Found 4 collections related to Theater -- History -- 19th century

Squire Bancroft (1841-1926), English actor-manager, played hundreds of roles in a theatrical career which spanned over fifty years, and brought him into contact with most of the leading English theatrical figures of his day. Born May 14, 1861, of well-to-do means, Squire Bancroft was educated privately in England and France. He made his stage debut in 1861 at the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, toured the provinces, then made his London debut in 1865 at the Prince of Wales Theatre as Jack Crawley in A WINNING HAZARD, under the management of H. J. Byron and prominent actress Marie Wilton (1839-1921). He married Miss Wilton in 1867, and joined her in theatrical management. Over the next eighteen years, in addition to his management duties, Squire Bancroft played many leading roles in contemporary plays as well as works by Shakespeare and Sheridan. He retired from management in 1885, but continued acting until 1918; he also wrote three books, one in collaboration with his wife. Sir Squire Bancroft died on April 19, 1926, at the age of 84. Squire Bancroft's letter book consists of autograph documents (notes and brief letters) and clipped autographs, written by prominent 19th century theatrical figures, including William C. Macready, Charlotte Cushman, Lester Wallack, Junius Brutus Booth, Tommaso Salvini, Laura Keane, Sir Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, and others. Some notes are addressed to Marie Bancroft. less

Richard Montgomery Field (1834-1902) was manager of the Boston Museum from 1864 to 1898. The Boston Museum began staging musical performances in 1841, then added dramatic performances in 1843 and continued presenting shows for sixty years. Located at the corner of Tremont and Bromfield Streets, the museum was founded in 1841 and was known as the Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts until 1847. The final season at the museum was 1902-3. Consists of letters written by members of the theatrical profession to R. M. Field, manager of the Boston Museum, between 1864 and 1884. less