Théâtre

Laura Henderson founder of the Windmill Theatre. Autograph Letter Signed to an actress Janet Achurch praising her performance in 'A Doll's House'

19734 — 14 Hill Street Berkeley Square London . 'Sunday' 1889 . 4pp. 16mo. In good condition lightly aged and worn. Achurch's entry in the Oxford DNB explains the context: 'In 1889 when she was still only twenty-three she undertook the management of the Novelty Theatre London where on 7 June she appeared as Nora in the first English production of Ibsen's A Doll's House. This was a turning point both in her career and in English critical appreciation of Ibsen.' The letter begins: 'Dear Madam Will you forgive me for writing to you but I should so like to tell you of the intense pleasure you have given my husband & me in “A Doll's House.†We had the pleasure of seeing you in the “Red Lamp†in 1887 & since then have been in India.' On their return home the Hendersons 'made inquiries & to our joy found you were to be in town'. She continues expressing 'the very great pleasure you have given us. I don't expect you can realise what intense enjoyment you give other people'. The Hendersons 'went on the second night & then last week took three friends who enjoyed it as much as we do'. She hopes that 'in a very short time' Achurch 'will have attained the world wide fame which such acting so thoroughly deserves'. She has 'never seen any actress who gratifies my ideal of acting as you do'. 14 Hill Street, Berkeley Square [ London ]. 'Sunday' [ 1889 ]. unknown