TEMPEST-TOST

..... in a teacup is the production of a "pastoral" by the Salterton Little Theatre group, and all the dramatic — and romantic rivalries it provokes in a quite considerable cast of characters. There's wealthy Mr. Webster, who reluctantly lends his beautiful gardens as the site, while Tom, his gardener, is obstructive; Mrs. Forrester, who presides socially, Miss Rich, an importation, who directs, and Hector Mackilwraith, the treasurer, who blackmails his way into a small part. And there's Freddy Webster, an inventive and instrusive 14, who contributes a sour younger sister's commentary on the fickle followers of Griselda, whose pretty head is not as empty as it seems. Through the ticklish problems of casting, to rehearsals and the first night, with some asides at an auction and a local ball, this gently taunts the petty snobberies, rivalries and vanities of a close Canadian community, manages some careful observation but only a mild diversion.