LONDON

[ The Lyric Club, Piccadilly and Barnes. ] Original photographic print of an interior at the 'Lyric Club', with a newsaper cutting reporting that the New Lyric Club is 'starting on its career with every prospect of a brilliant success'.`

Author: 
The Lyric Club, Piccadilly East and Barnes, late-Victorian venue for 'smoking concerts'
Publication details: 
[ The New Lyric Club, Coventry Street, London. ] Circa 1889.
£35.00

The sepia photographic print is 15.5 x 11.5 cm, and shows a sumptuous domestic interior, showing paintings around an ornately carved wooden doorframe, into another room, with hangings draped footstool, piano, and other accoutrements of high Victorian interior decoration. In pencil on reverse: 'The Lyric Club'. The cutting is 12 cm and forty-five lines long. It begins 'The new Lyric Club is starting on its career with every propsect of a brilliant success.

[ Blanche Robey, wife of music hall comedian Sir George Robey. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Blanche Robey') to 'Dear Popie' [i.e. theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope]

Author: 
Blanche Robey [ née Littler ] (b. 1899), wife of music hall comedian Sir George Robey [ born George Edward Wade ] (1869-1954) [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'The Lawns', Arundel Road East [amended in autograph to Arundel Drive], Saltdean Essex. 26 August [no year, but between 1948 and 1954].
£56.00

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. After beginning 'Dear Popie / | How are you?' she asks what the 'immediate prospects' are for her to 'get a book and a series in the paper running', as she has 'scanned a tremendous amount of George's material' since moving to 'The Lawns'. In a postscript she describes the material as a 'wonderful story for T.V. too to say nothing about the films!', adding that she has 'got G. to record a lot of his old & recent material ready!' Macqueen-Pope was an admirer of Robey's, as his 'The Melodies Linger On: The Story of Music Hall' makes clear.

[ Dion Boucicault the younger, actor and theatre manager. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Dion Boucicault') to 'Mr Clarkson', regarding 'wigs that are being made for Sir Arthur Pinero's new play'.

Author: 
Dion Boucicault the younger (1859-1929), actor and theatre manager, husband of the actress Irene Vanbrugh [ Sir Arthur Wing Pinero; Duke of York's Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Duke of York's Theatre, London. 25 September 1912.
£35.00

1p., landscape 8Vo. In fair condition, aged and with a number of vertical crease lines. Reads: 'Dear Mr Clarkson, | Will you please give instructions that any wigs that are being made for Sir Arthur Pinero's new play should be here not later than 11 o'clock on Monday morning next. Our Dress Parade is at 12 o'clock.' The play Boucicault refers to is 'The Widow of Wasdale Head'.

[ The Old Drury Club, 'a Social Circle round the Shrine of Shakspeare' in Regency London. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Benj. Oakley') by Benjamin Oakley of Tavistock House, a 'Circular' to Thomas Hill, regarding the club's 'embarrassing finances'.

Author: 
[ The Old Drury Club, 'a Social Circle round the Shrine of Shakspeare' in Regency London] Benjamin Oakley of Tavistock House, stockbroker and editor of Shakespeare
Publication details: 
Tavistock Place [ London ]. 4 April 1815.
£100.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmarks, to 'Thomas Hill Esq | New Inn'. In good condition, lightly-aged. Headed by Oakley 'Circular' and entirely written out in his own hand. The letter begins: 'In consequence of the embarrassing finances of the Old Drury Club, and its being uncertain whether, or no, it can any longer hold its deliberative meetings at its accustomed place of redevous [sic] - it has been determined by a majority of its members - to resolve themselves into a committee of ways and means'.

[ Alfred Bunn, lessee of the Theatre Royal, Birmingham. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('A Bunn') to '- Perkins Esq', apologising for 'The dreadful bustle attendant on producing "Waterloo"'.

Author: 
Alfred Bunn (1796-1860), theatre manager and librettist [ the Theatre Royal, Birmingham ]
Publication details: 
'Birmm: [i.e. the Theatre Royal, Birmingham ] | Oct. 13: 1824'.
£56.00

The Oxford DNB's entry on Bunn states that from 1819 to 1824 he held the lease of the Theatre Royal, Birmingham. 1p., 8vo. Bifolium. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to '- Perkins Esq'. In fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Bunn begins his letter: 'My dear Sir, | The dreadful bustle attendant on producing "Waterloo" must be my apology. The Music & Manuscript are herewith sent - & not a note or a syllable of either has been copied.' He thanks 'Mr Howes for his kindness', which he offers to reciprocate, 'whenever in my power'.

