17 APRIL 1915, Page 20

CHRISTIA_NA AND HER CHILDREN.*

IN March, 1914, a mystery play adapted by Mrs. Duncan Pearce from Banyan's Pilgrim's Progress was given for the first time at the Town Hall, Holyhead. This book is an illustrated record of a performance which was undertaken for the benefit of the Stanley Sailors' Home. The words of the play are not included in it, but "can be obtained from Mrs. D. Pearce, Lewes, Sussex, at Is, a copy or 10a. a dozen." Hera we have Mr. Kipling'a poem "For All We Have and Are," a short preface by Mr. Chesterton, and an introduction by Miss M. Verney, in which she tells us that " to revive interest in the Pilgrim's Progress, and to present to her neighbours a series of lovely scenes full of devotional meaning, had been a cherished dream of Miss Adeane's for several years past." The realization of this dream seems to have been completely successful, thanks to "the patient and enthusiastic co- operation of a number of workers," and now, with the help of these good photographic reproductions, a larger audience can enjoy something of this mystery play. The well-arranged groups will be of more interest to those who are unacquainted with the performers than the single figures, for these are somewhat lacking in that atmosphere of "the old age" which no doubt was present on the stage. Mrs. Ritchie has written a charming Envoi, which want of space alone prevents our quoting in full.