The Treasures of Britain
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
This is a masque in honour of the north Wales heroes’ memorial, and written in spirited verse and with a surprising display of Welsh names and traditions. The treasures are thirteen traditional objects, the sword, the basket, the chariot, etc. etc. The ancient bards awake and hear the world war. They summon the ancient gods of Britain and these in turn summon King Arthur and all his knights and ladies and present him with the treasures to inspire the national spirit with new zeal and courage. It is a little hazy to a non-expert in Welsh lore, but should have a fine effect. Recommended for license. G. S. Street
Licensed On: 14 Dec 1917
License Number: 1295
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British Library Reference: LCP1917/25
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66180 N
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Dec 1917 | Shaftesbury Theatre, London | Other |
Licensed Performance
Read Narrative
This was a mixed professional and amateur production with 70 principle performances, each either a well-known theatre star of a society amateur performer. It included performances by the Welsh Guards band and the Royal Welsh choir as well as by stars including: Mlle Delysia, M Leon, Jack Buchanan, Miss Winifred Barnes, Mr Jospeh Coyne, Miss Violet Loraine. Society performers included: Lady Newnes, Duchess of Westminster, Lady Abbott Anderson, Landy Kent, Countess Poulett, Messrs, Normal McKinnel, Ben Webster and Misses Lilian Braithwaite and Viola Tree. One review commented: 'The North Wales Heroes' Memorial was as Welsh as Welsh could be. Welsh Guards played Welsh music, pretty girls in Welsh costume served tea, and all the Welsh gods and goddesses, not to speak of Arthur and all his Knights with their respective ladies, appeared in Mr Louis Parker's Welsh Pageant. One of the treasures of Britain handed over into the Cauldron of Sacrifice was a toy Tank. The Princess Royal was present with her daughters'. (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 19 December 1917)
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