THEATRE

Seven pages, octavo. Disbound, and with the four leaves detached from one another and neatly laid down on a paper mount. Very good. From (according to the title-page) the edition in 'LONDON. Printed for EDW. NICKSON. Januar. 24. 1643.' Republished as a supplement to the 'British Stage'. Only two copies on COPAC, at Bristol and in the British Library.

One page, quarto. Good, on piece of watermarked laid paper, with small closed tear at foot of right-hand margin. He is 'once more' returning the play, 'having made the further omissions which you propose. | With many thanks for your kindness, in the ready attention you give to a matter of infinite moment to me'.

One page, on piece of grey card roughly three and a half inches by four and a half wide. Very good. Twelve lines and one-line postscript in Sutro's tiny and difficult hand. Sends his 'sincerest congratulations on the best volume of memoirs I have read this many a day' (Hicks published his autobiography in 1910). 'There isn't a dull line in it from start to finish; I could dine out for a week on the stories'. Reference to Irving and other actors. Ends 'A damned good book, Seymour! Tous mes compliments!' Postscript reads 'This does NOT require an answer!'

Three pages, 12mo. Good, on lightly spotted and aged paper. Traces of glue and previous mount adhering to blank verso of second leaf of bifolium. Concerns a 'concert on June 16yh in aid of the <?> L G[uild] at Mrs. Beudel's house'. 'It grieves me more than I can express to find that I shall be unable to attend, or give my services on that occasion, unfortunately my arrangements will not permit of my being in London then'.

One page. On piece of paper roughly seven inches by three and a half wide. Bottom part of letter cut away. Reads 'Dr Sir | In compiance with your wish | I subscribe myself | truly yours | [signed] J. M. Weston | To/ | Jas. Reese Esq'. Docketed by Rees 'The above autograph is that of my friend J M Weston, Stage Manager of the St Charles Theatre - he is the Author of Several popular pieces, among which is the beautiful drama of Lucretia Borgia'. Dated in another hand on reverse. Not much appears to be known about Weston, whose translation of Victor Hugo's play was first published in 1850.

One page, quarto. Very good, though slightly aged and creased, and with minor damp staining at foot, affecting bottom three lines including signature. Wilkinson has written to say that he 'has not the space' Smith has 'named'. '[Y]ou express an opinion that Circus business would pay, & I, from my personal knowledge of Brighton & experience therein, feel sure a really good Circus would prove an immense attraction & a paying one, & would stand some time by introducing fresh novelties'.

Letter, docketed 'Mrs Honey', addressed to ' Esqre | York - Leeds - or Hull | Theatre Royal'. Three pages, quarto. Good, though aged and creased, and with small section cut away on breaking seal. Text clear and complete. Small strip of mount adhering to one edge. Interesting and intriguing letter addressed to 'Dearest Papa' and beginning 'Barnett has never been near me nor do I know where to find him - write by return and tell me where I commence and what you would like me to '. Ends by saying she is 'very busy indeed just now'. Signed 'Laura'.

One page, 12mo. Very good. 'I shall sing il "Soave e bel contento" [aria by Pacini] and will be happy to take a part in the quintetto[,] you must procure the parts of my song'. May possibly refer to the J. N. Hummel Benefit Concert in London on 29 April 1830, where Pacini's aria was played.

Pamphlet, bifoliate, sm. folio, [4pp.], sl. chipped and marked, NO sign of extraction from a book. The author reminds the reader of the attacks on Charles Kean in "Punch" and "Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper" "in which "rational criticism is entirely superseded by personal hostility". He asks what gave rise to such "pertinaceous malevolence", finding the answer in the correspondence between Jerrold and Kean (26 April to 14 Oct.

Two pages, 8vo, minor defects, mainly good. He apologises for not using (or knowing) her full married name and tries to persuade her to give a part to his son whose career he summarises (Athos in "The Three Musketeers", juvenile lead in the "Absent-Minded Beggar"). In a postscript he suggests he would make "an ideal Rochester".

English impressario (1872-1951), nicknamed "Cocky", closely associated with Noel Coward, knighted in 1948. All one page, five with the letterhead Charles B. Cochran, 49 Old Bond Street (three 8vo and two 4to), and one, 12mo, with the letterhead of the Midland Hotel, Manchester. One in stamped addressed envelope. All thanking Bass (of 22 Delta Street, Lightbourne, Moston, Manchester) for his letters praising the Manchester performances of Cochran's revue.

Total 5pp., 8vo, some defects, somewhat grubby but texts clear and complete. ([1848)] "I am delighted with the 1st part of Ds [unidentified] book. I should lose no time about the 'circulars'. / I will begin the 1st part directly - capital scene capital effects & will require some original music - no vamps. Will Reed do it? Of this anon. I will see you perhaps tomorrow night." He wants a box at the Adelphi which he wants to "patronise".

Irish-born American actress (1860-1916). Calling card 2½ by 3¼ inches, "Miss Rehan. / 164 West 93rd. Street.", with the name crossed out and signed on the reverse "Ada Rehan / 1894."

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry (1864-1932). 2 pp, 8vo, on blue paper. Intimate letter written in a large hand. "Darling - Yes the book arrived I do congratulate the way you've written & arranged the book. Delighted with it & everything about it: splendid / You would have heard before this only I've been rather ill with day & night nurses = even now I'm finding it difficult to recover my strength / I shall hope to see you in the new year & here is my love & good wishes from / your affectionate old / Julia".

