SUNDAY THEATRES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 528, 21 December 1912, Page 3

SUNDAY THEATRES.

The proposal to open London theatres and music halls on Sundays was discussed by the Actorß' Association last month. There was a large attendance of both actors and actresses at a meeting called for the purpose, and the president of the Association, Sir Herbert Tree, presided. In his speech the chairman stated that members of the profession should ask themselves three questions: Is a Sunday theatre desirable in the interests of the community? Is it desirable for the good of the theatre? Is it desirable in the interests of the actors? The enmity which used to exist between the church and the stage had disappeared, Bir Herbert contended, and he was afraid that Sunday perforamnces would lead to its revival. Those who loved the stage maintained that it was a power for good in the lan.l and that "the humanity of Shakespeare was helpful rather than inimical to the teachings of Christ. I remember as a child,'' the great actor added, "that I was horrified at the thought of being happy on Sunday. I was sent to the Continent to school at first, and I refused to join the other boys in their games 'Pojr little fellows,' I thought, 'they're all going to hell.' " After laying down that Sunday was a day not for rest only but for healthy recreation as well, Sir Heroert spoke strongly against Sunday performances. Several other leading actors endorsed the chairman's remarks and a motion oppossing the proposal was moved and seconded. Opposition, however, was offered by Miss Lucy Sibley, who asked the meeting not to commit itself. In her opinion actors and actresses would be justified in increasing their incomes by doing additional work. The idea of "resting" did not appeal to her. The exigencies of the profession allowed everyone to "rest" sufficiently. "Nothing is more tedious than resting," she said, and the audience, while it disliked the argument, enjoyed the epigram. Miss Sibley's amendment was gallantly seconded by an actor who stated that he supported the mover, not because he agreed with her contentions but because he wanted to see the subject thoroughly discussed. The amendment secured only two votes and the meeting, which was a thoroughly representative one, decided to oppose strongly any performances on Sunday.