Bill, playbill

In the early 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. Coloured paper was used if resources allowed.

Fundraising benefit performances were common. This playbill advertises a Grand Gala at the Albert Saloon and Standard Pleasure Grounds in Shepherdess Walk, Hoxton, held in aid of the Brunswick Philanthropic Society. The saloon and gardens were opened in the 1830s by Henry Bradley and became famous in the 1840s for concerts and melodramas, fireworks, ballooning and weekly dances. They closed in about 1857.

The Brunswick Philanthropic Society met in Brunswick Road, Hackney, and provided bread and coal - the necessities of life - to the 'necessitous poor' during the winter.