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...
The membership form, addressed to Poel, for The Elizabethan Stage Society explains why they were founded and what they are trying to accomplish (a return to play acting with the sole focus on Shakespeare's words, not the scenery.) The Society...
Poel critiques John Barrymore's performance as Hamlet for his nephew Reginald Pole, who had acted alongside Barrymore in Hamlet. He praises how "he talked his part" but criticizes his lack of emotion and overuse of ""the Macready pause."" A...
Poel writes in response to his correspondent's last letter and asks him not to use his name, Poel, on the professional stage as it can be of little use to him. He requests that the correspondent discuss any plans for opening a school in America...
Poel's written extracts of private letters received in praise of his play, "The First Franciscans," about the life of Sir Francis. There is also a review clipped from the Manchester Guardian. [These extracts may be the enclosures referred to in...
Poel, William, 1852-1934; Independent Theatre Society; Grein, J. T. (James Thomas), 1862-1935; New Shakspere Society (Great Britain); Webster, John, 1580?-1625? Duchess of Malfi
Playbill for Webster's tragedy "The Duchess of Malfi," directed by Grein and re-arranged for the modern stage by Poel. The playbill lists the acts, the actors, the various people working behind the scenes, and also includes a small description of...
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...
Poel, William, 1852-1934; Elizabethan Stage Society; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Two gentlemen of Verona
Playbill for Shakespeare's play, "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." The playbill includes the names of the actors and musicians as well as some information about aspects of the performance such as the costumes, the music and the pronounciation.
Playbill for Beaumont and Fletcher's comedy, "The Coxcomb." The playbill includes the names of the actors as well as some information about aspects of the performance such as the authorship, the revival, the music, and the costumes.
Barry writes to Sowdon apologizing for not replying to the letter sooner. Barry congratulates Sowdon success in acquiring the manger's friendship and asks for Sowdon's opinion on a second Playhouse in Dublin and whether he's still on friendly terms...
Jesus Christ Iconography; Mercers' Company (London, England); Stone carving
Pages appear to be torn from a book. The article discusses the archeological find of an early Renaissance figure of Christ in Mercers' Chapel in London and speculates about its historical significance.
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...
Barry writes to Sowdon in London of his satisfaction that Spranger Barry will at last come to the Irish theatre, in light of the previous misunderstandings on that point.
Barry writes impassionedly of his efforts to raise funds for the Crow Street Theatre in Dublin and encloses the 200 pounds he has raised so far. The second and third pages of the letter are blank.
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...
Bartley asks that the correspondent let him borrow a relic from his "former acting days" so that he may use it in his upcoming performance before royalty at Windsor Castle. He regrets not being able to call upon him that morning and offers a box...
Barbarina Wilmot (later Lady Dacre) writes from her sickbed to Mrs. Bartley, George Bartley's wife, to congratulate her on her performance in "Ina" and express her regrets in being forced to close the play. [George Bartley's commentary on Ina:...