[ The Patent Office, London. ] Signatures of 44 members of staff to manuscript calligraphic testimonial, in black, red and gold, paying tribute on his retirement 'To Ralph Griffin, Esq., F.S.A., Registrar of Designs and Trade Marks.'

Author: 
[ Ralph Hare Griffin (1854-1941), Registrar of Designs and Trade Marks at the Patent Office, London, and Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries ] [ A. E. Housman; St John's College, Cambridge ]
Publication details: 
[ The Patent Office, London. ] 31 December 1919.
£200.00

2pp., on bifolium with leaf dimensions 36.5 x 28 cm. On thick wove paper. In good condition, lightly-aged. The attractive calligraphic testimonial is on the recto of the first leaf, and is laid out in a sort of modified Gothic script, with initial capitals in red and gold. It is headed in large script 'To Ralph Griffin, Esq., F.S.A., | Registrar of Designs and Trade Marks.', with the date at the foot.

[ John Scott, editor of the 'London Magazine'. ] Autograph signature.

Author: 
John Scott (1784-1821), editor of the 'London Magazine', killed in a duel by Jonathan Henry Christie, London agent of John Gibson Lockhart of Blackwood's Magazine
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£23.00

Strip of paper cut from end of letter. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Reads: 'Your obedt humble Sert | John Scott'.

[ Percy Burton, ] Typescript of an unpublished play titled 'His Majesty', 'Adapted from the French'.

Author: 
Percy Burton (1878-1948), impressario and theatrical manager of Sir Henry Irving, Sarah Bernhardt and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
Publication details: 
Three addresses including 'Percy Burton | 18, Harley Rd. | Hampstead NW3 [ London ]' and 'Please return: - | Percy Burton | The Royalton | 44 West 44th St | N Y City'. Undated.
£150.00

94pp., 4to. Bound through punch-holes into green card 'Ludgate File'. Text on rectos only. Several addresses given for Burton in manuscript on cover of folder, and another at foot of first page. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, in aged and worn file. Next to the phrase 'Adapted from the French' Burton has added in autograph 'Very roughly', with 'Note: - Costume or ordinary modern dress' at foot of first page. A few minor autograph emendations to the text.

[ James Gardiner. ] Typescript of '"Small Hotel" A Comedy in Three Acts by James Gardiner'. With Typed Letter Signed to Commander Vivian Ellis from Olive Harding of Myron Selznick (London) Ltd.

Author: 
James Gardiner [ Commander Vivian Ellis (1904-1996), English music comedy composer; Myron Selznick ]
Publication details: 
The play is undated. [ 56 Welbeck Street, London? ] Harding's letter on letterhead of Myron Selznick (London) Ltd; 23 January 1946.
£350.00

ONE: Typescript of '"Small Hotel" | A Comedy in Three Acts |by | James Gardiner'. 144pp., 4to. Bound with ribbon in blue card wraps with typed label. Text on rectos only. In pencil on title-page: '56 Welbeck Street'. In fair condition, on aged paper, in heavily worn wraps. 'The action takes place in the Lounge of the Bay View Hotel, near Dormouth, a South Coast Naval port.' No record of the play has been found, either on OCLC WorldCat or on COPAC, or on the ITDb. TWO: Typed Letter Signed to Commander Vivian Ellis from Olive Harding of Myron Selznick (London) Ltd.

[ Joseph Knight, theatre historian. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr Munday'

Author: 
Joseph Knight [ John Joseph Knight ] (1829-1907), English drama critic and theatre historian
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 27 Camden Square, N.W. [ London ] 2 February 1895.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and worn, with staining from glue used in previous mounting. He apologises for not being able to 'do what you asked', as he 'did not go to the Garrick until to day when I found your letter with others waiting me'.

[ Edward Askew Sothern, English actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. A. Sothern') to 'Mr. Ottley', returning a work which he has attempted to 'place rightly'.

