[The Abbey Theatre, Dublin, 1914.] Printed programme for the first production of 'The Prodigal' by Walter Riddall, produced by A. Patrick Wilson, with orchestra conducted by John F. Larchet.

From the Sylvia and Robert Lynd papers. A scarce piece of Abbey Theatre ephemera: the National Library of Ireland has a copies of the programmes for later revivals of the play in the Joseph Holloway collection (1918-1920), but does not have this one. ‘The Prodigal’ was Riddall’s only play. It ran for five performances between 30 September and 3 October, Riddall having died earlier in the year. It was revived in 1916, 1919 and 1923. 4pp, 12mo. Stapled into grey Abbey Theatre wraps. In fair condition, aged and worn, with one vertical fold. On the front cover of the wraps is the Abbey Theatre device: a woodcut vignette of Queen Maeve with one of her wolfhounds by Elinor Monsell; the other three sides of the wraps carry advertisements, as do the first and last pages of the programme, the last page carrying an advertisement for ‘Books by Lady Gregory’. The central pages carry the programme, for the ‘FIRST PRODUCTION OF / THE PRODIGAL, A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS, / BY WALTER RIDDALL. / THE PLAY PRODUCED BY A. PATRICK WILSON’, with cast list, details of scenes, music played by ‘THE ORCHESTRA, under the direction of JOHN F. LARCHET L.R.I.A.M.’, refreshments (‘TEA ROOM / In the vestibule, under the management of Miss Bennet. / Refreshments will be served in the Theatre, if desired’), announcements of future productions, and ‘IMPORTANT NOTICE’ of reduced prices. See Image.