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The world of theatrical premières

Press release issued: 14 June 2004

The world of theatrical premières is the subject of this year's summer exhibition at Bristol University's Theatre Collection. Premières opens to the public free of charge on Monday, June 14.

The world of theatrical premières is the subject of this year’s summer exhibition at Bristol University’s Theatre Collection.   Premières opens to the public free of charge on Monday, June 14.

The exhibition features rare and unique material from the archives including those of the Bristol Old Vic, London Old Vic, Beerbohm Tree and Joyce Grenfell. 

On display will be some of the original production photographs from the 1954 première of Salad Days and many other Bristol premières Other material includes Victorian photography from the original première of Trilby,which gave its name to the trilby hat and scripts and photography from the Joyce Grenfell Collection. 

Additionally, a “Premières Timeline” will provide an overview of 50 years of premières from Salad Days (1954) to Mary Poppins (2004).  This will include the original designs for Look Back in Anger, the beginning of the kitchen sink reality, Oscar-wining designer Deirdre Clancy’s costume designs for Plenty by David Hare and even the masquerade mask from the original production of Phantom of the Opera.   Visitors will also have an opportunity to see several 3D set models of première productions.

Jo Elsworth, Keeper of the Theatre Collection, said: “The archive reveals the story of theatrical premières from Victorian spectacle through the kitchen sink drama of the 1950’s to the glamour of modern musicals.

“There will be something of interest for everyone who enjoys the theatre, and people of all ages are very welcome to this free, public exhibition.”

This will be a rare opportunity to see photographs, designs, scripts, correspondence and other archive material, much of which has not been on display to the public before.  These unique items are drawn from the archive at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, a Fully Registered Museum.

The Premières exhibition runs from Monday, June 14 until Friday, October 15 2004; Monday to Thursday 10 am - 4 pm (closed Bank Holidays and Monday 9 to Friday 13 August).  Admission is free. 

The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is based at 21 Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LT.  For further details phone 0117 331 5086.

The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is a Fully Registered Museum and research centre dedicated to the study of British Theatre History, holding a vast collection of original documents, photographs and artefacts from theatres, actors, designers and much more.  We welcome visitors locally and from all over the world.

The Premières exhibition contains more than 100 items from the archive held by the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, based in the Department of Drama.  Further articles of interest relating to individual items on display can be made available throughout the run of the exhibition.

 

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