Author: 
Edward Askew Sothern (1826-1881), English actor, best-known as Lord Dundreary in 'Our American Cousin' [ Henry Ottley (1811-1878)? ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [ London? ]
£30.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper with remains of stub adhering to one edge. Having heard from 'Russell' he is returning something which Ottley 'kindly wrote', 'which so far I've been unable to place rightly'. He invites him to 'a quick family dinner with me (143. Regent St.)' the following Sunday. Henry Ottley is the probable recipient; although best-known for his supplement to Bryan's dictionary, he was also the author of a critical analysis of 'Fechter's Version of "Othello"'.

][ Charles Robert Spencer, 6th Earl Spencer. ] Printed 'Stage Play License', completed in manuscript, and signed by Spencer ('Althorp') as Lord Chamberlain, permitting performance of 'The Assignation' at the New Theatre, St Martins Lane, London.

Author: 
Charles Robert Spencer (1857-1922), 6th Earl Spencer [ styled Viscount Althorp between 1905 and 1910 ], Lord Chamberlain of the Household, 1905-1912
Publication details: 
From 'The Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household' [ St James's Palace, London. ] Dated 22 December 1905.
£120.00

On aged and worn paper, with some staining at head. A somewhat grand memorial of English censorship. The license is printed in engraved copperplate beneath the royal crest on a 31.5 x 21 cm piece of watermarked laid paper.

[ Conrad Heighton Leigh, English artist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C H Leigh') to 'Mr Horton', giving an account of the result of his visit to the London publisher Grant Richards, regarding 'Mr Hegcock's & my little alphabet'.

Author: 
Conrad Heighton Leigh (b.1883), artist, commercial illustrator and member of the Brighton Arts Club [ Grant Richards (1911-1963), London publisher ]
Publication details: 
68 Grand Parade, Brighton. 20 January 1902.
£56.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, with light signs of age and wear. After following Horton's 'kind advice' concerning 'Mr Hedgcock's & my little alphabet', 're some sketches with more action in them', he has been to 'Town' to show the designs to the publishers Grant Richards. He 'called in person on Thursday but after some delay they have eventually rejected the Alphabet. [...] Evidently from what I was told the sketches such as you advised would have been more what they wanted', so he will do them again 'in that style and try again with other people'.

'The Encyclopaedia Britannica Dinner given by Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace': 'Plan of Tables' and menu., attended by A.J. Balfour and all the great and the good. (up to 300 of them).

Author: 
[ Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace (1841-1919), Foreign Correspondent of The Times of London; Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publication details: 
Dinner held at the Hotel Cecil, London, 21 November 1902.
£60.00

Both items nicely printed and in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. ONE: 'The Encyclopaedia Britannica Dinner given by Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace. Hotel Cecil, Friday Evening, November 21st, 1902. Plan of Tables.' 28.5 x 80 cm, folding up into a 28.5 x 13.5 cm packet. Printed in black and red on the whole of one side, with the other side carrying a 'Programme of Music' ('M. G. Fericescu, Musical Director'), an alphabetical table, and a cover with engraved illustration. Made out in pencil to 'Mr. A. Williams | K24' (i.e. the Liberal MP Aneurin Williams).

[ Walter Runciman, 1st Baron Runciman, shipping magnate. ] Printed pamphlet of 'Sir Walter Runciman's Dinner', with alphabetical list of guests and fold-out 'Plan of Grand Hall'. With seat reservation for Aneurin Williams, MP.

Author: 
[ Sir Walter Runciman [ Walter Runciman, 1st Baron Runciman ] (1847-1937), English shipping magnate ] [ Aneurin Williams (1859-1924), Liberal MP ]
Publication details: 
Dinner at the Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, Kingsway, W.C. [ London ] 11 April [ b ]. Pamphlet printed by Metchim & Son, Westminster.
£80.00

Both pamphlet and reservation in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Pamphlet: Titled: 'Sir Walter Runciman's Dinner, Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, Kingsway, W.C. | Friday, April 11th, at 7.30. | Alphabetical List of Guests with Allocation of Seats and Plan of Grand Hall.' 26 + [1]pp., 12mo. With fold-out 'Plan of Grand Hall | Showing Numbered Tables'. With lightly-rusted staples. Fifty-two tables of the great and the good, with the fifty sitters at 'Table "A"' including Lord Denman, Augustine Birrrell, H. H.

[ The Brentford Mechanics' Institution. ] Printed library ticket.

