Black-eyed Susan, The Corsican Brothers, The Silver Palace, The Miller and his Men - some of the 300 melodramas and pantomimes in vivid colours in the repertoire of the juvenile drama. These plays have provided hours of excitement for children since the first sheets appeared in 1811. Toy Theatres, however, are more than play-things. They provide a unique record of the English Theatre in the 19th century.
Paul Vaughan. for Kaleidoscope, explores this colourful world of histrionic characters and flamboyant scenery, which sold for a penny plain and twopence ready-coloured.
Producer BRIAN BARFIELD