Rare 1858 Silk Theatre Program "Hamlet" and "My Precious Betsy!", Theatre Royal Melbourne by the Melbourne Garrick Club

Exceptionally scarce silk programme from the 1858 Garrick Club production of Hamlet at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne. Silk playbills from this early period of Australian theatre are almost never seen outside institutional collections, and this example represents one of the earliest surviving pieces of Melbourne theatre history. Beautifully printed on silk for a distinguished audience, it captures the refined theatrical culture of gold-rush era Melbourne and the influential role of the Garrick Club in shaping the city’s dramatic scene. An important, museum-worthy piece for collectors of Victorian-era theatre, Australiana, and early Garrick Club memorabilia.

Remarkably preserved for over 165 years, it is an exceptional artefact of Shakespearean performance in colonial Australia. Items of this age and calibre, especially silk, rarely appear on the open market, making it highly desirable.

Overall good condition. The program lists the cast and the print is clear and complete (255mm x 197mm).  Small provenance stamp on back (blurred in image).

Please refer to photos to confirm condition.

Buyer's Info

Original and authentic. I describe pieces as accurately as possible.

There are no returns, and payment is to be made within 3 days of auction close please.
I post worldwide from Australia and am always happy to combine postage. If you are buying multiple pieces, please wait for a combined invoice, I can usually post two or three pieces for the same postage price, depending on weight.

Local Australian buyers please wait for an invoice as postage will be at domestic prices and less than international postage. 

Please note I am not currently shipping to US, sorry US buyers.

I will endeavour to post within two days of receiving cleared payment and sheet music will be professionally packaged in a protective plastic sleeve, tough envelope with sturdy board to minimise any chance of bending. 

Any other questions please ask, always happy to help if I can and most importantly, thank you for looking.