Hanging card advertising the pantomime Jack and Jill at the New Theatre, Oxford, 1956

Pictorial and typographic hanging card, advertising Jack and Jill at the New Theatre, Oxford, commencing 26 December, with overpasted label printed with the words 'Jack Hylton and Emile Littler present by arrangement with Stanley C. Dorrill' and, printed on the card, 'All Star Pantomime'. Red background with a steep yellow hill, and a drawing of a very feminine Jack, who sits on the ground holding her head, with a spilt bucket of water beside her, and, to left, the head of a laughing donkey. In the background, Jill, in high heels, runs down the hill. The names of the stars are given in a block, centre left, in black lettering on a white background. They are: Cheerful Charlie Chester, Sid Plummer as Twist the Crooked Man, Gordon Peters as Tommy Trott, Irene Claire as the Fairy of the Well, Bert Brownbill as Dame Horner, Erica Yorke as Jack, Patricia Mortimer as Jill and Molly Veness as the Witch, with Barbour Bros. & Jean, the Tiller Girls and the Whirlwind Olanders. Information about the dates, times and prices is given in black lettering on a yellow background at the head and foot of the card. With cord for hanging.

Given by the estate of Sir Emile Littler

Hanging cards were displayed in shops to publicise performances at local theatres. This card advertises the pantomime, Jack and Jill, at the New Theatre, Oxford, opening on 26 December 1956.

The producer, Emile Littler (1903-1985), was one of the most influential of 20th century theatrical impresarios, specialising in spectacular musicals and pantomimes. His shows were staged in theatres throughout Britain and standard images were used in the advertising. The printer simply changed the cast and theatre details for each venue.

S.996-1986