Theatres on Sundays ?
The Sunday opening of theatres is one of those questions on which argument can be infinite because there is so much that is valid to be said on both sides. The theatrical profession is divided on the subject. The demand for Sunday opening came originally from a section of it, justly indignant at the invocation of an old Act of Parliament to check performances which were to have been given on Sunday for the benefit of the troops. Now the discussion has become more general. The case for Sunday opening is that some actors and actresses would increase their earnings, and theatre lessees their takings, and that a public which lacks adequate opportunities for recreation on Sunday would get what a considerable part of it wants. The commercial side of the argument merits little considera- tion, and there is in fact no very audible public demand for Sunday theatres even among those who think Sunday a dismal day. But there are strong arguments against the proposed change. As a letter in Wednesday's Times, signed by Mr. Henry Ainley and a large number of members of the theatrical profession, puts it convincingly, Sunday opening would inevitably mean a seven-day week for the players, and it would rob them of the one day in which they can enjoy normal family life. It may be argued that it is unreasonable not to put "the living theatre" on the same basis as the cin but the fact is that the opening of cinemas on Sundays has very El largely met the public need, for films are now so varied, and at fl their best so excellent, that every taste is well provided for. All a things considered, the case for the opening of theatres on Sunday d must be held to be non-proven. Special enactments to cover per- di
formances for troops or charity performances are another matter. h
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