The new Mermaid Theatre - the first to be built in the City of London for 250 years - was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of London at Puddle Dock May 28.

The opening play "Lock up your Daughters" is a musical based on a Henry Fielding comedy adapted by Bernard Miles. Mr. and Mrs. Miles have been the moving spirits in building the Mermaid Theatre.

A "mermaid" was rowed down the Thames, carried on to the stage by four Thames watermen - winners of the Doggett Coat and Badge - and handed to the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Harold Gillett, to herald the opening of the theatre. She was Carolyn Hawkins, daughter of actor Jack Hawkins.

In his opening speech the Lord Mayor congratulated Bernard Miles on his splendid efforts and promised to see to it that the theatre would be a lasting success. He concluded his address with the words: "Now, on with the play"