St James's Dramatic Society

The St James's Dramatic Society was founded in 1845.

Production History

In 1852-3 the society stated that they would have six representations in the months of October, November, January, February, March and April. All of these would take place at the Royal Soho Theatre (see Royalty Theatre). Four of those would be complimentary to members of the society but those in January and April would be in aid of the funds of the organisation. The repertoire would include two tragedies: William Tell and Macbeth; six comedies: The Heir at Law, Wild Oats, Single Life, Married Life, and The Serious Family; and nine farces: The Siamese Twins, The Illustrious Stranger, The Spectre Bridegroom, Watch and Ward, His First Champagne, Slasher and Crasher, The Tiger at Large, A Day After the Wedding and Did You Ever Send Your Wife to Camberwell?. The wigs were supplied by Clarkson and the costumes by Nathan.

1852, 27 October - The opening performance of the latest season is made up of The Heir at Law and The Siamese Twins.

1854, 19 April - The society host their sixth and last performance of the season, which was in aid of the funds of the society. They perform the two-act comedy My Wife's Daughter, Morton's comedy compressed into three acts Speed the Plough and the second act of Sheridan's The Critic; or, A Tragedy Rehearsed. The Honorary Secretary of the Society is listed as Mr George Terry.

1854, 24 November - The society have their first performance of their new season. They perform the drama Lucille; or, The Story of a Heart followed by the comedy in three acts, The Serious Family. The playbill makes clear that there will be 'no money taken at the doors' and that children in arms are unable to attend. A plot and scene summary of the production are in the collection. These are likely the work of Mr Shirley, who acts as the Stage Manager for these performances.

1855, 24 January - The society perform their third event of the season, which on this occasion is in aid of the funds of the society. They perform Don Caesar de Bazan, Variety is Charming! and the farce Diamond Cut Diamond!. The performances start at 7pm and will end by 11pm. They note that children in arms will not be admitted, that W. Shirley is the Stage Manager, T. K. Gough is the Musical Director, Clarkson the Perruquier and Nathan the Costumier. The Honorary Secretary of the Society is James Willoughby and the performers are: Mr H. Frost, Mr West, Mr Charles Vincent, Mr dale, Miss Arnold, Mr Villiers, Mr Irvine, Mr Edwards, Mr Hazel, Miss Sidney, Mrs Newberry, Mr Mowbray, Miss Wade, Miss E. Wade, Miss Julia Hammerton, Mr Sterry, Mr Howe and Mr Rooke.

1855, 19 April - The society give a performance in aid of their own funds. They perform The Creole; or Love's Fetters, Cousin Lambkin and The Boots at the Swan. Both Shirley and Mowbray appear with the company.