Author: 
[ Brentford Mechanics' Institution, established 1835 ] [ Brentford, town in Middlesex, now in the London Borough of Hounslow; Victorian circulating libraries ]
Publication details: 
Brentford Mechanics' Institution. October 1854.
£25.00

Ticket printed on one side of an 8 x 7 cm piece of paper. In fair condition, with closed tear at head and slight damage to bottom right-hand corner. Printed within a decorative border and reading (with manuscript additions in square brackets): 'No [93 - 4] | This Book is the Property of the Brentford Mechanics' Institution. | It must not be kept longer than [14] days. If kept longer than the time specified the Fine of One Penny will be charged for the first fortnight, and an additional Penny for every succeeding week.

[ Percy Burton, impressario and playwright. ] Typescript of verse-play titled 'A Day-Dream in Japan' ('A Playlet').

Author: 
Percy Burton (1878-1948), impressario and theatrical manager of Sir Henry Irving, Sarah Bernhardt and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
Publication details: 
In manuscript on cover: 'property of Percy Burton | c/o The Royalton | 44 West 44th | New York City'. Undated, but Written in 1900', and published in Boston in 1916.
£280.00

[1] + 28pp., 4to. In good condition, on aged paper, bound with studs in worn light-blue paper wraps. In manuscript at foot of title-page: '2nd carbon'. The following is typed beneath the title, and has been deleted in pencil: 'Written in 1900 and Dedicated to Baroness de Grandcourt, to whom he is indebted for the idea'. With a few manuscript emendations. This piece was published in Boston in 1916.

[ Benjamin Webster, actor-manager and dramatist. ] Corrected Manuscript (possibly autograph) of 'The Unfortunate Youth! a Farce in One Act. by B. Webster Esqre.' [ Retitled 'The Unfortunate Boy! or Always in for it.' ]

Author: 
Benjamin Webster [ Benjamin Nottingham Webster ] (1797-1882), English actor-manager and dramatist
Publication details: 
'T. R. H.' [ i.e. Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London ]. Undated [ 1840 ].
£800.00

68pp., 4to. In fair condition on lightly aged and worn watermarked laid paper. Sewn into brown paper wraps with 'The Unfortunate Youth. | T. R. H.' on cover. The title on the title-page is retitled in pencil 'The Unfortunate Boy! or Always in for it.' Possibly in Webster's hand, but with what may be the initials of the transcriber following the 'FINIS' on the final page. The text of the play is on the rectos, with occasional writing on versos. Emendations in ink and pencil, including additional dialogue.

[ John Baldwin Buckstone, actor and playwright? ] Set of manuscript parts for an adaptation of Bulwer-Lytton's 'The Last Days of Pompeii', fifteen of them carrying the name of the actor or actress.

Author: 
[ John Baldwin Buckstone (1802-1879), English actor and playwright? ] [ The Adelphi Theatre, London ] Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803-1873), English novelist
Publication details: 
[ Adelphi Theatre, London? ] Undated, but some paper with watermarked dates 1837 and 1840.
£800.00

A total of 97pp., mostly 4to, with a further four slips. Around thirty separate parts, unbound. Written in at least two hands. In fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Fifteen of the parts (mostly from the first act) carry the name of the actor or actress at the head: 'Mr Bland', 'Mr Jonas', 'Mr. Gray', 'Mr Howard', 'Miss Barratt', 'Mr Webster', 'Mrs Baker', 'Mr Bedford', 'Mr. Lynne', 'Mr F. Lloyd', 'Mr Hailes', 'Mrs Ridgway', 'Mr Ridgway', 'Mr Hailes', 'Mr. P. C'. Bulwer-Lytton's book was published in 1834, and was an enormous success.

[ Sir William Martins, Gentleman Usher. ] Autograph Letter in the third person to actor-manager Benjamin Webster, asking him to arrange a performance of a farce at the Adelphi Theatre 'at the rather earnest wish of a former Lord Chamberlain'.

Author: 
Sir William Martins (c.1787-1874), Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State [ Benjamin Webster [ Benjamin Nottingham Webster ] (1797-1882), actor-manager; Adelphi Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
St James's Palace [ London ]. 16 February [ no year, but on paper watermarked 1844 ].
£45.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condiion, on aged and worn paper. Marked 'Private', and written with an urgency suggesting the involvement of royalty behind the request. The letter begins: 'Sir William Martins presents his Compliments to Mr Webster and at theh rather earnest wish of a former Lord Chamberlain entreats Mr Webster, if it be practicable to allow the Farce of "Powder & Ball" to be played at the Adelphi one evening this Week either Wednesday Thursday or Friday'. He will 'explain further' and writes 'in case he should not be fortunate enough to meet Mr Webster at the Theatre'.

