Two other characters are worthy of special credit, yet their performance in no way distracted from the combined strength of the whole cast. Simon Ferguson, as John the Baptist, and later playing the part of Judas, opened the production with a powerful portrayal of the prophet singing the opening number `Prepare ye the way of Lord'. Later, in Act 2, as Judas, his evil scheming brought the show skilfully towards its solemn climax: the Last Supper, the betrayal and finally the Crucifixion. Mary Owen stood out particularly for her humorous narration of the Parable of the Sower, acting as a shy yet at the same time precocious four or five-year-old with great effect. In Act 2 the full range of her ability, this time singing as well as acting, was given full rein in her performance of the song `Turn Back 0 Man'.

The stage-setting, effective in its simplicity, with slide transparencies emphasising the atmosphere created on stage projected on to a screen at an angle high above the back of the stage was the work of Mr Peter Jones, the producer.

He is the College's Director of Music. He also choreographed the various dance routines and directed the musical accompaniment and light and sound effects throughout the performance.

This was indeed a powerful performance. It was a great achievement for young people to be able to create such an atmosphere, first of fun, vitality and humour, and then in Act 2, in great contrast, withdrawing to the centre of the stage to present the seriousness and solemnity of the Last Supper and Crucifixion. Thus one was completely unaware of the youth of the cast.

THREE MELODRAMAS

by MICHAEL KILGARRIFF Presented by Milner House

`SET A THIEF TO CATCH A THIEF'

`THE BELLS'

`BLACK-EYED SUSAN'

Milner House entertained us with an Open Day and School performance, of Michael Kilgarriff's `Three Melodramas These three short offerings, total running-time 35 minutes, allowed us an insight into the best (worst?) form of Victorian Theatre. Melodrama is nothing if not predictable. In this Never-Never land the `goodies' are honest, brave, truthful and patriotic (and, of course, white, Anglo-Saxon and Protestant). The villains are lying, cowardly, dishonest. blasphemous, lecherous blackguards. The girls are fresh,

Black Comedy. 28