This original early 19th-century theatrical broadside promotes a performance at the Theatre, Doncaster, on Wednesday, September 22, 1830. The primary feature is Shakspeare’s Early Days, described as a Historical and Legendary National Drama. The production includes a New Shakspearean Overture and original music arranged by Mr. Aldridge of the Theatre-Royal, Liverpool. This name is historically associated with Ira Aldridge, the celebrated African-American actor known as the African Roscius, who was active in the United Kingdom theatrical circuit at this time. The programme includes a dioramic view of scenes from thirteen of Shakespeare’s plays, including The Tempest, Othello, Henry IV, Hamlet, As You Like It, Richard III, Taming of the Shrew, King Lear, Henry VIII, Julius Caesar, Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. Additional entertainment listed includes a Characteristic Dance by Mrs. Nelson, a popular interlude titled Popping the Question, and the farce Irish Valet; or, Blunder Upon Blunder. The bottom of the sheet contains a notice for the next evening’s performance of Massaroni; or, the Brigand Chief. The playbill was printed by Brooke and Co., High-Street, Doncaster. It is housed in a dark-stained wooden frame under glass.
13” x 7.5”.
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