Mr Phelps as Sir John Falstaff

Handcoloured theatrical souvenir plate printed with an engraving of the actor Mr Phelps in the role of Sir John Falstaff. Published by Redington. Such portraits would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

In the 1800s Shakespeare plays were usually performed without distressing events, sexual references or swearing. When Phelps and Warner managed the Sadler's Wells theatre they returned to using Shakespeare's versions. Phelps acted as Hamlet more than any other part. In later life critics said his physique prevented him becoming a great tragic actor and he took on more comedy roles.