Playbill

This playbill advertises Edmund Kean's farewell performance, at the King's Theatre Play-house, 19th July 1830. This playbill includes a series of performances of Kean's most celebrated roles, including Richard III, Skylock, Sir Giles Overreach, Macbeth and Othello. Kean was an eccentric character, whose private life drew criticism from the press. Although widely held as a talented and skillful actor for his London performances, Kean toured America when his popularity dipped after being found guilty of adultery in 1825. Kean returned to the London stage, and returned to favour despite growing personal problems. This playbill, dated 1830, suggests that Kean prepared to tour America during the 1830s, but was still performing in London in 1833, when he collapsed during his final performance.