Full Description
Published in 1872, this two-volume autobiography by the British playwright J. R. Planche (1796-1880) tells the story of his long and varied life in the theatre. Planche wrote, adapted or collaborated on 176 plays over the course of his career, covering a wide range of theatrical genres including comedy, opera, extravaganza and pantomime. He also became an acknowledged expert on stage costume, and argued the importance of historically accurate costumes in productions of Shakespeare's plays. Engagingly written, these volumes contain fascinating anecdotes on the famous theatrical and musical figures of the time, including Charles Kemble, Eliza Vestris and Carl Maria von Weber. Volume 1 contains Planche's descriptions of his childhood, and recollections of the beginnings of his career at Drury Lane and Covent Garden. Volume 2 traces the continued development of his career, covering his productions at the Olympic, Drury Lane, Covent Garden and Haymarket theatres.
Contents
Volume 1recollections; 3. My first visit to Paris; 4. Reform of theatrical costume; 5. Weber's Oberon; 6. Vauxhall Gardens; 7. New acquaintances; 8. Shere Afkun; 9. American relations; 10. Marschner's 'Der Vampire'; 11. Elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries; 12. Captain Polhill and Alexander Lee take Drury Lane Theatre; 13. 1832-3. Laporte lessee of covent Garden; 14. The Dramatic Authors' Act and its consequences; 15. 1833-4. Production of 'Gustavus Third'; 16. Publication of The History of British Costume; 17. Engagement with Bunn; 18. Mission to Paris; 19. Introduction to the Duchess-Countess of Sutherland; 20. Introduction to the Countess of Blessington; 21. Engagement by Chappell and co. to write an opera for Mendelssohn. Volume 2: 1. Another mission to Paris; 2. Death of Haynes Bayly; 3. Opening of Covent Garden, 1839, under the management of Madame Vestris; 4. My experience as 'Reader' at Covent Garden; 5. My accident at Covent Garden Theatre; 6. Death of Theodore Hook; 7. The Prize Comedy at the Haymarket; 8. Origin of the British Archaeological Association, 1843; 9. The Noviomagian Society; 10. Engaged at the Lyceum and Drury Lane; 11. 1850-1. Cymon and Iphigenia; 12. Letters from Charles Dickens; 13. Marriage of H.R.H. the Princess Royal; 14. An Old Offender at the Adelphi; 15. Deaths of Mrs. Bartley, Mrs. Glover; 16. Amateur performance by the 'Savage Club'; 17. The Corner of Kent; 18. Congress of the Association at Durham; 19. Unsupported Supporters; 20. The Armoury in the Tower of London; 21. Death of Maria, Countess of Harrington (Miss Foote).
