Théâtre

17992 — Without place or date but with 'Adelphi' i.e. the Adelphi Theatre London written inside the front cover. 16pp. of which 12pp. in 8vo and 4pp. in 4to. In fair condition on aged and worn paper. Neatly written out with underlinings in red ink. Loosely inserted in the marbled wraps of an exercise book with 'Adelphi' in pencil on the inside of the front cover. The first scene is written out complete on ten leaves from the exercise book now loose with the main text on ten pages and additions on two versos. In addition to this is a grey paper bifolium carrying over 4pp. 4to additional matter to be inserted at the beginning of the second scene. In pencil on two of the pages are actors' names perhaps giving a clue of context: 'Mr Cole' and 'Mr Hill'. The pantomime may bear some relation to the Grimm fairy tale 'Hansel and Gretel'. The first scene opens with the directions: 'Exterior of the Golden Pipkinn by Sunset. Door Practicable. Music. Enter Jacob followed by Peter earnestly conversing.' The directions at the beginning of the second scene are: 'Enter Gretchen with Cloak & Lanthorn'. The language is spirited the first scene beginning: 'Jacob As clean as a smelt as smooth as a scalded pig. Peter What not one left Jacob No nor a ghost of one either.' The second scene ends: 'Gretchen exit in huff after slapping face. O if I had that pig whip here. Then Hans goes to original commencement of Scene.' Without place or date, but with 'Adelphi' (i.e. the Adelphi Theatre, London) written inside the front cover. paperback