Published by Primary Source Microfilm

From the Harvard Theater Collection

Previous title: Playbills from the Harvard Theatre Collection, 1736-1900

The Harvard Theater Collection is recognized as a unique assemblage of 18th- and 19th-century theater playbills. In this material, scholars find the cornerstone for the study of theater history. Offering more than 58,000 playbills of 15 major British theaters, it illuminates every key development in British drama during this period, from the early 18th century?s Sentimental comedies and moralising plays, to the era of the revue and light opera in the following century and the eventual emergence of more socially-orientated plays.

The playbills often were published daily to promote events to audiences. In most cases, changes in the cast and performance times were recorded only in the printed playbill, so the documents remain the authentic source of historical information. As the playbill evolved, it included greater performance detail, such as cast, playwright, scenic effects and financial detail.

The following theaters are featured:

• Adelphi: 1,471 playbills, 1814-1899
• Astley?s: 2,051 playbills, 1780-1882
• English Opera House: 4,474 playbills, 1805-1900
• Globe Theatre: 228 playbills, 1868-1900
• Grecian Theatre: 1,648 playbills, 1844-1871
• Olympic Theatre: 1,611 playbills, 1815-1899
• Princess?s Theatre: 2,067 playbills, 1840-1900
• Royal Coburg Theatre: 673 playbills, 1818-1887
• Sadler?s Wells Theatre: 3,310 playbills, 1796-1884
• St. James? Theatre: 4,267 playbills, 1783-1900
• Strand Theatre: 635 playbills, 1832-1900
• Surrey Theatre: 2,061 playbills, 1796-1884
• Theatre Royal Covent Garden: 13,203 playbills, 1737-1898
• Theatre Royal Drury Lane: 14,021 playbills, 1736-1900
• Theatre Royal Haymarket: 10,221 playbills, 1767-1900

Complete collection: 100 reels