"THE OLD VIC." APPEAL.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sin,—The admirable work done at the Royal Victoria Hall, popularly called " The Old Vie.," is now well known. By a very strenuous effort, Miss Baylis and her colleagues have succeeded in producing Shakespeare performances and operas continuously, on lines artistically correct, at such low charges that every section of the public is able to see them. So warm has been the appreciation of these performances that it is certain that their cessation would be regarded as a disaster by the people generally, and not least by the Vic.'s many friends in the Dominions. overseas. It is to avoid the disaster that we now venture to appeal to you. " The Old Vic." has reached a crisis in its career. Some time ago the London County Council warned the management that it would have to put its house structurally in order. The building is an old one, and com- pliance with the County Council's standard will mean heavy expense. The County Council has been very forbearing, as the Vie. would be the first to acknowledge with lively gratitude. Now, however, the time has come when these alterations and extensions must be carried out. If this is not done, the Vic.'s licence may be in serious danger.
As it happens, the building is so placed that the Vic. cannot extend except by disturbing its neighbour, the Morley College. Therefore the Vic. must provide a new home for that institu- tion. A suitable building in the near neighbourhood is avail- able if funds can-be raised to acquire it. To reinstate the Morley College and to make the necessary alterations and extensions of the Vie. premises will cost about £30,000. Of this sum the Vic. is able to lay its hands on about 210,000; for the remainder it must look to the interest and generosity of the public. In asking for help on an occasion of very great stress, we feel that we are justified in appealing, not only to the regular friends of the Vic. (who certainly will not fail it), but to all who are concerned for the humanities. The work of the Old Vic. is moral and spiritual no less than artistic, and there is abundant evidence of its actual influence for good.
Contributions of any amount will be thankfully received, and can be sent to the Secretary of the Old Vic. Appeal Fund, Royal Victoria Hall, Waterloo. Road, SE. I. Cheques should be made Paeable.to Sir W. P. Herringham (Chairman of the Governors). —We are, Sir, he.,
H. H. Asqurra; L. C. F. CAvEsnrsu; Desseyr; HERI3ERT FIBHER JOHN W; GILBERT; A. BOSAR LAW; W. MARCHE:MR; ARTHUR Preseo; ETHEL SHIM; CYRIL Sourawns; J. U. THOMAS; Byname G. Timex.
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