This playbill records a performance at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden of The constant couple by George Farquhar (1676-1707) on 22 May 1755 in which Margaret Woffington (1720?-1760) played the leading part of Sir Harry Wildair - one of the roles for which she was most celebrated. The part of Lady Lurewell was performed by Esther Hamilton (d. 1787). Other actors in the cast include Theophilus Cibber (1703-1758) and John Arthur (1708?-1772), actor and stage designer -- it is likely that he was responsible for devising the “machinery” mentioned in a note at the foot of the sheet: “as any obstruction in the movement of the machinery will greatly prejudice the performance of the entertainment, it is hoped no persons will be displeased as their being refus'd admittance behind the scene.”
Description:
A playbill. and For further information, consult library staff.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
England and London.
Subject (Name):
Farquhar, George, 1677?-1707., Woffington, Margaret, -1760., and Covent Garden Theatre.
Caption title., Publication date from Foxon., Verse begins: 'Tis well we live in such a fickle place, Where Novelty was ever follow'd more than Grace ... One Foll makes many, if't be really so, Monkies and Monsters are the best to show., "Price 2 d."--Following imprint., "Beware of wretched halfpenny wooden cuts."--Below imprint., and With a large woodcut below the title and preceding the letterpress text: Madamoiselle Javellot is shown on stage flanked on either side by chandeliers wtih her performing dogs in costumes in front and a musician in the background, left, behind the curtain.
Publisher:
Printed and sold by J. Morphew, near Stationers Hall
Subject (Name):
Pinkethman, William, -1725 and Bartholomew Fair.
Subject (Topic):
Opera, Theater, Animals in human situations, Dogs, Fairs, Musicians, Theater curtains, and Trained animals