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Drury-Lane Theatre - Engaging for the Pantomime - drawn by M'Connell, 1858. Creator: McConnell
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Drury-Lane Theatre - Engaging for the Pantomime - drawn by M'Connell, 1858. Creator: McConnell
Drury-Lane Theatre - Engaging for the Pantomime - drawn by M'Connell, 1858....a curious Scene at the stage-door...every available place was occupied round about the theatre by a crowd of persons desirous of being engaged in the forthcoming pantomime. The theme of the piece may be more than usually attractive. The ballad story of "Robin Hood" is undeniably popular, and his merry band, it might have been expected, would be more than usually numerous...a large multitude of applicants surrounded Old Drury with the strong desire, and some with the reasonable expectation, of being engaged...Grown man and woman, and ambitious urchin, not unprotected or unencouraged by his female guardian, are still resolute to earn their shilling and eighteenpence each per night, and are not a little riotous in their demand. We trust that the management has made a judicious selection from the throng, and that many who were deserving have benefited by the occasion. The opportunity may even be favourable for the eliciting of talent that might otherwise never reveal itself. Such occasions, at any rate, exhibit intimations of the great amount of the surplus population, and give evidence that greater numbers are willing to work than can get work to do. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
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Media ID 36353867
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Crowded Crowds Drury Lane Theatre Employment Panto Pantomime Theatre Royal Drury Lane Top Hat Top Hats Tophat
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EDITORS COMMENTS
great image from the past capturing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the engagement process for the pantomime at Drury-Lane Theatre in 1858. The scene at the stage door is a curious one, with every available space occupied by a large and eager crowd of people hoping to be selected for a role in the upcoming production of "Robin Hood." The popularity of the ballad story and the allure of Robin Hood's merry band no doubt drew a large number of applicants to Old Drury. The image shows a diverse group of people, including grown men and women, as well as ambitious urchins, all determined to earn their nightly wage of a shilling and eighteen pence. Some are even seen being rather riotous in their demands, no doubt hoping to catch the attention of the theatre's management. It is hoped that the management made a judicious selection from the throng, giving opportunities to those who truly deserved it and perhaps even discovering hidden talent that might never have been revealed otherwise. This scene is a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing evidence of the great surplus population of the time and the willingness of many to work, even in the face of limited opportunities. The image was drawn by M'Connell for the "Illustrated London News" in 1858 and remains a captivating reminder of the rich history of theatre and the passion it inspires.
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