Handbill
ca.1930 (printed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This handbill advertises a variety programme at the Ocean Theatre, Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-Sea, when seaside entertainment was a thriving industry in Great Britain. It is part of a collection made by Arthur Astill, who kept posters, handbills and advertisements from theatres where he appeared in variety. The handbill has been dated to 'about 1920', possibly by Astill himself, but the Ocean Theatre did not open until 1928. 7 September was a Sunday in 1930 and this seems a likely date for Astill and Fontaine's appearance there.
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 Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978) whom he married in 1911. Their names are at the bottom of this bill, but in large type. 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 Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978) whom he married in 1911. Their names are at the bottom of this bill, but in large type. 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 Ocean Theatre, Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-Sea, featuring Frank Varney and Teddie Butt in 'Talkie Talks', Finlay Duncan 'the Piano Comedian', Mona Magnet assisted by Stanley Kirk, and Arthur Astill (1887-1962) & Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978). Also featuring Bertram, Billie & Carlo, the Teddy Dobbs Brooklyn Band and Wilmott Fowler at the piano. Printed by Quick Type, Clacton. |
| Physical description | Typographic handbill printed in blue on cream paper advertising a performance at the Ocean Theatre, Clacton Pier, on Sunday, 7 September, featuring Frank Varney and Teddie Butt in 'Talkie Talks', Finlay Duncan 'the Piano Comedian', Mona Magnet assisted by Stanley Kirk, and Arthur Astill & Gwen Fontaine. Also featuring Bertram, Billie & Carlo, the Teddy Dobbs Brooklyn Band and Wilmott Fowler at the piano. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Arthur Astill |
| Summary | This handbill advertises a variety programme at the Ocean Theatre, Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-Sea, when seaside entertainment was a thriving industry in Great Britain. It is part of a collection made by Arthur Astill, who kept posters, handbills and advertisements from theatres where he appeared in variety. The handbill has been dated to 'about 1920', possibly by Astill himself, but the Ocean Theatre did not open until 1928. 7 September was a Sunday in 1930 and this seems a likely date for Astill and Fontaine's appearance there. 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 Gwen Fontaine (1891-1978) whom he married in 1911. Their names are at the bottom of this bill, but in large type. 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.5018-2009 |
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| Record created | March 26, 2010 |
| Record URL |
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