Guide to the Sadler's Wells Opera Company (UK) : programs and related material collected by the National Library of Australia, 1840[?]-

Summary

Collection number:

EPH PROMPT.Sadler's Wells Opera Company (UK)

Extent:

1 collection.

Language:

English and English

Availability:

Available

Background

Content Summary:

Material in the Australian performing arts programs and ephemera (PROMPT) collection consists of programs and related items of the Sadler's Wells Opera Company including theatre programs of various Australian performers.

Sadler's Wells Theatre is a London performing arts venue, located in Rosebery Avenue, Islington. Sadler's Wells grew out of a late 17th-century pleasure garden and was opened as a theatre building in the 1680s. In the mid-19th century, The theatre became celebrated for the seasons of plays by Shakespeare and others presented by Samuel Phelps between 1844 and 1862. From then until the early 20th century the theatre had mixed fortunes, eventually becoming abandoned and derelict. The philanthropist and theatre owner Lilian Baylis bought and rebuilt the theatre in 1926. Together with Baylis's Old Vic, Sadler's Wells became home to dance, drama and opera companies that developed into the Royal Ballet, the National Theatre and English National Opera. From the 1930s to the 1980s the theatre was home to 21 London seasons by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company; from the 1950s to the 1970s the English Opera Group, founded by Benjamin Britten, had its London base at Sadler's Wells; and between the 1950s and 1980s the Handel Opera Society staged productions there. It is now chiefly known as a dance venue, as well as hosting visiting companies, the theatre is also a producing house, with associated artists and companies who create original works for the theatre.

The list is based on imperfect holdings and is updated over time as gaps in the Library's holdings are filled.

Location of this collection:

National Library of Australia

Parkes Place

Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Contact:

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