22 MARCH 1963, Page 8

Away From It

Mr. Kenneth Tynan's appointment as literary manager of the National Theatre is an imagin- ative one, and I much look forward to seeing the results of his large talent for all things theatrical coming more directly to grips with the stage than his years as a Sunday commentator have allowed. Of course we shall all miss the fizz and fire of his weekly piece, but, it's a small loss if the National Theatre is really going to have the benefit of his considerable creative capacity. Be- sides, there is something pleasing in such all imaginative man's departure from a world in- advertently summed up by the Observer's own gossip-writer, who saw fit to announce, with char- acteristic cockiness, that Mr. Tynan's job will be `to see that the National Theatre is with it.' 1 In sure Mr. Tynap will be twice the force without it'