Hanging card advertising the pantomime Jack and Jill at the Theatre Royal, Hanley, 1957

Pictorial and typographic hanging card, advertising Jack and Jill at the Theatre Royal, Hanley, commencing 26 December, billed as 'Emile Littler's 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: Charlie Chester as Cheerful Charlie, Erica Yorke as Jack, Jerry Jerome as Dame Horner, Sid Plummer as Twist the Crooked Man, David Kennington as Tommy Trot, Patricia Mortimer as Jill, Mollie Veness as the Witch and George Kazanzi as the King, with Barbour Bros. & Jean, and the Betty Fox Babes. Information about the dates, times and prices is given in black lettering on a yellow background at the head and foot of the card. Unpierced.

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 Theatre Royal, Hanley, opening on 26 December 1957.

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.998-1986