Princes Theatre/Cinderella
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Princes Theatre/Cinderella” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Pen and ink illustration advertising a production of the pantomime, Cinderella at the Prince's Theatre in December 1931. The image is a reprint of the publicity material created for the 1918 Lyceum production of Cinderella for which the artist, E.P.Kinsella, produced the original artwork.
Between 1909 and 1938 the Lyceum Theatre was run by the Melville Brothers, Walter (1875-1937) and Frederick (1876-1938). During this period the theatre established a reputation for staging some of the West End’s premier pantomimes, rivalling those staged at the traditional home of pantomime, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Read on
Many of the elaborate pantomimes staged at the Lyceum during this period were written by Frederick Melville. They were often written in rhyming couplets, with deliberately dreadful puns. As well as seeking to restore the narrative elements of pantomime, the Melvilles recognised the importance of spectacle, investing in stunning scenery and costumes. They also indulged in a great deal of “Slap-stick” and the comedians they employed specialised in plate-smashing, messy cake-making in the palace kitchens, and very messy “papering the parlour” scenes.
The 1931-2 production of Cinderella starred Kitty Reidy as Prince Charming, and Constance Carpenter in the title role.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- S.70-2014
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
