This fascinating object appears to be a corrected proof copy of the text intended to go inside a Brighton Aquarium theatre programme from 21 Feb 1880, the day after "Pinafore" closed, with annotations by the Gilbert & Sullivan star George Grossmith. The 10.5” by 8.25” single-sided sheet has details of a programme of entertainment presented by George Grossmith Jnr and a Miss Cowen (possibly the D’Oyly Carte chorister Catherine Cowen?), which included a performance of the song “First Lords” (sic!) from "HMS Pinafore" and a note that the sketch “The Five Hamlets” was being presented for the first time in Brighton. At top right is a hand-written and initialled request, “please correct if necessary & return”. Corrections have indeed been made into two hands: “Quite correct” at the top left and more extensive notes, presumably by GG, indicating that the “Pinafore” song was to be “with band and chorus” and that Miss Cowen was making “her first appearance at the Aquarium”. On the reverse is an annotation indicating that this copy was for Grossmith & Cowen’s programme. John Cannon (see below) had indicated a probable date of 1891 in pencil but this is almost certainly incorrect.  Grossmith's father died in April 1880 and from that date he dropped the “junior” from his name, so this item most likely relates to a performance on Sat 21 February 1880. “HMS Pinafore” had closed at the Opera Comique the day before, on Saturday 20^th Feb.  Rehearsals for “Pirates” probably started on the Monday, giving GG a tiny window in which to appear at this matinee in Brighton. The sheet has been folded, and will be again for shipping. It has Scotch tape repairs to short splits on the reverse.

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.