The Recollections and Reflections of J. R. Planché
A Professional Autobiography

J. R. Planché's two-volume 1872 autobiography describes his long, distinguished and varied working life in the world of theatre.

J. R. Planché (Author)

9781108038836, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 November 2011

338 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.43 kg

Published in 1872, this two-volume autobiography by the British playwright J. R. Planché (1796–1880) tells the story of his long and varied life in the theatre. Planché wrote, adapted or collaborated on 176 plays over the course of his career, covering a wide range of theatrical genres including comedy, opera, extravaganza and pantomime. He also became an acknowledged expert on stage costume, and argued the importance of historically accurate costumes in productions of Shakespeare's plays. Engagingly written, these volumes contain fascinating anecdotes on the famous theatrical and musical figures of the time, including Charles Kemble, Eliza Vestris and Carl Maria von Weber. Volume 2 traces the continued development of Planché's career, covering his productions at the Olympic, Drury Lane, Covent Garden and Haymarket theatres. The work confirms Planché's permanent place in the history of theatre practice, and provides an intriguing glimpse into the Regency and early Victorian London stage.

1. Another mission to Paris
2. Death of Haynes Bayly
3. Opening of Covent Garden, 1839, under the management of Madame Vestris
4. My experience as 'Reader' at Covent Garden
5. My accident at Covent Garden Theatre
6. Death of Theodore Hook
7. The Prize Comedy at the Haymarket
8. Origin of the British Archaeological Association, 1843
9. The Noviomagian Society
10. Engaged at the Lyceum and Drury Lane
11. 1850–1. Cymon and Iphigenia
12. Letters from Charles Dickens
13. Marriage of H.R.H. the Princess Royal
14. An Old Offender at the Adelphi
15. Deaths of Mrs. Bartley, Mrs. Glover
16. Amateur performance by the 'Savage Club'
17. The Corner of Kent
18. Congress of the Association at Durham
19. Unsupported Supporters
20. The Armoury in the Tower of London
21. Death of Maria, Countess of Harrington (Miss Foote).

Subject Areas: Music [AV]