The Appeal for a National Theatre This time the appeal
for a National Theatre must not be allowed to fail. It has been a disgrace to this country that it should be behind the rest of the civilized world by refusing to give that support to national drama which can only be provided by a splendid centre of disinterested drama making its influence felt in the whole theatre life of the country. The movement which was started as long ago as 1908 has had many set-backs. Aiming at the provision of a theatre for the Shakespeare tercentenary of 1916, it was frustrated by the War. .Gaining a fresh impetus by co-operation with the British Drama League five years ago, it was frustrated by the trade slump. But the moment has now come for taking a more confident view for advancing even in the neglected sphere of culture. It is also the year of the King's Silver Jubilee, and it would be peculiarly fitting that a national gift to the King should take the form of a building dedicated to enjoyment. Lord Lytton, the chairman of the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre Committee, is asking for a sum of L500,000 (including £150,000 already collected). Money devoted to this purpose -should be regarded as a profitable investment.
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