Part II. will consist of Scenes from the _Merchant of Venice_,
_Douglas_, _Pizarro_, _Macbeth_, _Richard III._, _Rolla_, and
_Hamlet_. The Infant Roscius will, on the first night, go through
the tent scene of _Richard III._ The scenes will be changed each
night, and he will conclude his performance with a piece (composed
in two parts expressly for him) on
THE MUSICAL GLASSES.
The whole of the scenery, wardrobe, and preparations, which are very
extensive, with the Grand Diorama, 360 feet in length, will pass
through the proscenium during the intervals of Master Grossmith's
performance; consisting of views of Italy, &c.
Boxes, 3s.; Pit, 2s.; Gallery, 1s.
Doors to be opened at half-past Seven, and the performance to
commence at Eight o'clock. Children under twelve and Schools, half
price to Boxes and Pit only. Tickets and Plans for Boxes to be had
of Mr. Gitton, Post Office; and at the Theatre, where Master G., and
preparations, may be seen from Ten to One o'clock on the days of
performance.
(Then appear four more blocks of the boy in private dress, and three
Shaksperian characters.)
------
The above juvenile was Mr. William Grossmith, who, I am pleased to
say, is still alive and well. He was the eldest of the male portion
of the Grossmith family, and the only one remaining. He does not
remember the entertainment with much pride or pleasure, and I do not
wonder at it; for the work must have been a terrible strain upon the
mind of a child.
I am in possession of several programmes similar to the above: and
only the other day some kind stranger sent me a newspaper, dated
Wednesday, June 17th, 1829, and called _The Bury and Norwich Post_,
or _Suffolk and Norfolk Telegraph, Essex, Cambridge, and Ely
Intelligencer_. One may well exclaim, "What's in a name?" On
glancing through its columns, I find the following:
LINES
ADDRESSED TO MASTER GROSSMITH.
Sure ne'er did Nature so profusely give,
Or such a Roscius till this time e'er live!
Deem it not flatt'ry, those who have _not_ seen
This little wonder! For full well, I ween,
Had you but view'd, like me, enchanted quite
You'd own his genius, and in praise unite.
Ye who _have_ seen the hero, ye can tell,
Tho' in his praise my numbers fain would swell,
Alas! how feebly does my muse essay
His talents or his merits to portray.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account