Playbill

In the 19th century theatres competed to attract audiences, vying with each other to offer evermore extravagant and spectacular entertainments. Technical developments in the printing industry brought new typefaces which theatres seized upon to create bold and eye-catching playbills. The promised attractions were described in great detail and often illustrated with wood-block engravings.

Parodies of Shakespeare's works were popular. This bill for the Strand Theatre for the week beginning Monday 27 March 1854 advertises the burlesque play, Malone's "celebrated Irish Travestie", 'Macbeth'. Also on the bill is the comedy 'No Irish Need Apply'. Its title echoes a phrase frequently seen in advertisements for, for example, jobs and accomodation, both at the time and well into the 20th century.