The Entertainer - Poster, 1958
Title
The Entertainer - Poster, 1958
Date
1 September 1958
Description
Poster for The Entertainer by John Osborne starring John Slater and Bobby Howes.
What's the story?
The Entertainer was first produced at the Royal Court in London in April 1957. Osborne wrote the play for Laurence Olivier who played the central role of Archie Rice, a failing music-hall performer.
It is believed that Olivier based some of his performance on his comedic hero Sid Field.
the play was a success and transferred to Broadway in February 1958, whilst in the same year the UK touring production took place, with actor John Slater taking the role of Archie Rice.
The Observer newspaper critic Kenneth Tynan is quoted on the poster as stating that the production is “big and brilliant”. However, the truth shows that Tynan was not overly impressed with the play.
His slightly more detailed review reads “Mr Osborne has had the big and brilliant idea of putting the whole of contemporary England on one and the same stage. He has bitten off, in this broad new subject, rather more than he can maul.”
It is believed that Olivier based some of his performance on his comedic hero Sid Field.
the play was a success and transferred to Broadway in February 1958, whilst in the same year the UK touring production took place, with actor John Slater taking the role of Archie Rice.
The Observer newspaper critic Kenneth Tynan is quoted on the poster as stating that the production is “big and brilliant”. However, the truth shows that Tynan was not overly impressed with the play.
His slightly more detailed review reads “Mr Osborne has had the big and brilliant idea of putting the whole of contemporary England on one and the same stage. He has bitten off, in this broad new subject, rather more than he can maul.”
Type
Poster
Location of item
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Rights
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Contributor
Researcher: David Longford
