A Pageant of Fair Women
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
This is a blend of verse, music and spectacular procession, devised by the past-master of modern pageantry for the celebration of Joan of Arc’s day upon the stage. The figure of poetry first introduces the representatives of the several countries of the United Kingdom, who are followed later on by those of her colonies and dominions. into the mouths of each of them are put sonorous lines of sympathetic imperialism, while apropos of the war more personal notes are sounded at the bidding of Britannia by a typical Mrs Atkins, by a postwoman, and by other war—workers, as well as by our gallant allies France, Belgium and so forth. The pageant naturally attempts nothing in the way of dramatic interest, even in its final disclosure of the silent figure of Joan of Arc: but it is nevertheless admirably suited to its purely patriotic object. Recommended for license. Ernest A. Bendall.
Licensed On: 5 May 1917
License Number: 939
Genre(s):
Keyword(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1917/10
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66165 A
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 May 1917 | Queen’s Hall, London | Other |
Licensed Performance
Read Narrative
Written for evening charity entertainment organised by Miss Clara Butt (Stage, 12 April 1917) and given on London's 'Joan of Arc' Day at the Queen's Hall, Langsham Place, London. The cast was a mix of professional and amateur performers. Lady Diana Manners (Russia) Madame Clara Butt (Great Britain), Ellen Terry, Lily Elsie (the girl he left behind him), Mme Kirkby Lunn (Scotland), Miss Tita Brand-Cammaerts (Belgium), Mme d'Alvarez (singing the Marseillaise), Dorothy Dix (Italy), Mary Anderson (representing America) and Marion Terry. The performance was for the benefit of the Three Arts Women's Employment Fund.
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| 12 May 1917 | Queen's Hall, London | Other |
Read Narrative
A second performance was announced following the success of the first, with seats at popular prices from 10/6 to 2/- and the performance starting at 3pm. Queen Alexandra attended the performance. A full cast list was given in the Pall Mall Gazette on Friday 11 May 1917. 89 prominent society ladies were promises to represent the Allies, Colonies and Dominions with 100 singers lent by the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music.
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| 19 Jun 1917 | Empire, Chiswick | Other |
Read Narrative
An excerpt from the piece was performed as part Madame Clara Butt's matinee in aid fo the War Seal Foundation at 2.30. (Globe, 16 June 1917)
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| 3 Jul 1917 | Empire, Chiswick | Other |
Read Narrative
An excerpt entitled 'The Women's Tribute' was given as part of Clara Butt's matinee for the Day Servants' Hostel, Danvers St, Chelsea at the Chiswick Empire by permission of Oswald Stoll.
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