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An exceptional and highly unusual late 18th Century Theatre Royal broadside, dated Saturday 3rd May 1794, preserved within an attractive gilt frame.
This remarkable survivor advertises a Benefit Performance for Miss Wilkinson at the Theatre Royal and includes performances of:
LIONEL & CLARISSA
Or, A School for Fathers
THE SHIPWRECK
Or, One Good Turn Deserves Another
And
THE ROMP
What makes this example particularly interesting is the apparent textile-backed / linen-style construction, with visible woven fibres and naturally frayed edges still present. The material, typography, age-related wear and printing characteristics are all consistent with period theatre advertising of the Georgian era.
Research undertaken during cataloguing has confirmed that:
• Lionel & Clarissa was a genuine and well-documented 18th Century comic opera performed at Theatre Royal venues.
• Benefit performances for Miss Wilkinson are historically recorded during this period.
• Theatre Royal playbills of the 1790s survive in major institutional collections.
• The date shown on this broadside, Saturday 3rd May 1794, correctly falls on a Saturday.
The text advertises the following programme:
FOR THE BENEFIT OF MISS WILKINSON
THEATRE ROYAL
On Saturday, May 3, will be performed the Comic Opera of
LIONEL & CLARISSA
Or, A School for Fathers
Followed by
THE SHIPWRECK
Or, One Good Turn Deserves Another
To which will be added the Musical Farce of
THE ROMP
The broadside remains an outstanding decorative piece while also representing a fascinating glimpse into Georgian theatrical life more than 230 years ago.
Whether purchased as a collector\'s item, a conversation piece, a period interior statement or an example of early theatre ephemera, this is a rare and highly evocative object.
Condition:
Age-related wear, foxing, creasing, fading, marks and imperfections consistent with considerable age. The textile-backed material displays natural fraying and irregularities which contribute to its authenticity and character. The frame also shows age-related wear.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Framed Size:
Presented in an ornate gilt frame.
Collection welcome.
***International buyers welcome, please get in touch for a shipping quote and collection welcome.
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