The oldest poster

17 Jan 2012

This is a scan of the oldest poster we have on record.  Held by the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, this 1767 playbill is for a production of Othello (transcript below).

By DESIRE

At the New THEATRE in KING STREET

On MONDAY July 13, 1767

Will be performed a CONCERT of MUSICK.
Boxes 3s. 6d. Pit 2s. 6d. Gallery 1s. 6d.
The Doors to be opened at Five o'Clock, and the Performance to begin
exactly at Half after Six - Vivant Rex & Regina

Between the Two Parts of the Concert will be presented, Gratis,
A TRAGEDY, call'd

OTHELLO, MOOR of VENICE

The Part of Othello, by Mr. POWELL.
Brabantio, Mr. WALKER
Cassio, Mr. PERRY
Roderigo, Mr. DODD
Lodovico, Mr SMITH
Montano, Mr TYNDALL
Gratiano, Mr BATES
And the Part of Iago, by Mr HOLLAND
Desdemona, Mrs HOPKINS
Emilia, Mrs GREEN

To which will be added, a New Pantomime Entertainment in
Grotesque Characters, call'd

HARLEQUIN'S REVELS

OR

The Devil Amongst the Taylors.

Harlequin, Mr. Weller.
Sir Roger Rusty, Mr. Winstone
Nicholas Noodle, Mr. Dodd
Caleb Carbuncle, Mr. Perry
Shadrach Sheers, Mr. Smith
Oliver Oxcheck, Mr. Tyndall
Ben Baldrib, Mr. Bates
Colombine, Miss Reynolds
Lady Rusty, Mrs. Pitt
Dolly, Mrs. Smith
Enchantress, Signiora Manesiere
Peasant, Mr. Aldrige
Taylors, Butchers, Mob &c. by Mr. Wallace, Mr. Akery, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Preston, &c.

With Dancing, Machinery, and other Decorations, entirely New.
Nothing under full Price can be taken during the whole Performances
N.B. The Pantomime Entertainment will be laid aside for a considerable Time, after the above Night.
Tickets and Places to be taken of Mr. HEATH, at the Box-Office Theatre