Archer, writing from London (England,) replies to Martin-Harvey's request for an article on Martin-Harvey's production of "Oedipus." He suggests that he ask another critic more familiar with the production and offers some critiques of it.
William Poel writes from London to his nephew Reginald Pole, giving him the right of first refusal of the leading role of the "Francis play" when it is acted in America and the opportunity to buy cheaply the American acting rights of the play from...
Anna Jameson writes from Brighton to Miss Cecilia Siddons, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Siddons that she hoped to write a biography on Mrs. Siddons but is delayed because of the poet Thomas Campbell. Page 4 is also a self-cover with a seal.
Poel, William, 1852-1934; Boas, Frederick S. (Frederick Samuel), 1862-1957; Letters; Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada; Annuities; Marlowe, Christopher, 1564-1593. Doctor Faustus; Marlowe, Christopher, 1564-1593. Jew of Malta
Poel thanks Boas for sending him a copy of the edition of "Dr. Faustus" edited by Boas. He plans to give a reading or performance of another of Marlowe's plays, "The Jew of Malta," and criticizes the interpretation of a recent production of it....
Playbill for Jonson's pastoral play, "The Sad shepherd," a tale of Robin Hood. The playbill contains a brief synopsis of the play, the names of the actors and characters, as well as a section written by Dowden.
Playbill for Shakespeare's play, "The merchant of Venice," being performed at St. George's Hall, London. The playbill contains the names of the actors and characters, two reviews, as well as part of a paper on the play's dramatic treatment on...
Henry Siddons, son of Sarah Siddons, writes Miss Wilson about his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth's birthday celebration. A poem written by Sarah Elizabeth to her godmother, Miss Wilson, follows. The letter is written entirely in Henry's hand and...
Kemble, John Philip, 1757-1823; Theaters; Stage props; Rent; Letters
J. P. Kemble writes an unnamed correspondent discussing rentals, stage needs, and the intention not to re-let the theatre. The unnamed correspondent may be Mr. Currie. Page 4 is a self-cover.
Kean writes to Hughes, a close friend of Kean, about his performance schedule. Kean ends the letter with a reference to money he owes and wishes to pay back. Date on letter is March 27th. Frayed letter contains postmarks for "Glasgow" and a wax...
Betsy Fawcett writes a response letter to Edmund Kean, saying: "I cannot think it possible the answer I received on Thursday from the Theatre came from your own lips." Fawcett repeats her request for money as she suffers. She promises never to...
Embossing (Printing); Kean, Edmund, 1787-1833; Letters; Postmarks; Sale of business enterprises; Signatures (Writing); Theaters; Theatre Royal (Richmond upon Thames, London, England); Watermarks
In a letter to a Mr. Budd, Kean presents himself as a potential buyer of the Theatre Royal Richmond. He gives his qualifications as a person experienced in theatre and admits that as an actor he is "weary of scampering about his majesties...
Lawrence, William J. (William John), 1862-1940; Letters; Archer, William, 1856-1924
Writing from Dublin, Lawrence discusses the controversy currently surrounding the definition of "the nocturnal," a specialized type of comedic play popular from 1597 to 1601. He lists his objections to Ernest Law's article describing traditional...
Barry writes to Sowdon in Dublin to inform him that he cannot accept his offer to leave London for the Ireland theatre, as Sowdon cannot equal his current income. He writes to clear up any misunderstanding on his or Mr. Victor's part about the...
Sowdon writes to Coates in Dublin to make clear that he has resigned his share in the bond and lease for the "Music Hall" which he signed jointly with Spranger Barry. He asks Coates to apply to Barry to release him from the bond and lease...
Barry, Spranger, 1719-1777; Letters; Woffington, Margaret, d. 1760
Barry writes from London to express his confidence and personal support for Sowdon's plan for a Dublin theatre to rival Sheridan's. He suggests raising funds through subscription and mentions several actresses who may be interested in joining the...
Sarah Siddons writes Lady Perceval, godmother to her daughter, Cecilia, with concern for the health of Mrs. Soame, Lady Perceval's aunt, and recommends a prescription to ease her discomfort. Siddons comments on the 1808 destruction of Covent...
Sarah Siddons writes actress and playwright, Mrs. Elizabeth Inchbald, promising Mrs. Inchbald that Siddons' nephew, Horace Twiss, will escort her to a dinner invitation. Siddons adds that Inchbald will meet Mr. and Mrs. Charles at dinner and Lady...
Sarah M. Siddons, daughter of Sarah Siddons, writes Harriet Siddons, wife of Henry Siddons, and daughter-in-law of Mrs. Sarah Siddons, a familiar family letter. Page 4 is a self-cover and its scan was rotated 90 degrees clockwise. The pages are...
Sarah M. Siddons, daughter of Sarah Siddons, writes the playwright, Mrs. Elizabeth Inchbald, requesting two tickets to Covent Garden Theatre. The letter contains notations by a second hand. The page 2 scan was rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.