John Gay Theatre, Barnstaple

The John Gay Theatre, Barnstaple ‘will re-open on Boxing Day [Tuesday 26 December] with that very lively play “A Kiss for Cinderella,” by Sir James Barrie. This is one of the best Christmas plays, as distinct from pantomimes, ever written, and should appeal to of all ages, and to grown-ups as well. Regular patrons will be glad to know that many old friends will appear in this play, including Miss Dorothy Casey, Miss Frances Lovering, Miss Sylvia Haydn, and Miss Phyllis Gow; also Mr. Tony O’Hara and Mr. St. John Medley. Mr. Reginald Andrews … is coming down specially to play Mr. Bodie. The other two plays beginning on Wednesday, January 3rd. and Wednesday, January 10th, will be …’. North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 December 1944. The North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 December, advertised performances of A Kiss for Cinderella at the John Gay Theatre that day and on Friday and Saturday. ‘Under admirable arrangements made by the Chief Evacuation Officer for the borough, and his Staff, every evacuated child in Barnstaple has been specially catered for during Christmastide in one way or another … about 400 children over five years of age were taken to see the Barrie pantomime “A Kiss for Cinderella” at The John Gay Theatre on Wednesday of last week. The under-fives each received a greetings card with a shilling National Savings stamp’. North Devon Journal, 4 January 1945.