Two pages, quarto. Very good, with a little wear and light creasing. 'I often think of those days, & how timid & shy & stupid I was! Yet I enjoyed myself too, & shall never forget your great kindness, & the help you gave me. Since then I've had many adventures & experiences. I am not the thing I was!' She has been in London for the winter, and hopes they will be able to meet. 'We're so glad you like "Yellow Sands" - & I'm very pleased you like "Tomek". She has 'just finished another novel & play'. Asks what has become of a number of common acquaintances.

English actress (1837-1921), wife of the actor-manager Charles Calvert (1828-1879) and mother of the actor Louis Calvert (1859-1923). Black-letter calling card, 3½ by 2¼ inches, of "Mrs. Charles Calvert. / 22, York Mansions, / Battersea Park. / S. W. 11." Signed between the signature and the address "Adelaide Helen Calvert".

Film and theatre actress who died in 1960. A charming 1920's tinted portrait photograph ("Beagles' Postcards") , 5½ by 3½ inches, of a smiling "Miss Peggy O'Neil" looking over her right shoulder to the camera, her hair cut short and her right hand to her throat. Inscribed at bottom right, "Peggy O'Neil / "Paddy" ". Mounted on a piece of thin card.

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry (1864-1932). 4pp, on two identical 12mo cards, both with the letterhead. "My dear Mrs Davis / I am so grieved to hear about the poor . I hope & trust it is not very serious & that they will get well very quickly what an anxiety for you all I am quite well thank you but am awfully sorry I I shall not be able to help you on the 22nd as I am dining out. With best love to you all / Yours sincerely / Julia Neilson" Both cards bear traces of previous mounting.

American actress. Very brief note saying "Feb. 8th 1928/ With pleasure. Here is the autograph/ Mary Anderson de Navarro". Laid down on card.

2 pp, 12mo. She thanks her for her "sweet present", and then makes what appears to be a reference to John Gielgud: "I'm taking Betty tonight to see John - her first evening performance! She is so thrilled. I am so sorry he has been so reedy, but perhaps the enforced rest will do him good." Slight traces of adhesive tape to left-hand margin of recto.

One page, 4to, minor defects, text clear and complete. "'Tis now a month since I took the liberty of requesting you wou'd mention me to the Gentemen of the Committee respecting the renewal of an Engagement in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and I have not as yet received any answer. I hope Sir you will admit that a state of suspense is rather unpleasant, and if you will have the goodness to favor me with your opinion upon the business, I shall consider myself very much obliged to you." Note: no example of Penson's hand appears in NRA, NUCMC, Pettingell, tec.

Actress (1894-1978). Card, on one side of which is printed, "30 CONDUIT ST / BOND STREET / W / TELEPHONE / 1923 / MAYFAIR / INSTEAD thanks / .... / for .... letter, and order for Photographs which are being proceeded with. / .... 192 ...." Over this, lengthwise and upwards, is the signature "Fay Compton", and above it an attempt at forgery, with the "Compton" reasonably convincing, but with "Fey" for "Fay". On the blank reverse another signature by Compton. The actress would appear to have provided these examples of her signature for copying onto her publicity photographs.

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry (1864-1932). 4 pp, 8vo. She thanks her for her kind invitation, which she cannot accept as they are going back to London on the Sunday. "We are only giving a matinee at Wolverhampton & have to return to Birmingham to play at night / It was very sweet of you to ask us." Minor traces of previous mounting.

Actress, singer and dancer (1797?-1867), a great beauty whose amours were the subject of a number of pamphlets. "Thursday 2 o'clock", 3 pp, 12mo. She sent him a dinner invitation that morning but he had gone. "Thank Ferdinand for his Book which I return - and for the apple - which I shall cut up with some curiosity". In a postscript she thanks him for "I cannot sing". Signed "M H", so dating from after her marriage to Harrington in 1831. In good overall condition, despite negligible water staining, tears and traces of mount.

English actress (1806-99), wife of the actor Robert Keeley (1793-1869). 2 pp, 12mo. "Mr Gowing is coming to eat his dinner with me at 5 oclock to day, will you join him at 5 sharp as he has to leave at 1/2 pt nine / faithfully yours / M A Keeley". Slight waterstaining to head of letter.

English actress (1855-96), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. 2 pp, 12mo. "You really must think me a pig for not having written to you all this time - but now I send these few lines to thank you first for your good wishes and congratulations on my engagement to Mr Morris & for kind remembrance of my birthday - The card was a very pretty one - I hope to be home after the 4th of next month - so I shall hope to see you before long now: It must be delightful on the Thames: With love and thanks to you & Alice Lewis for all your good wishes".

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry (1864-1932). 2 pp, 12mo. "Dear Mrs Lewis / My mother & I will be delighted to accept your kind invitation on Friday afternoon / With kind regards / very truly yours / Julia Neilson". With traces of paper and glue from previous mounting on blank recto of second leaf.

English actress (1806-99), wife of the actor Robert Keeley (1793-1869). One page, 12mo. A formal acceptance in the third person. "Mrs Keeley accepts with great pleasure Mrs Lewis's kind invitation for Thursday July 7th." Traces of previous mounting to blank reverse. The spelling of her second name "Ann" appears erroneous.

English actress (1892-1977), daughter of actor Fred Terry (1864-1932) and his wife the actress Julia Emilie Neilson (1868-1957). One page, 4to, in a large hand. "Dear Mr. Bass. / Many thanks for yr. kind letter & the present. / It was nice of you. / Yours very truly / Phyllis Neilson-Terry". Paper somewhat discoloured.

Four pages, 12mo. Very good, with unobtrusive remains of stub along one edge. In interesting letter discussing the state of the English stage. Her tardy response is due to 'pressure of work". 'What you say about the present condition of the stage is only too true.