Crotchet Theatre, St. James's Street (alias Via San Giacomo), Genova. On the 6th February at 1/2 past 8 o'clock will be given for the benefit of nobody in particular a Shakespearean acrostic charade. Previously to which will be delivered the following prologue written expressly for this occasion by Mary Cowden Clarke / Villa Novello, 1869.

[Genoa] : Tip. Pagano, 1869.

4 p. ; 27 cm

Program for amateur theatrical at Villa Novello, Mary and Charles Cowden Clarke's home in Genoa, with scenes based on As you Like It, Much ado, Winter's tale, and Midsummer Night's Dream forming clues to letters in a four-letter word. Presumably invented by Mary Cowden Clarke's sister, viz. p. 162 of My Long Life: "Besides these home concerts (which took place in our picture gallery here), Sabilla wrote and got up some musical charades, sung and acted by ourselves and a few friends, which were a decided success."

On verso of final page, evidence that this printed program was folded and mailed. Addressee George Ackroyd Esq. Mount Pleasant / Manningham / Bradford Yorks Inghilterra. With a postage stamp and inkstamps marked Genoa 6 Feb 69. See Modern Yorkshire Poets (1885) p. 117-9, for more on Ackroyd.

Italy.

Sh.Misc. 2091

Adopted by Eric H. Hertting, Acquisitions Night 2010.