Primary Theatrical Sources

A Book of Old Ballads, a Foreword by Beverly Nichols

ife has so twisted things that there are no longer any clean swords nor great causes, nor black enemies. And the flags do not know which way to flutter, so contrary are the winds of the modern world. All is doubt. And doubt’s colour is grey. Grey is no colour for a ballad.

‘Leading Ladies, Walking Ladies, and Heavy Women’ by T.W. Robertson, for the Illustrated Times, 13 February 1864.

This is one of a cycle of articles commissioned by the Illustrated Times intended to shed light on the realities of working in theatre. T.W. Robertson was a playwright who wrote articles for the press before finding success with his play Society in 1865, which was put on by the actor-manager Marie Wilton. I foundContinue reading “‘Leading Ladies, Walking Ladies, and Heavy Women’ by T.W. Robertson, for the Illustrated Times, 13 February 1864.”