BIB_ID
104331
Accession number
MA 9558.2
Creator
Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868.
Display Date
1850 February 16.
Description
1 item (4 pages) ; 19.0 x 11.8 cm
Notes
Clarina and Firebrace are two characters in Douglas Jerrold's two-act comedy, "Prisoner of War", originally performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 1842. The discussion here is of a revival of that play with Charles & Ellen Kean in the roles of Basil Firebrace and Clarina.
Written in the third person.
Removed from an extra-illustrated copy of Forster's Life of Dickens.
Part of a small collection of letters by Charles Kean to various recipients some of which were removed from an extra-illustrated volume of Forster's Life of Dickens. The collection includes two letters from Sir Charles Beaumont Phipps, Equerry to Queen Victoria, to Kean requesting an extra theatre box for Queen Victoria. Items in the collection have been described in individual records; see collection-level record for more information (MA 9558.1-6).
Written in the third person.
Removed from an extra-illustrated copy of Forster's Life of Dickens.
Part of a small collection of letters by Charles Kean to various recipients some of which were removed from an extra-illustrated volume of Forster's Life of Dickens. The collection includes two letters from Sir Charles Beaumont Phipps, Equerry to Queen Victoria, to Kean requesting an extra theatre box for Queen Victoria. Items in the collection have been described in individual records; see collection-level record for more information (MA 9558.1-6).
Summary
Discussing upcoming productions; acknowledging receipt of his note "...wherein he states that 'As You Like It' is to be done 'as perfectly as possible' and also intimated his intention of producing 'Much ado about nothing';" Mr. Kean fears that if proper pains are bestowed in the 'Prisoner of War' but little attention can be given towards perfecting 'As You Like it", the former piece being announced for Saturday & the latter for the following Monday! Under such [illegible] circumstances it would not be possible for Mr. Kean to superintend the necessary preparations for 'As You Like it' as he could not give his mind to both pieces at the same time. Mr. Kean wishes an answer from Mr. Webster relative to the question of a Benefit & the policy of producing 'Much Ado' on that occasion for the purpose of giving it an impetus. Mr. Kean of course understands that it is Mr. Webster's intention to 'get up' the Comedy, as suggested by Mr. Kean, but wishes to know the precise date of its first representation as it would be necessary for Mr. Kean to have an immediate interview with Mr. Johnson, the artist. Mr. Kean however feels it would not be justice to the revival if brought out under a fortnight - at the soonest! Mr. Kean is also anxious to ascertain Mr. Webster's decision respecting his suggestion & wish about the change of cast, in some instances. Mr. Kean thinks the reading of the 2 act Comedy had better be postponed till Tuesday 26 after the production of the 'Prisoner' & 'As You Like it." Mr. Kean must remind Mr. Webster that Mrs. Kean & himself cannot make their first appearance as Clarina & Firebrace until they are fully satisfied that the "Prisoner of War' is sufficiently prepared for representation by rehearsal - Mr. & Mrs. Kean however are quite willing to back up this piece by playing in the 'Warden' or 'Honeymoon' after it - until the new comedy is ready. Mr. Kean requests Mr. Webster will favor him with a speedy reply to these questions & suggestions."
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