A highly decorated
programme for the Offenbach opera “Genevieve de Brabant” which played at the Opera
Comique in London from 18 March to 1 April 1876, with the Gilbert and Sullivan
dramatic cantata “Trial by Jury” as the fore-piece. The c.6.5” by 10.5” programme has the two
comic gendarmes on the cover and there are scenes from the opera all around the
internal margins. The casting of “Trial” is somewhat unusual as an “E. Campbell”
is listed as Defendant (see below*). The Judge was played by Fred Sullivan, the
composer’s brother. The first Bridesmaid was Annie Palmer. Future star of “Charley’s
Aunt”, WS Penley, appeared as Foreman and also in the Offenbach piece, which featured
Emily Soldene as Drogan and Emily Muir in the title role. Please note that the
programme is pale green, not blue as it appears in my scans. It is in fair
condition with some strong creases (it will be shipped folded along these pre-established
folds), some light marks and edge wear. A much earlier owner has repaired five
tears with sticky tape which is now brown-stained.
*NB: Rollins and
Witts credit a "C. Campbell" as playing Foreman in April and May, and Counsel
from May onwards. Ganzl suggests that Charles Campbell was understudy to Knight
Aston who R&W say played Defendant in January & Feb. But this programme must date from between 18
March and 1 April. Clearly further
research is needed. The other cast members fit R&W listings, except that
Annie Palmer was First Bridesmaid, not one of the two ladies which they proposed.
This item was formerly in the collection of John Cannon, the respected G&S collector and researcher who died in 2021. He left instructions that all collectors should have a chance to acquire the treasures in his collection, which will therefore be auctioned here over the next year or so by StageMemories and PaperJoys. Please let us know if you would like to be added to a mailing list, to be informed of all or specific items from John’s collection.
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