The Histrionics
The Histrionics were a society performing in London in the 1840s at the St James's and Queen's Theatres.
Members listed include: Mr B. Holl, Mr. Seton, Mr. Kiddle, Mr Frank Holl, Mr Vincent, Mr Warrington, Mr G. Purdy, Mr Barry, Mr Grant, Mr Lewis, Mr Ramsay, Mr Harcourt, Mr Brown, Mr Henry Nye, Mr Bernard, Mr Croslby, Mr B. C. Jones, Mr Curtis, Mr Shee, Mr Palmer, Mr Somers, Mr Stammers, Mr Fitzgerald, Mr Holmes, Mr Haines, Mr Ward.
Women performers include Miss Grover, Mrs Heyling, Mrs Manders, Miss Kate Howard, Miss Plowman, Miss Newcome, Miss Lacey (or Lacy), Miss Cobham, Miss Holmes, Mrs Drake.
Repertoire
The Histrionics performed at the St James's Theatre on Wednesday 12 April 1843 under the patronage of the politician and landowner, the Right Hon. Earl FitzHardinge (26 December 1786–10 October 1857). They first performed The Duel; or, The Days of Richelieu, which was 'adapted from the French by a member of this Society'. This was followed by the comedy Katharine and Petruchio and the farce The Lottery Ticket. The costumes were by Nathan at a time when the business was growing and adapting to cater for the growing amateur market. At the bottom of the playbill in small print, it is written that 'Gentlemen desirous of becoming Subscribers, are requested to apply to Mr. G. Purdy (Treasurer), at the Committee Room, 3, Oxendon Street, Haymarket'.
The following year, the group performed at the St James's Theatre on Saturday 6 April 1844. This was also under the patronage of the Right Hon. Earl FitzHardinge. On this occasion the group performed Shakespeare's Richard the Third and the farce The Scape Goat. Once again, costumes were by Nathan, who was still based in Tichborne Street. Subscribers were directed to Purdy once again, but the Committee Room was now at 9, Rood Lane, Fenchurch Street, City.
On 5 August 1844 there is an event advertised as a 'Great Attraction for This Night Only!' at the St James's Theatre. It includes members of the Braham family 'assisted by the Members of the Histrionic Club'. The event starts with a repeat of The Scapegoat with members of the club performing it. Mr Henry Nye and Mr G Purdy play the same roles as in April, as do Miss Lacy and Miss Plowman, but the roles of Old Eustace and Charles have new cast members. There was then a concert by the Brahams followed by a musical entertainment called The Waterman which included society members and Bombastes Furioso by members of the society.
On Monday 9 September (1844?) the society appear at the St James's Theatre in The Merchant of Venice 'terminating with the trail scene' amongst a wider programme of short dramatic pieces and a concert.
On Thursday 20 March 1845 the Histrionics performed at the Queen's Theatre in Tottenham Court Road. The event was 'for the benefit of Mr. Bertram Palmer'. The pieces performed were The Merchant of Venice (terminating with the trail scene), Don Caesar de Bazan and the one act comic scene Blue Devils. The doors were open from 6pm and closed at 8pm, with the curtain rising at 6.45pm. Once again, performances were under the patronage of the Right Hon. Earl Fitzhardinge. The amateurs include messrs Egerton, Warrington, Gillet, Kiddle, Bertram Palmer, Reid, Mortimer, E. Day, Forrester, Knight, Ellis, Bates, Shirley, Moreland, Wharton, Paine, James, Henry Nye, Alnutt and Shelly.The actresses were Miss Sheridan, Ellis, Lacy, Miller, Emma Stephens, Madame Lucia and Mrs Drake.