[ Daniel Terry, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Danl. Terry') to the wife of the architect William Atkinson

Author: 
Daniel Terry (c.1780-1829), English actor and dramatist, friend of Sir Walter Scott [ William Atkinson (c.1774-1839), English architect ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date, but with note stating that it was written 'about the year 1829'.
£45.00

1p., 12mo. Addressed to 'My dear Mrs. Atkinson', and with contemporary note at head stating that the letter is 'To Mrs. Atkinson Grove end - about the year 1829', Grove End in Paddington being the estate of the architect William Atkinson. In good condition, lightly-aged, with minor traces of stub adhering to one edge on blank reverse. He thanks her for her 'beautiful present' and informs her that he has 'secured 6 places in the front Boxes for to-morrow evening - and shall do myself the pleasure of bringing up admissions for that Number either to day or early to morrow morning'.

[ Charles Mathews, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Mathews') to Richard Wilson, declining an invitation because of 'so much responsibiltiy on my shoulders in the new farce'. With cartoon of Mathews, Yates, Reeves, and an elephant.

Author: 
Charles Mathews [ Charles James Mathews ] (1803-1878), English actor and dramatist [ Richard Wilson (1759-1834) of Lincoln's Inn Fields, Member of Parliament ]
Publication details: 
'Theatre | Thursday Evg.' [ No place or date, but before 1834. ]
£45.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium, addressed on second leaf to 'Rd. Wilson Esqr | Lincolns Inn Fields'. In good condition, with light signs of age and wear. The letter begins: 'My dear Sir | I have so much responsibility on my shoulders in the new farce that I really dare not venture into society on those days on which I perform in it.' If he had a holiday he would accept Wilson's 'polite invitation', 'but so situated I am sorry to say it is impossible'.

[ Dame Sybil Thorndike. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Sybil Thorndike') to 'Mrs. Radcliffe', explaining her reasons for being unable to sit for 'Mr. Priest'.

Author: 
Dame Sybil Thorndike [ Agnes Sybil Thorndike ] (1882-1976), English actress [ Alfred Priest (1874-1929), English artist ]
Publication details: 
On her letterhead ('Under the Direction of Bronson Albery & Lewis Casson'), from the Criterion Theatre, London. 1 February 1923.
£35.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, aged and creased, with slight tearing at edges. She begins: 'Please forgive me for not answering your letter before, but I have been so rushed!' She is not able to 'sit for Mr. Priest just at present': 'We are just on the point of starting rehearsals for several plays to be toured and, in addition, my two small girls are ill, so that I want to spend all my spare time with them.' She is trying to 'get out of' sittings for another artist.

[ Daniel Terry, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Danl. Terry') to William Campbell, playfully inviting him to come and drink with him and 'Geddes' in Mount Street.

Author: 
Daniel Terry (c.1780-1829), English actor and dramatist, friend of Sir Walter Scott
Publication details: 
'Sunday Afternoon'. Without place or date.
£45.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed on second leaf to 'Wm Campbell Esqr. | Brook Street'. In good condition, lightly-aged. The letter begins: 'Had I been aware, before dinner, of what our friend Geddes has just informed me after dinner, - that you are at present a Batchelor, you certainly should have had no excuse for not returning with him to a friendly knife & fork in Mount Street'. He asks him, if he is 'quite alone', to 'come immeditely & lecture him for his remissness - & drink to his better behaviour - we are quite en famille with only Geddes'.

[ The Garrick Club, London. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('R H Atkinson') from the secretary of the Garrick Club to drama critic R. W. Lowe, regarding 'the privilege of engraving the pictures in the Club Collection'.

Author: 
R. H. Atkinson, Secretary of the Garrick Club, London [ Robert William Lowe (1853-1902), drama critic ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Secretary's Office, Garrick Club [ London ]. 15 May 1888.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Lowe's request has been laid before the Club's committee, and there is no possibility of acceding to it: 'You say in your letter that you are aware that the privilege engraving the pictures in the Club Collection is "rarely" granted, but in this matter I fear you must have been misinformed as it is against the Rules to grant it at all'.

