The Arcadians - Postcard, 1920
Title
The Arcadians - Postcard, 1920
Date
8 November 1920
Description
Postcard for 1920 touring production of Edwardian musical comedy The Arcadians.
What's the story?
The Arcadians is an Edwardian musical comedy often likened to the Savoy operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. The show’s lyrics are by Arthur Wimperis, and music by Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot.
The musical opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, on 29 April 1909, and ran for 809 performances. This was the third longest run for any musical theatre piece up to that time. As well as a successful Broadway run, the show also toured extensively around Britain.
This postcard was loaned to the Theatre Royal by Lesley Brown from a collection of theatre memorabilia owned by her late father-in-law William Gordon Brown, a keen performer and member of Nottingham Operatic Society.
The reverse of the postcard reads ‘With love to Doreen from Dennis, 28/5/24’
Doreen and Dennis were William’s siblings.
1924 is a bit of red herring in terms of the year of this show. 8 November that year is a Saturday and not a Monday as indicated by the show dates. Further research indicates 1920 as a more likely year, as that fits in with the calendar dates and when the show toured more extensively.
The musical opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, on 29 April 1909, and ran for 809 performances. This was the third longest run for any musical theatre piece up to that time. As well as a successful Broadway run, the show also toured extensively around Britain.
This postcard was loaned to the Theatre Royal by Lesley Brown from a collection of theatre memorabilia owned by her late father-in-law William Gordon Brown, a keen performer and member of Nottingham Operatic Society.
The reverse of the postcard reads ‘With love to Doreen from Dennis, 28/5/24’
Doreen and Dennis were William’s siblings.
1924 is a bit of red herring in terms of the year of this show. 8 November that year is a Saturday and not a Monday as indicated by the show dates. Further research indicates 1920 as a more likely year, as that fits in with the calendar dates and when the show toured more extensively.
Type
Postcard
Location of item
Private Collection: Lesley Brown
Rights
Private Collection: Lesley Brown
Contributor
Researcher: David Longford
