Drawing
ca.1897 (drawn)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This pen and ink caricature shows the comedian and music hall star Dan Leno (1860-1904) in the role of Widow Twankey in the pantomime Aladdin at Drury Lane. Reputed to have made his stage debut at the age of four, Leno was first engaged by the then manager of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Augustus Harris in 1889 and appeared in the annual pantomime there for a number of years. In 1896 he made a famous appearance as Widow Twankey opposite Marie Lloyd as the principal boy, Aladdin, and in 1901 he performed for King Edward VII at Sandringham, after which he was dubbed 'the King's jester'.
At this time the pantomimes at Drury Lane were mounted on an epic scale. Months in the planning those mounted by Augustus Harris (between circa 1879 and 1896) often cost between £6000 and £8000 to produce. These spectacular productions were mounted on an annual basis and often featured stars of the day in leading roles
At this time the pantomimes at Drury Lane were mounted on an epic scale. Months in the planning those mounted by Augustus Harris (between circa 1879 and 1896) often cost between £6000 and £8000 to produce. These spectacular productions were mounted on an annual basis and often featured stars of the day in leading roles
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | pen and ink on paper |
| Brief description | Pen and ink caricature of the comedian and music hall star Dan Leno (1860-1904) in the role of Widow Twankey, Drury Lane. |
| Physical description | Caricature of Dan Leno in the role of Widow Twankey. He is shown seated with his hair in the distinctive upright ponytail and side knots associated with this role. He is also wearing the loose kimono and skirt that appear in other contemporary illustrations of this character. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Unique |
| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Gabrielle Enthoven Collection |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This pen and ink caricature shows the comedian and music hall star Dan Leno (1860-1904) in the role of Widow Twankey in the pantomime Aladdin at Drury Lane. Reputed to have made his stage debut at the age of four, Leno was first engaged by the then manager of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Augustus Harris in 1889 and appeared in the annual pantomime there for a number of years. In 1896 he made a famous appearance as Widow Twankey opposite Marie Lloyd as the principal boy, Aladdin, and in 1901 he performed for King Edward VII at Sandringham, after which he was dubbed 'the King's jester'. At this time the pantomimes at Drury Lane were mounted on an epic scale. Months in the planning those mounted by Augustus Harris (between circa 1879 and 1896) often cost between £6000 and £8000 to produce. These spectacular productions were mounted on an annual basis and often featured stars of the day in leading roles |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.1107-2010 |
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| Record created | June 22, 2010 |
| Record URL |
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