characters were clearly audible, the groupings and movements were well thought-out, and the players did a commendable best with thedifficulties of this macabre little play. M. Willstrop deserves especial mention for the gallant way in which he deputised for the originallychosen 'Mr. White' almost at the last moment, and played the part with great success. Willstrop, M. I. L. Rice, as Mrs. White, and T. E. Thomas (Sgt.-Major Morris) were perhaps the best of a well-chosen cast. Care had been taken with make-up and costumes, most of which had been improvised from available sources within the School. We hope that the example of the School House "Middles" will be followed by other groups in the School and that "The Monkey's Paw" will be the fore-runner of other such private ventures; though may we suggest more originality in the choice of play? The full cast was as follows :Mr. White ... Herbert Mrs. White ... Sergeant-Major Morris Mr. Sampson
M.
WILLSTROP
P. W. MIDDLEBROOK M. I. L. RICE T. E. THOMAS
G. RIDLEY
L.B.
THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT Owing to the increasing numbers of the School, and to the fact that Big Hall stage has to be extended to accommodate a chorus of about 50 and an orchestra of about 20, there is not now room for the whole School and visitors at one and the same time. The Concert was, therefore, given on two successive nights, for School and parents respectively, with the Junior School present at the final rehearsal. The School performance (for which the programme had been constructed), relied for its effect not only on the exertions of the chorus, orchestra, and solo performers, but also on the hearty participation (for which preparation had been made) of the audience, in this case, those members of the School who were not on the stage. During the first part, those present were invited to imagine the hungry carol singers arriving out of "the bitter weather", and singing for their supper, with occasional changes from secular to sacred, and vice versa, providing opportunities for the orchestra strings to play a sweeping melody in unison (What child is this?) and for the flute and percussion to have an innings (Guillaume, take thy tabor), but usually coming back to the topic of food before long. After No. 6 it was to be assumed the Choral Society got what it wanted, and the audience was invited to partake of a normal Musical Society Concert while the Carol singers were being regaled with an imaginary feast. In Part III, the singers were supposed to emerge, satisfied at last, and sing a few 32
