Lyceum/Pantomime
Drawing
1916-7 (drawn)
1916-7 (drawn)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, <i>Mother Goose</i> at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7. The image is signed by the artist, E.P. Kinsella, 1916-7.
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.
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.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Lyceum/Pantomime (assigned by artist) |
Materials and techniques | Pen and ink on card |
Brief description | Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, Mother Goose at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7, signed by the artist, E.P. Kinsella, 1916-7 |
Physical description | Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, <i>Mother Goose</i> at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7. It shows a goose, positioned next to a clutch of eggs, a fairy with a wand is shown in the midst of casting a spell on the bird. The image is signed by the artist, E.P.Kinsella, in the bottom right hand corner, 1916-7. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Credit line | Given by Andrew Melville |
Place depicted | |
Literary reference | Mother Goose |
Summary | Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, <i>Mother Goose</i> at the Lyceum Theatre in 1916-7. The image is signed by the artist, E.P. Kinsella, 1916-7. 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. |
Collection | |
Accession number | S.77-2014 |
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Record created | January 9, 2014 |
Record URL |
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