[ Walter James Macqueen-Pope, theatre historian. ] Two Typed Drafts of article: 'It Was Top of the Bill | The Story of Music Hall.' One draft with autograph emendations. With copy of covering letter to Greville Poke, editor of 'Everybody's' magazine.

Author: 
W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre historian
Publication details: 
Drafts without place or date. Covering letter to Poke dated 20 January 1951 [ without place ].
£450.00

ONE: The earlier of the two drafts, titled 'It Was Top of the Bill | The Story of Music Hall. | by | W. Macqueen-Pope.' 14pp., 4to. Paginated 1-12, with two further pages carrying material to be inserted. With a few autograph emendations, including an addition to the ending. Macqueen-Pope writes knowledgeably and with a passion for his theme, which is that 'Music Hall reflected public taste even more accurately than did the "legitimate" Theatre because it was created by the people themselves. The basis of the Drama of the Theatre - was religion.

[ John Cust, 1st Earl Brownlow. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Brownlow') to C. B. Massingberd, regarding Royal Humane Society medallions to be presented to Richard Hoodlass and Joseph Dobson.

Author: 
John Cust (1779-1853), 1st Earl Brownlow, peer and Tory politician [ The Royal Humane Society, London ]
Publication details: 
Belton House [ Grantham, Lincolnshire ], 8 February 1834.
£56.00

2pp., 4to. Bifolium, with the lower part of the second leaf lacking, and only part of Brownlow's franking of the address present, together with his broken seal in red wax. Frank reads: '<...> Febry eighth 1834 | <...> Massingberd Esqre | Ormsby | Spilsby | <?> | Brownlow'. In fair condition, on lightly aged and ruckled paper, with folds strengthened with archival tape. He writes regarding the award of the Honorary Medallion of the Royal Humane Society to 'Rd.

[ Alan Pitt Robbins, news editor of The Times. ] Signed Copy of Typed Letter to the theatre impresario Prince Littler, regarding the possibility of a charity performance of 'My Fair Lady', and the Festival Dinner of the Newspaper Press Fund.

Author: 
Alan Pitt Robbins (1888-1967), news editor of The Times, 1909-1953; secretary of the Press Council, 1954-1960 [ Prince Frank Littler [ born Prince Frank Richeux ] (1903-1985), theatre impressario ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Newspaper Press Fund, Bouverie House, Fleet Street, London. 21 October 1957.
£56.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The letter begins with a reference to W. Macqueen-Pope, 'who has been a close friend of mine in the worlds of journalism and the theatre for more years than either of us may wish to remember - at least forty'. Having applied unsuccessfully for seats at the premiere of 'My Fair Lady' he suggests a 'special performance' for 'those members of the journalistic profession who fall by the wayside'.

[ Edward Fitzball, writer of melodramas. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fitzball') to an unnamed recipient, regarding changes to the last scene of his play 'The Haunted Hulk'.

Author: 
Edward Fitzball (1792-1873), English playwright specialising in melodrama [ Benjamin Nottingham Webster (1797-1882), actor-manager ]
Publication details: 
'Monday Evng.' [ London?, 1831. ]
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He has had a conversation with 'Tomkins', and as a consequence has 'made a few alterations in the last scene of the "Hulk"'. He asks him to read the last scene and 'manage, if possible, to get the Prompter's Copy set right before the reading of the Piece'. He feels his changes make the play 'more original, and more likely to render the Piece effective'. With postscript. 'The Haunted Hulk', a Nautical Drama in two Acts was performed at the Adelphi in 1831.

[ Percy Burton. ] Typescript of unpublished play 'The Lady Killer', 'Rough adaptation of Aime des Femmes'.

Author: 
Percy Burton (1878-1948), impressario and theatrical manager of Sir Henry Irving, Sarah Bernhardt and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree [ Maurice Hennequin; Georges Mitchell ]
Publication details: 
Marked 'Private'. 'c/o. Messrs Shubert, 1416, Broadway, New York City.' [ Circa 1922. ]
£350.00

107pp., 4to. With each of the play's three acts bound with brass studs in separate grey paper wraps, with typed labels on covers. Internally in good condition, with light signs of age, in aged and worn bindings. With a handful of minor manuscript corrections. ' Aimé des femmes! Pièce en trois actes' by Maurice Hennequin and Georges Mitchell, was published in Paris in 1922..There is no record of Burton's adaptation having been published.

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