Description

Date: 1955

Theatre: The Playhouse, Bury St Edmunds

Performance: Charley’s Aunt

Main Actors: John Petch, James Bruce, Cecil Croger, Gerald Bird, Paul Lainchbury, Earnest Calvert, Joan Jenkins, Nora Stone, Joan Jarman, Rhona Kiddy

SIGNED

This extremely rare and unique fan-shaped programme presents Charley’s Aunt performed again in Bury St Edmunds for just 5 days in March 1955. The programme has been signed by Brandon’s children, Amy, Silvia and Jevan, (of whom Amy and Jevan both entered theatre life).

In February 1892, Brandon Thomas put on his original new comedy farce, Charley’s Aunt, in Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk, before transferring to the Royalty Theatre, London, in December 1892. The play was so successful, the need for a larger theatre caused yet another transfer, this time to the Globe Theatre in January 1893. (see programme)

Charley’s Aunt continued and became a huge success, attaining the record for the longest running play world-wide, including playing in USA and Paris, and finally being transferred to film.

24 pages not including the fan cover; fan 26 cms x 26cms when closed.