SHAKSPEARE TERCENTENARY COMMEMORATION SUPPLEMENT APRIL 23 1864 [with] Shakespearian Tercentenary Festival [Flyer]

Single bifolium (50x38cm), old folds, a couple of spots; a very nice copy. Illustrated with steel engravings and a Perpetual Shakespearian Calendar. The final page is made up of advertisements including a couple for editions of Shakespeare as well as London-based Shakespearian celebrations. OCLC locates no copies of this Supplement - the sole bound run of the Stratford Chronicle at the BL doesn’t start until two years after this event, in 1866.

Additionally, 4 page flyer for the ‘Second Week’ which offers performances directed by ‘Mr Creswick’ (tragedian William Creswick) of Othello and Much Ado and Merchant of Venice (the ‘Trial Scene’), all featuring ‘Mr Siddons’. May 2nd also promised an ascent by ‘Coxwell’s Grand Balloon’ (Henry Tracey Coxwell was the leading British balloonist of the period). Old folds but very good.

Although it has always been overshadowed David Garrick’s 1764 Jubilee, the Tercentenary was a much more successful affair with far-reaching consequences.

A 12 sided pavilion was built on a paddock in Southern Lane and the success of the events there planted the seed that would lead to the creation of a permanent venue in the town: The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.