Identity area
Reference code
AR1154
Title
Date(s)
- 1755-1940 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
1 box
Context area
Archival history
One item, the print of Madam Vestris, was a gift from Mrs A. E. Shipton of Duppas Avenue, Croydon, in 1946.
The newspaper cuttings were collected by J. Corbet Anderson.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection contains material relating to theatres in Croydon, dating between 1755 and 1940, including 56 playbills, four programmes, one file of newspaper cuttings, two prints, and one songbook:
Cuttings from local papers and MS notes collected by J. Corbet Anderson, relating to theatres mainly in Croydon but also in London, dating between 1830 and 1905. Also includes one volume: 'The Theatre: A Monthly Review of the Drama, Music, and the Fine Arts', Vol. XVI, No 91 (London: Eglington & Co., July 1890).
Playbills for the following theatres (non-exclusively):
Widow Yeates's Large Theatrical Barn (1755)
Gygnell's Theatre, Fairfield (1822)
Croydon Theatre (1823, 1831, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1849, 1850)
Royal Olympic Theatre, London, including Madame Vestris in Beulah Spa, Croydon (1833)
East Surrey Theatre, Croydon (1835)
Prince of Wales Theatre, Croydon (1850)
New Surrey Theatre, Kennington (c. 1850)
Croydon Palace Theatre of Varieties (15/11/1900)
Croydon Repertory Theatre Programmes (1932-1940)
Two prints:
1) Madam Vestrus by J. Cochran. Madam Vestrus played the leading role in 'The Beulah Spa' by Charles Dance, performed a tthe Royal Olympic Theatre in 1833.
2) 'The Gypsy's Life is a Joyous Life' by J. Brandard, printed by M & N Hanhart. This was a song sung at London & provincial concerts.
One songbook for 'The Merry Gypsies, A Favorite Glee', composed by G. T. Smart, written by Mr Arnold. This was sung at the Ladies Concerts by Mrs Harrison, Master Elliot and Mr Bartlemann.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
In future, the cataloguing archivist may wish to remove material that relates to London theatres, just keeping those items which relate to Croydon.
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
The newspaper cuttings, being delicate, need rehousing into Melinex sleeves.
The playbills are in good condition, housed mostly in Melinex sleeves.
The 'The Theatre' monthly review is in poor condition, with discolouration on the cover, and bottom left corner and edges damaged.