MONTHLY LETTER January 1956 THE CHRISTMAS DINNER ...

Through the first four days of strenuous rehearsal and the two weeks of performances
which followed, the Company worked harder than they had ever worked before. All were conscious
of an added tension, understandable enough when one considers that in Edinburgh
they were without the "protection of nationalistic sympathy" which they have always enjoyed
in Stratford, Ontario. But the audience that packed the Assembly Hall in Edinburgh proved
to be quite like audiences at home - appreciative, impressed, and enthusiastic in their
applause.
Christie commented on how the critics received the work of the Stratford group, revealing
that, though most of the criticisms were valid, no two critics could agree. The
vigor of the Canadian Company seemed to confuse them.
An "invaluable experience which cannot help but improve our technique" was how Christie,
in retrospect, viewed the Edinburgh performances. "Perhaps, with improvements in diction
and verse reading," he concluded, "we can, through a 'naturalistic performance' peculiar to
Canada, emerge a new style ... a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare drama."
Before concluding this report of the dinner, special mention should be made about the
Grace. Though Canon Ward was present, prayer was offered by "Nick" Hornyansky in his
native tongue. Members joined him in a silent tribute to the brave men and women who are
fighting for freedom in Hungary.
CLUB NOTES AND NOTICES
The next monthly dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 24. On this occasion,
in accordance with a policy recently adopted under which honorary life memberships will
in future be conferred on members completing 45 continuous years of membership, this distinction
will be accorded to Herbert Palmer, Fred Haines, W. A. Craick, C. Adamson and
) G. D. Atkinson. The entertainment program for the evening will be in the hands of David
Ouchterlony, who promises something unusual, which, knowing the originality of his ideas
and his versatility, is what is to be expected. Reg Heal's quartette -"Three Soles and
a Heel" - will also contribute to the enjoyment of the evening.
A date to remember: Thursday, December 27 has been decided upon as the date for the
Christmas Dinner, that unique and colorful event in the Club's calendar. Information
about the programme has not yet been released to the Monthly Letter but members can rest
assured that there will be no let-down in the high quality of the entertainment which has
always marked this festive occasion.
The Lounge, that comfortable spot for pre-luncheon libations and post-luncheon
somnolencies, has received a bit of a face-lifting through the re-upholstering of the
leather-covered chairs and divans and the cleaning up of the walls.
The buffet luncheon table continues in commission in the centre of the dining hall
and judging by the patronage it attracts, with its tempting display of cold meats, salads,
etc., bids fair to remain a popular feature for some time yet.
In order that new members may be able to acquaint themselves with the history of the
Club and the spirit that animates it, they are invited to apply for a complimentary copy
of Augustus Bridle's "The Story of the Club". A number of these entertaining and informative
volumes are still on hand.
At almost every mailing of Club letters, a number come back from the Post Office
because members have left the addresses to which the letters were directed. It would be
Shelpful if members would notify the Club immediately on moving of the change of address.
This is particularly desirable now that the Post Office has issued a ukase requiring the
insertion on all city addresses of the number of the postal district.
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