Playbill for Taming of the Shrew

Playbill, printed in black on white silk, advertising a performance of Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew' given on HMS 'Resolute' during the Franklin Search Expedition, 1852-4. It took place after the rescue of McClure and his crew  by Captain Kellett and McClure himself appears on the cast list. Inscription: 'ROYLA [sic] ARCTIC / THEATRE H.M.S. RESOLUTE - CAPT. H. KELLETT, C.B. / UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE PRINCIPAL PERSONAGES / OF THESE REALMS. / This fashionable place of amusement will be opened for the season on Wednesday / November 30th 1853 when the Ships Companies will perform Shakespeare's / much admired comedy. / TAMING THE SHREW. The characters sustained by Messrs Joy, Mumford, Gauen, Nelson, Evans, Farquharson, / Griffiths, Weatherill, Hulett, Whitefield, Biggs, Northhouse, / and Gibson. / To be followed by the officers performing the laughable farce of / THE TWO BONNYCASTLES.  / Characters by Capt. McClure, Messrs Haswell, Mecham, Pim, Krabbé and Nares.  / During the interval the audience will be amused with comic songs, recitations / &c in Character. A splendid band will be in attendance, under the Chef d'Orchestre Serg. Woon / R.M. and will consist of the following Performers: Messrs Cornelius, S. Dean, Pass, Ganniclift, Humphrey, Bell, Morgan, Anderson and Bounsell. / Doors open 6PM. Performances to Commence at 6-30 precisely. /  VIVAT REGINA. / Resolute Press.'

Object number: TXT0091

Date: 1853

Overall dimensions: 520 mm x 435 mm