Not currently on display at the V&A

Princes Theatre/Cinderella

Drawing
1931 (drawn)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, Cinderella at the Prince's Theatre in December 1931. The image is a reprint of the publicity material created for the 1918 Lyceum production of Cinderella for which the artist, E.P. Kinsella, produced the original artwork.

Between 1909 and 1938 the Lyceum Theatre was run by the Melville Brothers, Walter (1875-1937) and Frederick (1876-1938). During this period the theatre established a reputation for staging some of the West End’s premier pantomimes, rivalling those staged at the traditional home of pantomime, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Many of the elaborate pantomimes staged at the Lyceum during this period were written by Frederick Melville. They were often written in rhyming couplets, with deliberately dreadful puns. As well as seeking to restore the narrative elements of pantomime, the Melvilles recognised the importance of spectacle, investing in stunning scenery and costumes. They also indulged in a great deal of “Slap-stick” and the comedians they employed specialised in plate-smashing, messy cake-making in the palace kitchens, and very messy “papering the parlour” scenes.

The 1931-2 production of Cinderella starred Kitty Reidy as Prince Charming, and Constance Carpenter in the title role.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitlePrinces Theatre/Cinderella (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Pen and ink on card
Brief description
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, Cinderella at the Prince's Theatre in December 1931. The image is a reprint of the publicity material created for the 1918 Lyceum production of Cinderella for which the artist, E.P. Kinsella, produced the original artwork
Physical description
Pen and ink illustration advertising the Pantomime, <i>Cinderella </i> at the Prince's Theatre. It shows a full length image of a clown, a red hot poker in his left hand, a string of sausages. The image is signed by the artist 'E.P.Kinsella' in the bottom right hand corner. His make up and costume are inspired by that of the famous Regency clown, Joseph Grimaldi (1779-1837).
Dimensions
  • Height: 33.8cm
  • Width: 26.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • "Princes/Cinderella" (Handwritten annotation in ink.)
  • "Used in text of Cinderella - 4 ½/Lyceum 26.12.1931 - 2 ½" (Handwritten annotation in pencil at the base of the sketch)
  • "E.P.KINSELLA" (Handwritten annotation in ink, artist's signature, bottom right hand corner.)
  • Transliteration
Credit line
Given by Andrew Melville
Places depicted
Literary referenceCinderella
Summary
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, Cinderella at the Prince's Theatre in December 1931. The image is a reprint of the publicity material created for the 1918 Lyceum production of Cinderella for which the artist, E.P. Kinsella, produced the original artwork.

Between 1909 and 1938 the Lyceum Theatre was run by the Melville Brothers, Walter (1875-1937) and Frederick (1876-1938). During this period the theatre established a reputation for staging some of the West End’s premier pantomimes, rivalling those staged at the traditional home of pantomime, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Many of the elaborate pantomimes staged at the Lyceum during this period were written by Frederick Melville. They were often written in rhyming couplets, with deliberately dreadful puns. As well as seeking to restore the narrative elements of pantomime, the Melvilles recognised the importance of spectacle, investing in stunning scenery and costumes. They also indulged in a great deal of “Slap-stick” and the comedians they employed specialised in plate-smashing, messy cake-making in the palace kitchens, and very messy “papering the parlour” scenes.

The 1931-2 production of Cinderella starred Kitty Reidy as Prince Charming, and Constance Carpenter in the title role.
Collection
Accession number
S.69-2014

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJanuary 9, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest