This playbill records a performance at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden of The constant couple by George Farquhar (1676-1707) on 22 May 1755 in which Margaret Woffington (1720?-1760) played the leading part of Sir Harry Wildair – one of the roles for which she was most celebrated. The part of Lady Lurewell was performed by Esther Hamilton (d. 1787). Other actors in the cast include Theophilus Cibber (1703-1758) and John Arthur (1708?-1772), actor and stage designer — it is likely that he was responsible for devising the “machinery” mentioned in a note at the foot of the sheet: “as any obstruction in the movement of the machinery will greatly prejudice the performance of the entertainment, it is hoped no persons will be displeased as their being refus’d admittance behind the scene.”

• Author:  Covent Garden Theatre.
  
• Title: At the Theatre Royal in Covent-Garden, this present Thursday, being the 22d of May, will be acted a comedy, call’d The constant couple; or, A trip to the jubilee. : The part of Sir Harry Wildair by Mrs Woffington …
  
• Publication: [London : publisher not identified, 1755]

Catalog Record & Digital Collection

File 767 P69B C838 1755

Acquired June 20016