Handbill
1923 (printed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This handbill advertises a variety programme at the Royal Hippodrome, Belfast, in 1923. It is part of a collection made by Arthur Astill, who kept posters, handbills and advertisements from theatres where he appeared in variety.
Arthur Astill (1887-1962) started his career in a Pierrot Troupe known as the Olympic Serenaders. Subsequently he appeared on his own as 'the Whistling Ploughboy', which was his billing at the Palace Theatre, Blackpool, in June 1912. He went on to form a double act with his wife Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978) whom he married in 1911. They are the third act on this bill, where they are advertised as appearing 'in vocal gymnastics'. One of their later acts, entitled 'Impressions of Country Life', included mimicry of birds, animals and children and was billed as 'Mirth, Mimicry and Ventriloquism'.
Arthur Astill (1887-1962) started his career in a Pierrot Troupe known as the Olympic Serenaders. Subsequently he appeared on his own as 'the Whistling Ploughboy', which was his billing at the Palace Theatre, Blackpool, in June 1912. He went on to form a double act with his wife Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978) whom he married in 1911. They are the third act on this bill, where they are advertised as appearing 'in vocal gymnastics'. One of their later acts, entitled 'Impressions of Country Life', included mimicry of birds, animals and children and was billed as 'Mirth, Mimicry and Ventriloquism'.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Letterpress on paper |
| Brief description | Handbill advertising the Variety programme at the Royal Hippodrome, Belfast, for the week commencing 16 July 1923, featuring Talbot O'Farrell 'the Irish Entertainer', Bobby 'Uke' Henshaw and Arthur Astill (1887-1962) & Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978). Printed by David Allen & Sons, Belfast. |
| Physical description | Typographic handbill printed in red on cream paper with a blue border, advertising the programme at the Royal Hippodrome, Belfast for the week commencing 16 July 1923. Featuring Talbot O'Farrell 'the Irish Entertainer', Bobby 'Uke' Henshaw, Arthur Astill & Gwen Fontaine, Louie Louise 'dainty comedienne and dancer', Tom Fagan, Nell Leslie 'the ideal chorus comedienne', the Eight Kilty Lasses 'featuring Little Alva', and the Syrian Troupe 'in acrobatic tumbling and wonderful pyramids', presented by Rais Hamid. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Arthur Astill |
| Summary | This handbill advertises a variety programme at the Royal Hippodrome, Belfast, in 1923. It is part of a collection made by Arthur Astill, who kept posters, handbills and advertisements from theatres where he appeared in variety. Arthur Astill (1887-1962) started his career in a Pierrot Troupe known as the Olympic Serenaders. Subsequently he appeared on his own as 'the Whistling Ploughboy', which was his billing at the Palace Theatre, Blackpool, in June 1912. He went on to form a double act with his wife Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978) whom he married in 1911. They are the third act on this bill, where they are advertised as appearing 'in vocal gymnastics'. One of their later acts, entitled 'Impressions of Country Life', included mimicry of birds, animals and children and was billed as 'Mirth, Mimicry and Ventriloquism'. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.5019-2009 |
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| Record created | March 29, 2010 |
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