The Reverend H L Cockburn and the Reverend H S Bettenson , two curates of St Matthew ' s Church , Bethnal Green , produced ' Hansel and Gretal ' , a Christmas pantomine at the St Matthew ' s Institute . The pantomine was written by themselves and an orchestra of unemployed musicians assisted . All the actors were members of the congregation and included girl clerks and factory hands and the Mayoress of Bethnal Green , Miss Freda Benoly played the part of a witch . The scenery and costumes were all home made . Mr Cockburn himself danced a ballet turn with the leading girl and had a comic part in addition . Photo shows ; The Reverend H L Cockburn making up a member of the cast before the performance of ' Hansel and Gretel ' . 8 December 1933