Bill, playbill

This large playbill was used to promote a benefit for the actor and comedian Lionel Brough. Theatres regularly held benefits for their actors, and Brough was a popular figure. The single-column playbill explains the benefit would be at the Royal Holborn Theatre, on the 12th July, although it does not specify a year. Brough first performed at the Holborn Theatre in 1872. In his obituary, Brough's acting was praised: "His power of holding his audience and obtaining his effects by the simplest means, and with an expert knowledge of their value, made his work delightful." Two plays would be perfomed at the benefit, "Milky White" starring Mr H.T.Craven, and "Doctor Faust" with Mr Howard Paul in the title role, and Brough himself as Valentine.