertory companies going scarcely justifies itself. A company that have to depend on amateur fees to pay expenses are hardly worth running. Many managers are ready to ...

... To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir, Mr. D. Forbes-Winslow's letter relating to my father's first appearance on the stage was quite correct, although we have data that show he did concert work as early as 1903. He was a member, too, of the concert party run by Alec Clunes, sen., on Heme Bay Pier as early as 1903. He first appeared on tour with j the Dance company before join ing the George ...

... in the eve1 flo pt operate J^ter^S Fhe civfl forces dderbe b°$tt'if that would the ti f,r> I submit th itl. oi urgent cause i nossiO'^ s0o>..b would be in P and plan anyth.n£rv,ces c?u^( cause 1 ..rof^Ltert11'?.. i theatrical l'?f entf rll L: in the way in keeping up the would be immense R0,d. A KemP'^ill i April 4. ...

... Coventry Exhibition. To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir,--The Coventry Repertory company, who have striven during their four years' existence to uphold the noble traditions of the theatre in the Midlands, are during the week of February 25 commemorating the birth of Elien Terry. It is hoped that we shall be able in future to hold annually an Ellen Terry Festival Week. I In view of the fact ...

... . To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir,--The newspaper statement referred to by .your correspondent, A.B.C., that 4,000 companies and 8.000 artists were at, present touring was an error in context. I remember reading quite recently that 4,000 theatrical journeys were arranged, and 84,000 artists were carried ny me railway companies during 1935, which is quite a reasonable supposition, judging by ...

... . To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir,-- It is with sincere regret that I ask you to publish these few facts in reference to the death of a much-respected old-time music hall artist, Gale Dwight, perhapi better known as Gale St. John. This versatile performer (one of the first members of the V.A.F.) passed peacefully away on March 14, 1936, at his home in Wallasey, Cheshire, having overstepped ...

... . Sir,-- I read with pleasure the letter on this subject. I sincerely trust that something definite will arise out of it, but 1 am afraid if it is left solely to the Ministry of Labour, or to British Equity, the exact object of the sponsors of the scheme will not be achieved. I do not wish to decry the actions and activities of either, but when it comes to the ques tion of the rank and file ...

... . TEACHING THE RUDIMENTS To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir, Referring to your leading article in The Stage of May 24, J should like to point out that a course of lectures on the writing of plays is given here each term. Moreover, practical tests are set and corrected for those students who are keen to acouire know ledge o£ the elementary part of the difficult technic of play writing. By our ...

... To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir,--I am of the opinion that provincial theatres have failed to move with the times, and consequently their erstwhile regular patrons have been beguiled elsewhere, where for less money they have been able to indulge in really comfortable seats. In consequence the decreased revenue of these theatres has debarred thorn from booking really good attractions on ...

... To the Editor of THE STAGE. Sir,-- I believe that 50 per cent, oi the many different repertory companies playing in and around our provincial cities and towns are made up of amateurs mas querading as professionals. It will bo found that the only pos sible consideration given to a pro fessional applicant for work in most oases is conditional to his or her talcing a financial interest. Further, ...

... . Sir.--Some time ago an excellent article appeared in your influential journal under Cues and Comments which I believed would have had a beneficial effect upon touring, but I must admit I am disappointed at the response. I have been waiting on more abler pens than mine to take the matter up, hut only a very few have done ho, prominent among whom were Louis Casson, Cecil Barth, Her bert ...

... . THE TOURING REVIVAL. To the Editor of The Stage. r Sir,--I shall have to look to my laurels. Here have I been airing my opinions of the above important matter from the point of view of a touring manager, and now, such is the kaleidoscopic nature of our business, I am on the verge of ing to type, or, in other words, picking up the thread of local management. But, mindful of what I have ...