in the mile races, coupled with the misfortune of several injuries, prevented us from doing ourselves full justice, though we did have a sprinkling of winners in Smith, Nesham and Leonard. However, although the sporting achievements of the term are undoubtedly more than adequate, there is much left to be desired in the work of the House, as proved by the results of the trial exams. Let us hope that they will act as an incentive for the House to work harder and do itself justice in the forthcoming examinations. Another season of House "proms", organised by J. N. T. Howat, has drawn to a close, remarkable for a piano recital by Mr. R. Eliot, whom we heartily thank for a splendid evening's entertainment. This term it is our task to say farewell to French and wish him every success in his future career. Finally, Mr. Payne terminates a brief stay in our midst, to be remembered for his, interest and enthusiasm for the House. A feature of our term's activities was a House play, inspired by Middlebrook, P. W., of which an account is given below. HOUSE PLAY "SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT" BY LESTER PHILLPOT
Characters (in order of appearance):
The Wolf (a burglar) ... ... R. LE PLA The Hon. Guy Sydney P. W. MIDDLEBROOK Preston ... M. R. LEONARD The Hon. Lettice Sydney P. B. CLAYTON Lord Redchester T. E. THOMAS Lady Redchester G. R. H. CLEMONS The Hon. and Rt. Rev. Charles Sydney, Bishop of Redchester D. J. NESHAM The Play produced by P. W. MIDDLEBROOK. Set and Stage Effects : M. R. LEONARD and J. HOWAT. Prompter : P. J. TAYLOR
To command the attention of its audience is perhaps the first difficulty that confronts a cast unskilled in the finer points of amateur dramatics, and this, it must be agreed, Middlebrook managed to achieve with remarkable ingenuity. From his first appearance in a darkened room accompanied by the appropriate music, Le Pla, presumably inexperienced in such a role, succeeded in drawing his audience into the aristocratic affability of the Sydney household. Shouldering the leading part, he proved himself competent to prevent the play from revolving around the more experienced and confident Thomas. The monocled lord gave his usual jovial performance, though by now, of course, we know exactly what to expect. Middlebrook as Guy, the ex-public schoolboy son, added an atmosphere of general "what-haveyou" to the farcical drama. However, apart from the ex-actors the
